Split or leave

[Kidder]

Trying to decide what to do with this black locust stave. Although a year or so out. But I enjoy the planning...Anyways, the stave is about 7 feet long with a slight twist about 5 feet from the end pictured. The width is 4.5 inches from edge to edge. Would you attempt to split it and get two staves out of it or leave it as one large stave? My thought is attempt to split and if it goes poorly I should still have one good stave, but looking for opinions. Thanks!

[Pat B]

I'd remove the bark to see whats under it first. There is plenty of width to split in half so, unless there are hidden problems I'd split it starting a wedge in the center of the stave lengthwise and working out to the ends. I've had my best luck splitting from the center. You'll need at least 2 wedges but you could make a few wood wedges to help out.

[Kidder]

That makes sense - thanks!

[bjrogg]

I agree with Pat. I always chase a ring first.
Bjrogg

[Fox]

Is say chase a ring first I've recently learned that the hard way. I do love BL though.

-Fox

[stuckinthemud]

Chase a ring and then square off the edges. My feeling is there's only one bow in there

[bownarra]

The first thing to do is square up the edges to the point where you easily have enough 'flat' for the sides of yourt limbs.
Then roughly chase a ring.
Remember locust likes to be wide....
One bow in there to my eyes.

[Pat B]

At 7' long you easily have enough length to make a successful 1 1/2" locust bow but first get the stave down to one good back ring then decide.