Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jjpso on November 20, 2014, 06:02:39 am

Title: Hazel
Post by: Jjpso on November 20, 2014, 06:02:39 am
Hello there.

I've found a hazel tree that's pretty straigth.
I think is over 3" diameter.
Do you think i can get 2 staves out of it?
Should intry to split it or just saw it?

Thanks,

Joćo Pedro
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: DarkSoul on November 20, 2014, 06:56:32 am
Best would be to use a bandsaw to saw it into two equal halves. 3" diameter is enough for two bows. But if that 3" is with the bark included, measured on the thick end of the tree, then you'll have only 2" of wood in the center where the bow needs to be thickest. In that case, you won't have enough wood for two bows.
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: Holten101 on November 20, 2014, 08:21:42 am
Rule of thumb is....If in doubt, then do not split it!

Cheers
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: sieddy on November 20, 2014, 12:06:08 pm
I've cut lots of hazel recently and on most the splitting has gone wrong. Nearly all of it has come out twisted. If I had a bandsaw I would definitely use it! :-\
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: Jjpso on November 20, 2014, 03:08:41 pm
Thanks guys...
I actually measured it today and its 3,5 inches in the less thick side.
I guess i will have to find some place where i can saw it, since i dont have a bandsaw...
The tree has a knot near one end, should i saw through the knot and hope that i can left it out of the bow, or should i keep it in the middle of the limb?

Thanks,

Joćo Pedro
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: simson on November 20, 2014, 04:58:56 pm
Joao, it depends on what you are aiming for and how long the stave is. If you wanna do bendy handle bows - saw it in two. If rigid handle leave it. Be sure the stave is seasoned properly.
good luck and greetings to Portugal
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: bubby on November 20, 2014, 05:29:04 pm
Have you got a skilsaw, that will work if you dont have a bandsaw
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: Jjpso on November 20, 2014, 05:41:31 pm
Quote from: simson on November 20, 2014, 04:58:56 pm
Joao, it depends on what you are aiming for and how long the stave is. If you wanna do bendy handle bows - saw it in two. If rigid handle leave it. Be sure the stave is seasoned properly.
good luck and greetings to Portugal

Hello Simson, how are you?

I am sorry, but i didnt quite understand what you said, are talking about saint or spliting the tree, or are you talking about the knot?

Best regards to Germany!
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: Jjpso on November 20, 2014, 05:43:32 pm
Quote from: bubby on November 20, 2014, 05:29:04 pm
Have you got a skilsaw, that will work if you dont have a bandsaw

I dont, but i have a friend who does! Thanks bubby
Title: Re: Hazel
Post by: mikekeswick on November 21, 2014, 02:15:31 am
Leave the knot in the middle do NOT cut throught it or else you will have two staves with a big weakness. If the knot is in the center of a stave then it will be fine.