Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Hawkdancer on June 11, 2019, 10:53:44 pm

Title: Splitting staves
Post by: Hawkdancer on June 11, 2019, 10:53:44 pm

Probably already know the answer, but, I have several staves to split down to blanks.  Question is, do I play really new guy and just go for 2 blanks each, or try to go for maybe three?  The staves are shagbark hickory, black locust(with a knot for free)' and crabapple.  My current feeling is be conservative and take what the wood wants to give.  If I screw up, it's firewood, or dowels, and I don't gave a dowel maker! >:D!
Hawkdancer

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Swampman on June 12, 2019, 04:29:17 am

My advice would be don't get greedy and take what the wood will give you.  I have made firewood when trying to get more from splits than I should have.

Good luck. Mike

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: ksnow on June 12, 2019, 05:16:36 am

If the staves are decent, straight grain pieces, you can kerf them with a circular saw. This really helps get the most staves per log. But the grain needs to be straight, its hard to cut curves with a circular saw. It's also a bit of a sketchy operation, make sure you work smart and take your time. Make shallow cuts, going  a bit deeper each time until you are full depth.

Kyle

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Pat B on June 12, 2019, 05:26:44 am

A bird in the hand...!

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: ohma2 on June 12, 2019, 08:47:30 am

Well put Pat.

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: DC on June 12, 2019, 08:49:45 am

If you know you can get three, go for three. If you only"think" you can get three, go for two. ;)

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: hoosierf on June 12, 2019, 09:59:22 am

I would center split them and see if some belly or side staves are possible after they are split. Elm has given me about a 50% second stave success rate using this approach.

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Hawkdancer on June 12, 2019, 10:12:58 am

Thanks for all the good advise!  I think I will be cautious and try for two blanks each and see what happens.  Might try to post some pics of the split up!
Hawkdancer

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: PaulN/KS on June 13, 2019, 08:34:35 am

I love a good "split along".  :D

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Hawkdancer on June 25, 2019, 10:10:47 am

The splitting starts tomorrow, I think!  I plan to try to get through the knots first and hope for the best controlled splits from there, otherwise, it's billets, carving, and firewood!  If you see me at MoJam
grillin' with neat white chunks, you'll know what Happened! >:D
Hawkdancer

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Bob Barnes on June 25, 2019, 10:45:57 am

if you don't finish splitting the staves and want to try using a froe...I will have mine at MoJam... :)

Title: Re: Splitting staves
Post by: Hawkdancer on June 25, 2019, 09:45:08 pm

Bob,
I will save one just to see how use a froe!  My froe is currently sitting under the. Bow bench waiting to be straightened, sharpened, and a handle!
Jerry