Stave sealing questions

[IdahoMatt]

I have some black locust that I just split up and was wondering if I needed to chase a ring under the sap wood then seal the back and ends, or can I violate the rings with a ban saw then seal.

[Pat B]

You do not want to violate the back ring. Do it the right way and enjoy the wood as you build your bow.

[osage outlaw]

I used a bandsaw to remove the bark and sapwood on osage before.  I violated many rings which caused a lot of work down the road cleaning it up and chasing a good one.  It also adds wear and tear on your saw and blade.  I'll stick to the drawknife.  As far as sealing, it was the same.  I didn't get any checks from the ones I sawed out.

[IdahoMatt]

I have about 20 viable staves how long do I have to get it all done

[osage outlaw]

As long as it takes.  Some people leave the bark on until they are ready to make the bow.  I prefer to take them down to heartwood and seal them.  If you do leave the bark on make sure to keep some bug spray on them.  If you take the bark off, take the sapwood off to, then seal, seal, and seal.

[IdahoMatt]

Thanks man I really appreciate the help.  What would you use to seal?

[osage outlaw]

Shellac, poly, glue, paint, etc.

[Badly Bent]

Ditto to Outlaws reply and as far as sealing I personally prefer shellac because you can take it off easy with alcohol when your ready to
finish the back.
Greg

[IdahoMatt]

Thanks again guys I need to get on it then.   
Baby On the way any day now.

[IdahoMatt]

If there is a little rot in the middle of a log is it fire wood?

[Carson (CMB)]

I havent worked with BL before, but from its reputation of being hit or miss, I would be very wary of any rot.  Can you avoid the rot with your layout?  Does the rot have defined boundaries, or does it fade into the good wood?

[Pat B]

Locust, like osage is rot resistant but in large locust trees especially the centers rot out. This generally won't affect the rest of the wood. As long as the wood feels sound it should be.

[osage outlaw]

Black Locust and Osage are a lot alike in some ways.  That big osage I cut had a rotten hollow core about the size of a baseball bat in some parts of it.  The rest of the wood was good.