Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Shaneisneato on September 26, 2014, 02:32:51 pm

Title: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 26, 2014, 02:32:51 pm

I cut this earlier this week, it's a black walnut branch. All white sapwood and mostly straight(it looks more twisted in the picture than it is in reality). There is a section that curves and has a knot that I might cut off when making the bow eventually, currently the stave is about 6 feet tall and cutting that section would shorten it about a foot or less. I sealed the ends with woodglue and the back still has bark. I know sapling staves are supposed to dry faster, how long should I season it before roughing it out?  (http://i.imgur.com/NV9XHvt.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IMlqbXr.jpg)

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: hunterbob on September 26, 2014, 03:29:25 pm

Good luck with that one. If I was you I would set it aside and get a more durable bow wood.

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 26, 2014, 03:42:20 pm

I am looking for more wood. Hoping to find something seasoned so I can work on something now. I might sit this piece aside to season and wait to work it until I am more experienced.

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: wizardgoat on September 26, 2014, 06:02:36 pm

Strap it to a 2x4!

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Joec123able on September 26, 2014, 06:34:48 pm

From what I can see gonna be a difficult and unforgiving wood for a first bow

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 29, 2014, 03:53:51 pm

I've decided to put this stave away while it dries and I work on some easier pieces of wood for my first bows. I will clamp it to a board so it doesn't warp!

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Joec123able on September 29, 2014, 03:59:24 pm

Good idea !

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Benedikt on October 03, 2014, 10:03:51 am

A very difficult piece of wood for a beginner.
Once you are a experienced Bowyer, you will be happy that you didn't wasted it and it maybe will turns out into an awesome characteristic bow :)

Title: Re: Black Walnut First Stave and Bow
Post by: Shaneisneato on October 06, 2014, 11:46:43 am

Quote from: Benedikt on October 03, 2014, 10:03:51 am

A very difficult piece of wood for a beginner.
Once you are a experienced Bowyer, you will be happy that you didn't wasted it and it maybe will turns out into an awesome characteristic bow :)

That's what I've decided keep it strapped to a 2x4 and let it cure while I learn the basics on a easier piece of wood.