Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TurtleCreek on April 18, 2012, 09:53:34 pm

Title: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: TurtleCreek on April 18, 2012, 09:53:34 pm
  Here's some pics of the first staves I have ever cut myself.  The ones leaning against the wall are all hackberry.  The 3 on the left turned a grayish splotchy type color when I sealed them with shellac even though the wood was good.  When I debarked the 2 on the right, I thought that the first 3 may have done that because the wood was very wet to the touch, so I wiped the second 2 down with a towel before sealing them and they turned out great.  The pic of the split log on the floor is american elm and was an absolute beast to split with just a mallet and a few wedges, the elm is 10-11 inches across.  I will split the elm down further into staves when I have a bit more time.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: osage outlaw on April 18, 2012, 10:04:52 pm
Those look good.  I have had some hackberry turn colors.  One tree turned a dark green/brown camo.  That elm looks straight.  They are fun to split aren't they.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: TurtleCreek on April 18, 2012, 10:09:20 pm
Yeah, that elm was a beast!!!!  I figured I would take a little break and let it dry out some before I split it any further.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: Hrothgar on April 18, 2012, 10:14:05 pm
Good looking staves, have fun with the elm  >:D
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: Bevan R. on April 18, 2012, 10:29:15 pm
Nice haul!
Know anyone with a walk in freezer? I found when splitting firewood like that, if it was frozen it split much easier.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: toomanyknots on April 18, 2012, 11:20:26 pm
Those look good.  I have had some hackberry turn colors.  One tree turned a dark green/brown camo.  That elm looks straight.  They are fun to split aren't they.

Same here. They always look like big cucumbers. :) I don't seal hackberry's back, but I did once get some back checks on the surface. Only once though and in a real hot summer.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: Cameroo on April 19, 2012, 02:23:36 am
I actually enjoy splitting elm too.  It's a good stress reliever  ;D  Nice haul!
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on April 19, 2012, 03:33:48 am
Elm is special in its structure isn't it!  My first green man was carved in elm.  I broke 3 chissels in it!  I bet Elm makes a killer bow.
Title: Re: My first actual stave haul... pics included
Post by: coaster500 on April 19, 2012, 12:54:22 pm
Looks like some primo stuff...  never tried elm but my shoulders and elbows love hackberry and it make a great bow :)