Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 10:58:46 am

Title: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 10:58:46 am

This may be from the "stupid question department", but the little Elm I have worked in the past, I chased a ring on it just as I would Osage.  I don't want to do that here if I can avoid it.  I stripped the bark off this morning.  It came off in long lovely strips the length of this 8 foot stave.  It appears to me that I am looking at the cambium  and not the wood.  Will I need to scrape this down?

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: bjrogg on April 14, 2019, 11:13:52 am

Looks like wood to me.
Bjrogg

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: okie64 on April 14, 2019, 11:27:39 am

That’s wood, you would know if it was cambium. It would be super thin darker brown strips.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 11:40:44 am

Cool. So I’m good? 

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: DC on April 14, 2019, 11:45:20 am

If it was cambium it would have turned brown by now. I usually scrub the back with a Scotchbrite or something just to get the slime off.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: PatM on April 14, 2019, 11:48:15 am

You’re good. If anything you are looking at the first hint of early wood of the new growth ring.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 11:52:26 am

Pat, that is exactly what it is (I believe). If that will work then I’m leaving it. If I need to chase a ring I will, but I would prefer not to. Obviously.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 12:02:17 pm

DC. I will try the scotchbrite.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: Pat B on April 14, 2019, 12:05:03 pm

I'd go with it as it is. Even if it is some early wood I don't think it will matter.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: PatM on April 14, 2019, 12:41:02 pm

I have cut Elm a little later in the growing season and it just looked like  more of the same hints shown there.

 It doesn't make a difference unless it has built to the point that it's not a good full ring.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 01:03:13 pm

It’s a full ring tip to tip. It’s just not hardened off I guess is how I would describe it. If it will work well I will use it. Just want to make sure that I am following the best path.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: Pat B on April 14, 2019, 01:30:40 pm

I prefer to cut whitewoods this early to take advantage of the long winter maturing of last years wood. Later in the year you are dealing with this years new wood but this early it would be only a few cells thick and nothing to worry about. IMO.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 01:56:00 pm

Got both halves peeled off.  I think I can get 2 longer bows and 2 -48 inch plains style bows out of the 2 pieces. Thanks Pat.  I was afraid when we cut it that it might be a bit early so far as the bark coming off easily.  It slipped right off so glad about that.  I've bound the 2 halves back together, so I'm gonna let it dry some.  They appear to be in good shape.

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: DC on April 14, 2019, 01:58:40 pm

Shellac the back?? You didn't say so I thought I'd mention it. :D

Title: Re: Elm Question???
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 14, 2019, 02:00:34 pm

Done.