OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!

[LONGBOWKID]

I have the opportunity to take a tree thats down on my property to a sawmill and get it cut up for staves.

What size do you reccomend I get them cut? I have anywhere from 25" dia. logs to 10" dia.

Thanks in advance.

The Kid

[Pat B]

If it were me, I'd split out as many good staves as I could then take the rest to the saw mill had have it cut into 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" thick boards and about 6' long.     Pat

[Holm-Made]

Brandon, by splitting the staves they will follow the grain and you will be able to read the wood in the stave.  

Course it's a lot of work but a young buck like you should be able to knock it out in no time.  Take care bud.  Chad

[LONGBOWKID]

Thanks yall.

Will getting it cut at the sawmill still allow me to make bows from the wood?

I will have a LOT of staves out of this, and I really dont intent to make but a couple bows, several other projects will be made from the wood.

I was thinking of getting it cut into 2x4's and just splitting what width I needed for a bow out of that, and just using the rest for various projects.

I do realize the direction of grain is important, and getting it cut at the mill, I will loose a certain percentage of wood that has the ability to make a bow, but as stated above, I really have no intentions of cranking out 10 or 12 bows. But I do want that option if I change my mind.

The Kid...

[Eric Krewson]

If you saw up the log your are limited backed bows, lams for fiberglass laminated bows and riser material.

Split at least one of the logs into staves and put them back for future projects. If the selfbow building bug ever hits you you will be glad you have a stash of staves to fall back on.

[LONGBOWKID]

Thanks for the reply Mr. Krewson.

[va]

"I really dont intent to make but a couple bows"

Don't kid yourself.  I sense another yellow bow addict in the offing.

va

[Bruce Martin]

Don't forget to seal the wood so it does not check and spray it for insects so the borers don't ruin your stash.

[Clay Hayes]

I second Eric's suggestion.  Split at least one of the logs.  Saw the other into whatever demensions you want for your other projects but don't count on it being good for bows.  

Wood bows are like Lay's potato chips.  Ya cant have just one!

ch