Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: KelRob on September 06, 2015, 07:05:57 pm

Title: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: KelRob on September 06, 2015, 07:05:57 pm: Hi,

I just got a 5" diameter x 60" trunk of mulberry. I would like to know:

1. About how long would it take to air dry?

2. Should I use it as a backing for my red oak board bows I plan on?

3. Or, make it in to a bow just by itself?

4. Should I remove the bark to make it dry quicker?

KelRob
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: sleek on September 06, 2015, 08:22:49 pm: 5 years to dry.

Now that I depressed you, split it and rough out staves, 6 months or less depending where you live. That includes bark removal and end grain painting.

Id make bows as it is. Red oak backs itself well.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: owlbait on September 06, 2015, 08:31:40 pm: Just split a wide 70" stave and shortened them to 66". They were debarked and have been drying for 10 months. Look good to go. Get after yours and have fun. I wish you much success!
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 06, 2015, 10:02:45 pm: Split into halves or quarters if you can, remove bark and rough to near bow dimensions, then seal the back and clamp to a board for 2-3 months. That's what I do for all my bows. Also make sure the ends are sealed or it WILL check on you.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: KelRob on September 06, 2015, 10:58:28 pm: What would one use to seal the ends?
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: Loope on September 06, 2015, 11:04:07 pm: I have used shellac to seal the ends, bullseye spray shellac is handy. Lately I have been just using wood glue to seal the ends... it is easy to get, cheap, and I always have some around.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 07, 2015, 08:56:46 am: I use TB3 to seal the ends, it's tough, waterproof and I have buttloads of it.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: Pat B on September 07, 2015, 09:02:46 am: If you remove the bark and/or sapwood be sure to seal the back also.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 07, 2015, 09:51:56 am: So many uses for one log. If it was in my hands? Id split it down the middle once and sit it in my basement for 8-10 months with bark on. After that time Id peel and seal it. Then take it upstairs where the climate is controlled at 72 deg and 50% humidity and let it sit for a month. After that, its bow material to me.

I rarely if ever seal ends anymore. I have seen almost every sealed end crack in some way, shape or form anyway.
Title: Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
Post by: Springbuck on September 09, 2015, 03:10:47 pm: Quote from: KelRob on September 06, 2015, 10:58:28 pm
What would one use to seal the ends?

Sealant. I know that's a "smart" answer, but it really is up to you. Glue, polyurathane, wax, whatever, just make sure it gets done.

All mulberry I have used was pretty good bow wood. I would split it, reduce it, and RESTRAIN IT! It will warp all over if not strapped or clamped.