Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Fred Arnold on April 12, 2012, 06:29:44 pm

Title: Mulberry stave question
Post by: Fred Arnold on April 12, 2012, 06:29:44 pm
Recently downed an old growth Mulberry tree that was damaged, Although it didn't produce any full length staves I was able to salvage some nice billets and was going to make the grandkids some bows. Would it be best to take them down to the first growth ring or leave some sapwood intact?
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: DarkSoul on April 12, 2012, 07:10:44 pm
There's plenty of heartwood, so there is no need to keep some of the sapwood. The heartwood is better and stronger in mulberry, so I would definitely remove the sapwood.
Those are nice billets :) Lovely color of the wood.
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: TRACY on April 12, 2012, 07:18:25 pm
As said, just use the first layer under the sapwood , it looks like a good ring.

Tracy
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: ErictheViking on April 12, 2012, 07:39:29 pm
looks like monster sized rings. good place to practice if you have never chased a ring yet.
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: Adam on April 12, 2012, 07:53:25 pm
It might not be a bad idea to consider a backing.  It would be a little safer for a kid's bow.
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: Fred Arnold on April 12, 2012, 10:03:49 pm
The picture didn't focus that well and the rings aren't as wide as they look. They are actually close to medium. guess i'll be closely chasing rings. Thanks for the input. I ended up getting 5 so far and hoping for more.  The shortest 2 are 30" and the longest so far is 47 1/2".
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: Stefan on April 13, 2012, 06:18:11 am
Beautiful wood, looks kinda like laburnum. Would love to see photo's of the finished bows. Good luck

Stefan
Title: Re: Mulberry stave question
Post by: crooketarrow on April 13, 2012, 11:05:34 am
 Just remove the sap wood and seal.