I like to split mine on site at least into quarters. Make sure you seal the ends with shellac. Debark as sson as is convient. Its easier shortly afer harvest. I actually have a philisophy that says if I am not commited to processing the stave within 2wks of the harvest I won't even cut it. What that usually means is I get er done in a timely manner and get it in the woodshed and forget about it for a while with a clear conscience knowing that when its curred and I am ready to make a bow, its in optimum shape. But, thats just me. To each his own of course , but I do think that if you adapt a similar philosophy you won't regret it. Danny