Ok, seeing PatB's awesome HHB bow, and having Pearl Drums inform me that it grows all over where I live (and it does at that!), has me stoked to go harvest some and build bows from it. So questions about that...
What is the best time of year to harvest?
What size tree should I be looking for?
Do branches work?
How do you dry them/ season them, and for how long?
Just gathering info right now, and there are some great brains to pick in here!
Thanks
Cut after the leaves come out so you can strip the bark off to reveal your back. Don't strip the bark off yet unless you plan to seal the back. You should give the stave at least a year but take it down to almost bow size and it will dry quicker. The HHB I made the recrent bow from was cut at least 6 years ago. It was definately seasoned.
I would say anything over 2"(6" and above would be common), seal the ends and in about a week split the logs in half. After another month split the halves into staves. Store them in a protected dry place. You might want to spray the bark(unless you removed it) with insecticide to kill any wood eaters.
Thanks Pat. What do you seal with? And what sort of insecticide?
I seal with shellac. I keep spray cans of it around my work bench all the time for bow building. I'm not sure what insecticide to use Maybe someone else will make a suggestion.
Thanks again. If I get some good staves, I'll send you one for the help! (and because I'll want to pick your brain while I work them. :D )
HHB ? = HopHornBeam?
Eric
Yes Eric, hop hornbeam.
My HHB was cut may 24, and peeled the same day. Took only minutes to peel it, as it sliped right off. The only sealer I could find was Danish Oil, and it did the trick. I stored them for about 20 months in the basement before working the first ones. The only checks I had were in the heart wood, after about 18 months. I riped this core off on the band saw, and re-sealed, no more troubles . I like working with this wood.