HOP HORNBEAM " IRONWOOD" LOGS

[Dean Marlow]

Guys I just recently cut some Hop Hornbeam logs. They are not real big in diameter averaging about 4" across. Can I saw these down the middle and make two staves out of them? Since they are not very big in diameter they are really high crowned.Can you decrown them for a flatbow design? I have never worked with Ironwood. Need advise. Dean

[Minuteman]

You could saw them or split them. Theres nothing wrong with a high crown on a selfbow if it doesn't bother you. I've read that a very gifted, experienced bowyer gives the performance nod to high crowned selfbows.
  A four inch HHB tree is way older than you think. Tried counting the growth rings yet?

[Dean Marlow]

Yes I started counting the rings and gave up. To close together. I wouldn't want to guess how old they are but it is way older than me. Dean

[Ted Fry]

Heck yeah , nothing wrong with a high crown , I do it all the time with vine maple.
Ironwood makes a great bow and yes those rings can be plenty small, nice to just take off the bark and start tillering however rather than chasing a ring all the time.