Update on my bow wood stash. Last weekend I finally made myself work up the pile of splits that has graced my back patio for several months. I found most of the belly splits weren't usable, had a few billets is all. And of course the log, being so big, had some wind checks that rendered a few of the staves unusable. Still, so far I've got 11 good staves skinned and sealed for seasoning. Most are in the 76" range, and mostly straight with just a little character here and there. There are a few more that might work out depending on what I find when I skin them, probably a few more billets at the very least. I had one piece with a very nice knothole that would have made a good character bow, but when I split the thing it went pretty close to the hole and I don't think its going to work out. Should've just went for the one bow I guess. Haven't skinned that one down yet so I'm not positive I ruiined it. In any case, I hope to have everything worked up and in the garage for a few years of slow drying. I'm going to pull my existing stash and put these on the bottom. That is always fun, I invariably find wood I forgot about.
Also, I have an announcement. There will be no hatchet bow contest at this year's MOJAM. I talked to Keith about it, and since we only had a few bows in each of the last few years I think its clear this contest has run its course. It certainly proved that an excellent bow can be made with nothing more than a tool as simple and basic as a hatchet. I hope none of you are too dissappointed. There is an awful lot going on at MOJAM on Saturday afternoon so I don't think it will be missed too much. As last year's winner, I am going to still bring a prize and donate it to the stash for the clout shoot or auction.
See y'all around.
