Appetite for construction

[JW_Halverson]

I got a wild hair to do a few more Sioux style horsebows and I am looking for hickory staves...well, not exactly staves, saplings would be more like it.  About 2" in diameter, no shorter than 46" but no longer than 55".  If you gotta cut'em wet right now, that's ok, because I intend to split 'em in half and tie them down to a caul to get the setback handles and deflexed limbs anyway.  Since they will be sinew backed, decrowning is likely.  I just want to not have to deal with knots, excessive twist, or live branches if possible. 

I have some elk antler slabs that would make nice knife handles, antelope rawhide backing strips (much thinner than a playing card and tougher than steel), and some turkey tail feathers for trade.  I also make muzzleloader accoutrements you likely won't fine somewhere else, things like a bird's mouth ball pouch (custom fit to your exact roundball diameter) and bone/horn jags, and antelope horn priming horns.

[Pat B]

JW, I've been thinking about cutting a hickory sapling for a future project. Do you want a 2" sapling or 2" of wood(inside the bark)?

[JW_Halverson]

Two inch diameter under the bark should be enough, right?

[Pat B]

With sinew backing and in dry South Dakota, I think so!    It might be the weekend before I can cut it. I spotted one the other day that might be perfect.   Should I cut it 55"? I can probably go longer if necessary.
  I've been wanting to send you a piece of our East Coast pitch pine(aka. lighter knot, fat wood, fat lighter) for your fire kit.

[JW_Halverson]

HAW!  I just spent a whole morning splitting up an 8" diameter pitch stump, my whole house smells like a PineSol factory!!!

55 would be fine since I plan on making two, one 52" and the other 42".  Hope to get a bow off each side of the sapling.

[Josh]

Sorry.. nothing related to anything about hickory staves but I can't help but think about Guns N Roses when I read your title.  Not meaning to hijack just thought I'd tell ya I thought it was a cool title. 

[Pat B]

JW, I cut a hickory sapling this morning for you.It is about 2 3/4" inside the bark  on the big end  and about 2" on the other end. Have it cut to just over 55". I may strip the bark if it isn't too late in the season so it can start drying. I will seal the ends with shellac . It might be a week or 2 before I can get it out to you.

[JW_Halverson]

DON'T STRIP THE BARK!   I want that wood as green and wet as I can get it.  That way I can tie it down on a 2x4 to get the setback handle and the deflexed limbs all at once while it cures.

What do you need in exchange?

[Pat B]

I'll send it as it is and let you know when it goes out.
  I have no idea what I need. Surprise me!