Question for you experienced bowyers out there. With black locust would there be any problems like checking and such if I went ahead and took a green stave down to the heartwood in order to speed up the drying process? I appreciate your input.
You can remove the sapwood but be sure to seal the back and ends. You can also take it down to 3/4" thick and full width to help it dry quicker just don't stress it until it is dry. You might want to clamp it to a 2x4 to prevent it from twisting while drying.
Will do, thanks Pat B.
I would put as much sealer on the back as you do on the ends or your stave will check green.
What is the reason for not sealing the belly when you are sealing the back and ends?
To let moisture out.
The back and ends are important bow parts, but the belly wood will be removed.
When moisture escapes from wood it can cause it to check/split.
Eric I will surely seal the back and thanks for pointing that out. I would have went ahead and sealed the belly had Roy not commented on leaving it unsealed to let the moisture out. Thanks Roy.
:thumbsup:
I have sealed my ends and back and my belly has gotten bigger :dunno: :bigsmyl:
Didn't happen wif out pichers:)