I decided to try a black locust bow. I'm planning on cutting the stave in the next few days, but I have another project currently going, so I plan to let it dry by itself for a while then speed it up as I get closer to starting.
Anyway, my question is due to confusion over various ways I've seen bows of BL made. Some have a sap wood layer and some don't. Personally, I think I would prefer to take it down to heart wood and work a ring like osage, if that is an acceptable way to work BL. What is the best or right way to work BL?
Also, since it is winter (tighter bark) and I don't plan to start immediately, do I have to take the bark off now?