Which Way To Split

[mwosborn]

Just got this osage log yesterday - sealed the ends as soon as i cut it.

I want to split it and the remove bark and sapwood.
Of course I want to get as many decent staves as possible...thus my question...

Would you split parallel with the one larger branch (so the splint runs through it)?

Or...

Would you split perpendicular to the larger branch?

Thanks!

Mitch

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I would TRY to split it so the branch doesnt end up on top of the back. The log has nice bark pattern, should be farily straight.

[KellyG]

Heck I don't know, but I would use a skill saw and score it from end to end, running center of the limb. Then start my split right in the knot, and work out. I bet it would split that way. Just a thought, I hope others come along and tell ya if it can be done.
good luck

[Osagetree]

I use a sledge, an old axe and some metal wedges only. If'n it were me I would think that limb knot runs deep. I would split it just over half way with the big limb knot out to the side. At least you get two good straight staves from that half or what is the bottom of the log in your pic. Then, try and trim another character stave from one side or mabye both sides of that limb. That is, if there are no other limbs on the side I can not see in the pic.

[va]

I agree with Osagetree and I love his work.  If the big limb splits you are in Fat City because it will be on the edges of a limb and will probably disappear as you come to bow dimensions.  If you get a good score right through the limb base with a powersaw, then you have a fighting chance.

Any way it turns out you will have bow wood.

Heck, if it is long enough, cut the limb section of the log out and split out billets to join in the handle.

[mwosborn]

Thanks for the advice!  I think osagetree is correct - that knot will run deep.  Think I will try and split it as he suggests - I will let you know how it turns out.

[TroutGuide]

I don't know much but, from my limited experience, I would go with what Osagetree said.

[scrub-buster]

I like osagetrees suggestion about the split and the tools.  I never use a saw when splitting osage.  I start the split where I want it and let the tree decide where it goes from there.

[mwosborn]

After looking more closely at the cut end, the "center" of the tree (rings)was off center and more towards the opposite side of the tree as the big branch.

So... I tried splitting it through the branch(knot).  First split ended up uneven but one good stave.  Split the larger pieces again.  So ended up with 3 pieces.  The two larger ones I think could be split again, but I will wait until it dries.

 

I removed bark and sapwood from the smaller one and it looks ok - not perfectly straight nor knot free but from what I know it looks like it could make a bow.

 

Thanks again!

[Mike Most]

If'n you dont think it has any possibility send it my way please    .....

[Osagetree]

Looks real good!

[mwosborn]

Think I will keep it and give it a try Mike.  There is a pile of shavings in the garage I don't think I can use!  What is your address?    

Thanks Osagetree - can't wait for it to dry now.