I cut this Osage log this morning. It is 80" long, 7" at the trunk and 5 1/2" at the other (not including bark). I know it will be some time before I can start to use it but I have a few questions on the prep and drying because I have read different ways to do it. So here goes. It is pretty darn straight and has only about 8 knots where limbs were starting to grow out.

Is it best to split and debark?  If you split it is it easier to start at the ends or in the middle?


When you shellac or seal the ends, do you also seal the bark side of the stave and leave the wedged portion untouched?

Thanks,
James

I would suggest reading Hunting The Osage Bow by Dean Torges.Awsome book with all the info you will need.glen

Thanks Glen,

I will look for it.

James

Start your split on the small end, if you start on the big end it will be more likely to run off at an angle and not split true. Don't take the bark off unless you have time to take the sapwood off or your wood will check very quickly,

Put 3 or 4 coats of shellac on the ends for sealer, same on the back after you get the sapwood off.

I'm new to this as well.  But what kills me is the wait time.  I'm so new to this that I think it would benefit me to wait until the stave is dry.  Instead of trying to floor tiller a stave to quickly.  Ugh, an inch per year?  Patience is a virtue I'm still learning...

-Jeremy  

Thanks Guys.

I went ahead and split it. I got all the bark off. I need to work on the sap wood now.

Some of it had a few termite/bug holes in it. It also appeared that 1/2 the log was pretty dry because the bark did not just pull off like it should.

I should get the sapwood off within the next day and have it sealed up.

James

Sap wood is removed and it is all sealed up.

If I were to rough out a stave real quick for faster drying, would it be easier to cut the wedged point off with a bandsaw? Or is there a better method?

James

I would suggest to use a bandsaw as much as possible for the roughing in.  Just don't get carried away and remove to much.

Get Dean's book a.s.a.p.

Could a orbital jigsaw be used instead of a bandsaw?

The thread below may be a little short on direction or detail and there are many more here with better methods and advice but, this may help or at least keep you thinking...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=005006

Yes it is very informative. I have read it a few times already.

James

i used osagetrees link a lot and i st ill re read it alot here lately