New Osage Stave

[WILL CAROTHERS]

Hey Guys, I just ordered a new stave off of e**y, i know that none of you recomend this, but it was from a top rated seller, and it was unseasoned, so i will have control over that, the pics show that it is nice with no knots, and 72 inches long, with an awesome snake at one limb, i cant wait to get it in, if not to just admire it, this is going to be my first osage bow, and i just want advice on how to treat this new stave, i'll put pics when it gets in!!

[Pat B]

Will, I'd get the bark and sapwood off right away and seal the back and ends with shellac. Carpenters glue will work too. Once you get the bark and sapwood off you can see the back of your to be bow. You might have to go down a ring or so but you will be able to see what hidden surprises there may be.

[KellyG]

Yes pat and the deep your go the more surprises they seem to hold. Like what is a pin not just under the sap might be a full blown knot a couple and I do mean a couple of rings down. I just found that one out on the stave I am working now. Look at he belly side and that will give you some clue as to what is underneath.

[WILL CAROTHERS]

Thanks guys, in the description and the pictures, you can see that its already debarked and sealed so hope its true, do you think i should get it to floor tiller to let it dry quicker?

[Pat B]

Will, I say no. You can quick dry osage but in my experience it is more prone to maladies...frets, set, etc.  If you don't have anything to work with then do take the stave down to floor tiller stage, make any corrections(wet wood/wet heat), clamp the floor tillered stave to a caul and set it in a dry environment. After a week or so, if you have a hot box , use it on low heat at first then slowly raise the heat but not much over 100deg. Air movement also helps wood loose moisture.

[DVSHUNTER]

Originally posted by Pat B:
Will, I say no. You can quick dry osage but in my experience it is more prone to maladies...frets, set, etc.  If you don't have anything to work with then do take the stave down to floor tiller stage, make any corrections(wet wood/wet heat), clamp the floor tillered stave to a caul and set it in a dry environment. After a week or so, if you have a hot box , use it on low heat at first then slowly raise the heat but not much over 100deg. Air movement also helps wood loose moisture.

Exactly.  Try sealing it with shellac on the ends and back and steaming it to add reflex and or correct any twist or bends.

[WILL CAROTHERS]

Thanks guys, i  didnt want to really quick dry it, but just get it roughed out so it can be ready to finish around when summer is over.

[WILL CAROTHERS]

[DVSHUNTER]

Liks like a good stave.

[WILL CAROTHERS]

 


 

 

 

With all the "snakes" in the stave, im thinkin some snake skins would be nice.