Ash log for arrows

[Don]

I got an Ash log today about 10" x48".
In want to make some hand slip arrows.
What should I do with the log while it drys?
Take the bark off, split it like a stave or just what? I don't want it to check and loose
the whole thing.
Could use your help from those that have made hand split shafts.

Thanks Don

[artcher1]

Chester Stevenson wrote: If the heart of the tree is a little off center then your arrows are going to crook a little. If its heart is off a lot, then your arrows will crook a lot. So, first you want to study where the heart of the rings are. If the heart centers perfectly then go ahead and split it in half. If it splits out straight then you have some arrow material. Ash is considered a white wood so you can go ahead and remove the bark and blank it out. Wouldn't hurt to seat their ends.

ART

[Hillbilly]

I would half it at least and get the bark off. I've made some poplar, pine, and ash arrows from logs, I usually half it, then take a froe and split it into "boards" about an inch thick or so and sticker and stack'em. they'll dry out a lot quicker that way.

[Don]

The heart wood is no perfect but I'll give it a go.

Hillbilly; I assume you mean by sticker, is to stack them in layers divided by boards like I do with my staves.
Then they should be ready by spring or shortly after. After they are split down into squares next spring I supose
you start plaining down the corner untill you get close to the size you want. Correct.

There should be enough length in these for a few ramrods also.

Thanks for the help.
Don

[Hillbilly]

Yep. After they season, I split or saw them into 3/8" squares and start planing. Makes some good arrows if it's good clean, straight -grained wood.