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chessieboy:
I found my first Osage tree and had gotten permissino to cut it.  The only request was that I take a large branch and leave the tree to grow ;D.  I cut off a good section probably 6-8" around.  I got it home and split it the next day.  I found several things that worried me.  First it wasn't wide enough to quarter.  I split it in half and then tried to split one of the halves again but it tore out the side.  No problem.  2 staves are better than a kick in the shorts  ;). 
The next thing I noted was that there was a blace line right down the heart of the limb.  Its not thick but runs right the length of the limb. 
Next when I split the limb it was splintered prety bad along the cuts.  I used wedges and a sledge to split it.  The splinters are big and long.  I don't think it was affect the staves but the staves I've seen online aren't nearly that ugly. 
Lastly these staves are some of the snakeyest and twisted I've seen, they are twisted over 90 degrees.  The only good thing is I left them extra long over 80 inches as I new I would not get long enough staves if I cut them in half.  Hopefully when I get them the right length it will help with some of the twist.
Any ideas what would help with these problems or what the black lines may be?

Pat B:
First question is how many bows have you built. If not many, I would suggest you put those staves up until you have a bit more experience. There is a lot to learn in such staves but not until you are ready for those lessons. With the length you have(80") if there isn't a piece in there, somewhere, as a solid stave, you could cut into 2, 40" pieces and figure out how to splice them so you get the best possible stave.
   Can you post pics of your staves so we can see the problems you are talking about?    Pat

nugget:
Gotta love Osage. It will test all your skills.

chessieboy:
I had my son take pictures from cutting the log down to splitting and debarking.  I just have to get to work to down load the camera.  I am going to let them sit for a while.  I already have 2 hickory bows in progress.  1 I just got to brace height today ;D.  Still needs finished but I'll keep ya all posted.  Any ideas on the black section? Like I said it goes right down the center of the stave then entire length. I had thought a bore but its a dead straight line and down the very center of the heart wood. 

Pat B:
It is probably a bit of rot in the center of the log. Could have been caused by wind  or a fungi that attacked the tree early on.   Just a guess! ;D   Pat

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