River Cane drying time

[BrianO]

I found the most awesome patch of cane.  It is about a half acre of 3/8 diameter and about 6' tall. There is about 10 inches on the average between nodes. I cut about 3 dozen in about 15 minutes.  This stuff is really straight right now.  Can some one please tell me about how long it takes for this stuff to dry before ready to turn into arrows.  Thanks.

[the Ferret]

Brian put it in a warm room either laying flat, but up off the carpet so that air can circulate around it or bundled together and set the same way for probably 45 days or so, Then check it. If it is stiff and dry move it out in the sun for a couple afternoons which will change them from a grren tint to a straw color and they should be ready to start straightening with heat.

Sounds like one heck of a find.

[ncboman]

You can cut that time in half if you place them in full sun each day and take them in at night.

I've been cutting cane from time to time since last winter trying to get a feel for the quality harvested at different times.

I noticed the cane I cut yesterday seems much better quality than previous cuts, in fact, I'm taking most of the summercut stuff to the burn pile. I got some really nice cane cut yesterday.

Cut cane in a month with an 'R' in the name and the cane is much nicer.