Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TimothyR on February 21, 2014, 11:54:31 am
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I have this stuff growing in my fence line and need to clear it for a privacy fence. If I'm correct it is hackberry? If it is I
Want to save it for staves. And what sould I do about the bend...can it be straightned? It is 73" long 3" at the small end and 5" at the large end. The others ar larger and straighter than this one. Am I wasting my time with it?
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That is hackberry Tim. That kink will be easily removed once you get to that point.
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Hackberry steam bends like Gumby. You could tie it into a pretzel and straighten it back out if you wanted to. Use it all. Pretty good all purpose wood. Works a lot like elm. Maybe a little less stout in tension, say if you knick the back. But overall, good stuff.
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Go long,wide,and temper temper temper
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Great! Thanks I will have a lot of staves. I just cut this one down yesterday. Do I need to go ahead and remove that bark or just seal the ends?
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Id split it in half and debark it if you can . Then seal the back and ends up good.
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Thanks. I'll split it and will post pics of the progress when its ready to be a bow. Wish I could fast forward :)
Not so sure about quick drying though.
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After you split. Follow the grain right down top dead center. Then measure 1 1/4" each way from that line and make a 2.5" wide, parallel stave. Sit it somewhere dry, under your bed is a good place. It wont take long to dry. Hackberry is light wood and dries fast. Give it 3-4 weeks and go for it!