Main Discussion Area > Bows

Removing bark from winter osage

(1/5) > >>

bentstick54:
Regardless of time of year, I have always left the bark on my Osage staves, treated the bark with an insecticide, sealed the ends and stored that way until ready to use. By the time I cut the tree, drug it home, split it into staves, I am always wore out. I have recently been given a fresh stave, so I went ahead and removed the bark and sapwood and it came off so much easier being freshly cut.
I just got permission to cut some 8” - 12” Osage that is as straight as you will find, with a lot of clean 6’ sections. My question is if I cut it in winter after all leaves have fallen, will the bark and sapwood still remove easier than leaving it on while the staves are drying and then removing?

bradsmith2010:
I think so,, because it is still green and moist,, when dry,, it gets harder

osage outlaw:
Yes, it will be easier to remove even when cut during the winter.   The sapwood will still have moisture in it.   

bentstick54:
Thanks guys. This place is close enough that I can make multiple trips down to harvest wood, and looks to have a lot of manageable size that I can handle by myself. It will be easier to bring home what I can cut, split, and remove bark and sapwood before storing. I knew Clint would know. Thanks for your opinion to Brad.

osage outlaw:
I've noticed live osage will drip sap even during the winter months.   I think it slows down but doesn't completely stop.  Fresh sapwood sure is easier to remove than when it dries out.  Please post some pictures of what you cut.   Good luck. 

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page