Now what??

[Derek_MI]

I just got finished cutting 22 Elm staves and 9 Mulberry staves at a friends property today. I am sore and tired!!

Staves are between 5-8 feet. Some are big, I was too tired to split again!

So, now what? I have never built a bow; I've been lurking here since 2010 and now I am up to my arse in staves.

I am thinking of using some cheap spray paint to seal the ends and then mark them and let them dry. I have some Elmer's glue, but the spray paint will be quicker. Will this seal the ends adequately?

If there are any SW Michigan bowers that need staves, let me know! If anyone can mentor me through a bow, that would be great!

Derek

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[J.F. Miller]

spray paint will not adequately seal the ends of green staves. get a quart of shellac in a lidded can and a disposable paintbrush, slap a heavy coat on the ends and you'll be in good shape.

[macbow]

Derek that is a lot of work.
The mulberry I've heard makes some good bows.
I never,would have thought to try to split out elm.
Only ones I've done we're Osage and Hickory.

If your going to use spray paint I"d give them several coats.

[beetlebailey1977]

The elmers glue and shellac work very well.....

[KellyG]

Get the bark off. If you want to make a bow faster get one shaped. Then store in your home and that way by about January you can work it down and tiller January or so. Just seal the back. I use wood glue for that on ends and backs.

[Pat B]

If all you have is the Elmers glue or spray paint use the Elmers. You can even water it down a bit and it will still be effective. You should split each log in half to begin the drying process. You can remove the bark from the elm but if you remove the bark from the mulberry you should also remove the sapwood and seal the heartwood back to prevent checking. Store the wood in a dry place out of the wind and weather.

[Derek_MI]

Thanks for the replies!

Macbow, it was a lot of work
The elm tree was just too darn straight to pass up.

KellyG- thanks for the advice.  Ill start shaping this week and then use Elmer's to seal the back. The good thing about all of these splits is that I can practice without spending a whole lot of money.

Derek

[Cuban Missile]

Kzoo huh? Welcome to the bench!

[KellyG]

Derek thank the gang this is where I learned that.