Wood Prep for Selfbow Question

[Scrub_buck]

I have recently procured the right to at least one Honey locust tree that I hope to eventually make a few selfbows out of. Being kind of new at this game, I was wanting to get the best info for prepping this particular wood.

My plan is to cut the tree down and cut the log into 75-80 inch sections (should get three of them) ... now here's where I would like some help.

I am going to seal the ends with wood glue, but do I let the log stay as is and let it cure for several months with the bark on and do all the work after its dried, or do I go ahead and split the log and shave the bark and those lovely spines off before it cures?

Thanks in advance.

[No-sage]

Split and remove the bark if you have the time. Don't use wood glue, shellac the ends and the backs of the staves once the bark is gone.

I you don't have the time the remove the bark, split and seal the ends with shellac, then treat for bugs and store until dry.

If you reduce the staves to near bow size right away, they will dry faster, but they will be prone to twisting a bit.