Looked up in this tree yesterday and saw a perfectly straight stave on a limb that needs to be removed    Is Japaneze maple a good bow wood and if so, how long should it "cure" before beginning to pull a bow out of it? Limb is green and on the back side of the tree so the missus will never miss it  :D  

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, I've not tried Jap maple but I would imagine it would work fine. Timing is critical for "pruning" Jap maples though. They are bleeders and if cut at the wrong time of year it could be detramental to the tree. Mid summer is the optimal time to prune Jap maples. This has nothing to do with timing as far as bow making, only the health of the tree.

Thanks Pat.

I've been searching for a straight japanese maple stave for a long time.

The wood seems very strong.