Just cut down a black locust tree in my backyard 15 min ago.  Measured from 1 ft above the ground the diameter is 8".  Tree is 50' tall.  Is this tree usable for making bow?  How should I prepare it?

Yes it is very usable. Cut the logs to length(6') and split them at least in half. Seal the ends. If you remove the bark and sapwood seal the back also but it isn't necessary to remove the bark and sapwood yet...easier now than later but not necessary!

Thanks, Pat.  Will do that.

I also read the other thread about BL sapling.  Since my tree is very long, I am trying to get as many staves as I can from it.  So at what diameter size should I start to consider the tree like a sapling instead of splitting it into staves?

Ming

im looking at 6+ inches for me , as thats all i can move right now . i saw one in an archive somewhere  where the guy used a small 2.5" sapling , and just flattened it out and did a little bit.


-hov

BL works best with a heartwood back but if there isn't enough got for it. If possible get as close to the heartwood as you can. There's no need to ever decrown any stave. If the crown is severe leave it stave an inch or 2 longer. Jawge