Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: mizzo on January 01, 2019, 05:27:57 am
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Happy new year !!!
This is my first post – so hi to all
Recently I removed a branch from a newly fallen elderberry tree I found of on my way home.
I've got no experience with this type of wood. How would you prepare it to dry?
Should I remove the bark? Would you cut it in half or leave the handle?
Here some data:
ends: 5 and 4,5 cm 2/1.8 inch
stave: 138 cm / 54 inch
Any recommendations?
It's a kids bow!
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Debark it, and seal the ends with some type of water proof sealant like polyurethane or shellac to prevent checking. If you're going to make a bow that bends through the handle you probably dont want to split a stave this thin, you'll probably want the full thickness for the handle. Be extra careful when debarking that you do not damage the outer growth ring. I'm new to this myself but I'm sure more experienced folks will weigh in. Good luck and welcome.
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When you reduce the limbs be sure to go under the pith or the stave will check there for sure. Seal the back as well as the ends.
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This stuff dries very quickly, i am sealing the whole thing, (rough cut out after debarking it and sawing of half of the stave what i am not planning to use).
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ok, thank you for the tips!
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As said by previous people Debark and seal ends and to be safe seal the back. If it was me I would seal the whole stave since this wood dries so quickly. If stave is small in diameter then leave handle area and dig or push out pith area in the handle. Generally speaking elderberry has a large pith in smaller diameter trees, so it shouldn't be to hard to push the pith out.