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Gambel Oak (aka scrub oak) staves
Little John:
Thanks a lot Pat, No rain here. Have been down with flu like symptoms, may feel like starting in on one of the oak staves later today
Badger:
I have made about a dozen bows from it but all were made from very poor staves. I never got ahold of anything straight enough. But as far as the wood goes I rate it better than white oak or red oak. The staves I had were denser than most other oaks. I like the wood if I could find straight staves.
Little John:
Thank you for the reply, would you say the staves you worked were worse than mine? I found some last fall that I think are better if my memory serves me correctly. When the river goes down enough to get to them and get one or two out maybe I can send you a stave. I worked on one of the smaller logs today, did not split but worked the belly down to near the center, I definitely think that there is a bow in there, it seems hard for fresh cut wood. it seems to be drying quickly and after only a few minutes in our warm, dry, breezy air I can tell it is getting hard. I have not peeled the bark from the back yet but am anxious to see what is under there. I am tempted to narrow the limbs but think best to leave full width to stabilize warpage. I am storing the stave in a giant plastic bag (fire wood pellet cover) and in the shade to slow drying. No drying checks yet.
Badger:
None of the staves I had were really suitable to make a bow, either too short or too twisted or bent. I was just curious about the wood so worked them anyway. I think yours will make a bow.
Marin:
Little John,
I tried PMing you with the scans of the pages from that book but your inbox is full. Not sure if I can post them here but if you want I can.
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