Author Topic: Unbelievable Osage Log  (Read 10318 times)

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Offline dco1958

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Unbelievable Osage Log
« on: April 02, 2012, 04:33:15 pm »
I recently downed a osage tree and managed to get a straight, knotless log 8 feet 5 inches long.  The log is 10 inches in diameter.  I plan on using a draw knife to strip the sapwood, seal the ends, and allow the log to season naturally.  Anyone interested?  I can use some advice...
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Offline Bevan R.

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2012, 04:35:22 pm »
You not going to split it first? If you leave it whole, it will take several years to season to usable moister content (I would think so anyway).
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2012, 04:37:49 pm »
Yeah, split it now.  It will season just as natural as all get-out in stave form. 

At least if you split it now you can control WHERE it splits.  If you leave that tree "in the round" so to speak, every single check...and it will check....will be right down the middle of every piece you wanted to take a bow from. 

Good luck with this log, sounds like there is some good bow-working material for you for some time to come!
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline dco1958

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2012, 04:43:20 pm »
I normally split this type of wood by hand just for firewood.  However, I figured this log would be of some interest to bow makers.  I'll go ahead and strip the sapwood off and split the log into staves before storing it.  Thanks for the quick replies and advice.  I'll post pictures once I have the staves....
Light travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2012, 04:53:29 pm »
Split it at least in half for now and seal the ends. If you remove the bark and sapwood seal the back too.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline dco1958

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2012, 04:56:27 pm »
Thank you...
So I should LEAVE the bark/sapwood, split the staves, and seal the ends?  Anything else I need to do to create quality material for a bowyer?
Light travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
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Offline cracker

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2012, 05:01:56 pm »
No sir take off the bark and sap wood and seal the back and ends. Thanks Ron
If we can't help each other what is the point of being here?

Offline Prarie Bowyer

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2012, 05:15:54 pm »
At least quarter it.

I'm interested in a stave when they are ready.

Offline Bevan R.

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2012, 05:53:55 pm »
If you leave the bark on, be sure to spray it down real good with bug killer. Then again in a few weeks. Easier in the long run to split & strip it.
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline dco1958

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2012, 06:32:53 pm »
Awesome advice.  Thanks to all who've replied.  Next question...what kind of sealer?  Any particular product?
« Last Edit: April 02, 2012, 06:37:58 pm by dco1958 »
Light travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
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Offline osage outlaw

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2012, 06:50:52 pm »
Wood glue, shellac, polyurethane
I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2012, 06:53:39 pm »
The list includes, but is not limited to:

1) cheap wood glue
2) cheap paint
3) shellac
4) polyurathane
5) wax
6) stuff like Thompson's water sealer
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline dco1958

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #12 on: April 02, 2012, 06:56:41 pm »
Great...I have a bunch of leftover polyurethane from renovating the floors of my home.    I will post pictures of the staves when I finish. 

d
Light travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #13 on: April 02, 2012, 07:03:23 pm »
D, if you are going to have this log sawn into boards you will need to do that before it dries and not splitb it in half. It cuts a lot easier when green. In this case you can leave the bark and sapwood on unto you get it sawn and even then you can leavre it on but treat it for bugs.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline fishfinder401

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Re: Unbelievable Osage Log
« Reply #14 on: April 02, 2012, 10:19:34 pm »
i would defiantly be interested in a stave from this, what type of things would you look for?
warbows and fishing, what else is there to do?
modern technology only takes you so far, remove electricity and then what