Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: david w. on May 18, 2008, 10:44:43 pm

Title: osage drying time
Post by: david w. on May 18, 2008, 10:44:43 pm

in early april i got some big 1 1/4" thick osage boards.  Theses are green boards.  How long do you think it wil take for these to dry?   these dont have any bark on them to hold in moisture. i just sprayed finish around the edges.

Title: Re: osage drying time
Post by: radius on May 18, 2008, 10:53:43 pm

they'll dry faster if you flow some air over and around them, david...get a fan blowing on them, and you'll be happy...

Title: Re: osage drying time
Post by: Pat B on May 19, 2008, 02:00:30 am

David, The rule of thumb is 1" per year. You could cut a strip off of the board, take it down to near bow size and have a bow in a few months. With a hot box or similar dryer maybe even sooner. 
   What is the dimensions of the boards you have?  You could cut it into board stave size(1"x2") and stack with stickers to prevent twisting but allow good ventilation and when one is ready, they all are.        If the wood was green when you put it up, you might want to wait a bit more before cutting all of it. ..but one or 2 strips for bows shouldn't hurt.         Pat

Title: Re: osage drying time
Post by: El Destructo on May 19, 2008, 04:34:50 am

If you lived here.....even sooner!!! Right now it has been in the High 90's and 10% humidity....tends to dry things reall too fast!!

Title: Re: osage drying time
Post by: david w. on May 25, 2008, 12:59:34 am

ok since my best osage is drying what if i cut it to 1"x2" and 1/2" thick how long would it take to dry?  Would it take any more than 4 months to dry?