Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: KShip85 on March 08, 2013, 10:04:11 pm

Title: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: KShip85 on March 08, 2013, 10:04:11 pm

So I've got some logs I'm going to start splitting and was curious who takes them down to the heartwood and seals the back and who leaves the bark on until ready to use.  For those that leave bark on do you have a favorite spray/treatment to keep the bugs out?


Kip

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: SLIMBOB on March 08, 2013, 10:07:18 pm

Seal the ends, store bark on indoors.  No bug spray and no bugs. 

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: PatM on March 08, 2013, 10:30:44 pm

Are you not worried about bugs coming indoors with the bark on stave?

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: SLIMBOB on March 08, 2013, 10:34:15 pm

Not, like in the kitchen indoors, just inside my shop. :)

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: osage outlaw on March 08, 2013, 11:11:12 pm

I peal and seal my osage for several reasons.

1. Bugs
2. Its cleaner
3. They take up less space
4. When I'm ready to make a bow the stave is already cleaned up and It is easier to see what it will make

and the most important reason

5. The bark can loosen and allow the wood to check.

I had that happen to quite a few staves I harvested one summer.  The bark released in one big piece.  It left the sapwood exposed and they checked all over the place and were ruined.  When I watched that pile of staves burning I decided that would be the last time.

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: okie64 on March 09, 2013, 12:34:39 am

I store mine in my shop with bark on. Sometimes I spray em with bug spray and sometimes I dont. Just depends if I have any or not. Never had a problem with bugs on staves that I bring inside immediately after cutting whether they were sprayed with bug spray or not. I usually debark the staves in my spare time after they have set in my shop for a year or so.

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: Knapper on March 09, 2013, 09:11:43 am

I've done it both ways and one thing is its easier to remove the sap wood when green,it seems to me.
Knapper

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 09, 2013, 09:50:44 am

Quote from: SLIMBOB on March 08, 2013, 10:07:18 pm

Seal the ends, store bark on indoors.  No bug spray and no bugs. 

Same here. Mine are all in the basement bark on no spray.

I think it REALLY depends on accessability. If you can basically get what you want, then who cares if bugs eat a few or if they dry check? If you have limited access I would suggest peeling right down to a good ring and sealing the whole thing. I have 60-70 staves, if I grab one and its cracked up its not a big problem or loss.

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: KShip85 on March 09, 2013, 07:45:18 pm

Thanks for all the input everyone.  I'll likely debark some and leave the bark on others.  It's more a matter of having the time right now.  I'll see how much I can get split and debarked next week since the wife and daughter will be in Disney world with my in laws.  ;D


Kip

Title: Re: Debarking Osage: who does and who doesn't
Post by: osagejack on March 09, 2013, 08:10:54 pm

best to work down to first ring seal up with shellac  on all sides  then seal ends with two coats wood glue,,  if no time  peel bark two good layers of wood glue on back , glue ends  shellac all other sides.. sometimes you can bring eggs in the bark and they will hatch  out and go to eating wood. just keep an eye on them  I use  this method and have about 98 percent success