Hey guys I have seen a lot of mulberry around here. I was just wondering what is procedure for drying mulberry. Also would I be able to leave sapwood on, or should I chase a ring for the back of the bow?
I dry it just like Osage, you can leave sapwood on but spray to keep bugs out, and leave the bark on or seal very well until you are ready to make a bow.
Look closely at the bark before cutting. Mulberry tends to grow clusters of little twigs across the bark. This can cause big problems for the future bows. I prefer to go ahead and remove the sapwood on osage and mulberry to season and to make a bow. Mulberry bows can be built about like any whitewood design.
Here is what mulberry looks like if the sapwood is not removed. I just did this a few weeks ago. Had to quickly remove the sapwood and re-seal.
(http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/mosborn1007/001.jpg)