Newb question--Honey Locust

[John Hodgson]

After paying for a Hackberry stave, I discovered that my dad has a big hackberry he wants gone from his property in N. Texas. He also has a Honey Locust he would like gone. This hackberry stave I have will be my first attempt at building from a log--I have made several board bows from red oak and one from hickory.

My questions:
Should I wait until winter to cut these two if I want to split them out for bow staves?

Is Honey Locust suitable bow wood? Anything I should beware of besides the thorns?

I'll appreciate any advice. I've already learned a lot from reading in this forum.

[Pat B]

Both are good bow woods and both are considered whitewoods so the growth ring under the bark is the back ring of your bow. Ideally you want to cut whitewoods during the growing season and the bark will peel right off. This time of year the bark has secured itself to the tree and will be more difficult to remove.   That said, the best time to get any bow wood is when it is available!!!  d;^)

[Nim-rod]

I thought Honey Locust is treated like Black Locust and you bring it down to the heartwood? If that's the case you can cut the Honey Locust whenever but wait for spring to cut the Hackberry.

[Living_waters]

I have cut honey locust in the spring and winter, bark is a booger no matter. And yes there is one other thing to think of when working with Honey locust, wear goggles when sanding.On some people the dust is thought to be linked to eye cancer.

Pat has told you right get bow wood when you can get it.

[George Tsoukalas]

I though HL was a heartwood, too. Jawge

[Living_waters]

You can chase a ring on it if you want, the heart wood is much prettier. But the white wood just under the bark makes a good bow, I use the same design as I do red oak, they are pretty similar in SG. I have not used BL.....yet.

[John Hodgson]

Thanks for the help!