Slippery elm

[Thwackaddict]

I stumbled upon a nice patch of slippery elm,most being in the 3-6inch range.When is best to cut them.Fall when the saps down or whenever i can get a saw into them?

[ken75]

whenever you can ! now is fine bark will come off better

[Thwackaddict]

Thanks ken,i been livin here for three years and yesterday i was pickin berrys and scopin bow trees and they are evrywhere behind my house!!

[KenH]

You might want to try Half Eye's technique described in his article in the last issue of PA.  He saws split Red (Slippery) Elm into quartersawn grained thick planks.  Makes some din-o-myte bows!!

[Thwackaddict]

I'll have to look that up again,I remember readin it but not sure if i have right equipment.Guess i could split it and wait til i get back to work and take it to sawmill.Thanks ken(s)Lol

[cracker]

I drive lag bolts into it in a line with an impact wrench. Just too lazy to beat on the wedges. Oh and get it sealed as soon as you get the bark off.
Ronnie

[J05H]

I drive lag bolts into it in a line with an impact wrench. Just too lazy to beat on the wedges.

Hey, great idea. Why didn't I think of that?  

[Thwackaddict]

thanks ronnie,Thats a great idea.

[cracker]

Yep laziness is the mother of a lot of inventions.Ron

[denny]

Dip the ends in hot parafin and put cheap whjite glue on the area where bark has been removed. By the way good luck with the slippery elm. It likes to crysal and crack, mostly because of the wet sap wood. denny

[Thwackaddict]

very true ron very true
denny-I have worked with slippery elm and had no problems with chrysals or cracks.I think it is one of the better bow woods.beautiful grain in it.thanks guys

[denny]

you have been fortunate, I have one in the shop now that reflex a bad experience. I just wanted to save you heart break. Didn't say you couldn't make a bow from it. Denny

[Thwackaddict]

thanks denny didnt mean to come off like that.I guess everyone has their preferences.I appreciate the caution tho.