Osage Orange Stave Making

[bigwood]

My cousin is cutting down some osage trees growing in her pasture and has offered to save for me anything I want.  

I'm not going to make it out there until next fall (different state) and am not sure what to have done, ie:
a) leave entire trunk intact?
b) split the trunk lengthwise into multiple sections.
c) something else.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[skeaterbait]

If the tree has a lot of twists and curves you may find find yourself with a lot more challenges than you think.

After that I suppose it's up to you. The tree will have to be split at some point wether now or later really won't matter that much.

What will matter is sealing the ends of the logs. A good heavy coat of glue, paint or wax will keep the wood from checking so bad it's unusable. In my opinion wax dipping is the best way to go BUT, if the log is big enough you can't pick it up to dip it....well.... nuff said.

[DVSHUNTER]

definitely seal the ends of whatever you cut as soon as possible. Cut them as long as you can and split them up lenghtwise.  I like to then chase a ring and seal the back as well to let me see what the stave will look like.  I have split lots and can help out with any more questions, just send me a pm. And have fun

[scrub-buster]

My advice would be:  since someone is nice enough to cut you some osage and save it, only ask for the minimum.  Straight pieces with no limbs, coat the ends with glue or something else, and spray them with bug killer.  If you ask her to split them, that might be the last time she offers.  If they can put them someplace dry, they should be fine until next year when you can pick them up.

[John Scifres]

I assume you mean Fall 2010 and not 2011.  At least around here in central Indiana, the bugs won't really start eating until the Spring so I wouldn't worry about insecticide.  I'd see if you can get them to cut them at least 8' starting at the ground and cover them with a tarp or put them in a barn.  They should be OK until Fall.  I've left wood out for a year or more and it made it OK.  Not the best but OK.

[bigwood]

I appreciate the replies.

What diameter trees work best?

DVSHUNTER, I'd like to take you up on your offer for specific help.


thanks,
Wood

[DVSHUNTER]

sure thing, just give me a shout ewhen something comes up.

[John Scifres]

If somebody else is cutting and splittin ghten I'd say 24" are best.  If it's me cutting and splitting, then 10-14" are best