Hazelnut saplings

[Sparrow]

 I am pruning up a bunch of hazelnut I have on this place I recently moved into. My Question is; What is the minimum diameter of sapling I can cut to make a good longbow ?  I have a bunch here,and I can let the thinner ones grow for some more years and cut them when they get big enough.   I am thinking 3 or 4 inches.
What do you guys think ?  Any input appreciated.  '  Frank

[Keenan]

Frank, 3-4 inch should be plenty. Some woods such as service berry are strong enough for smaller diam sapling bows.  Allot depends on wether you want to split down middle the full length or leave some of the full size for the handle section.  Leaving full size for the handle helps to be able to use smaller saplings but care must be taken when drying due to checking or splitting due to the pith. I have roughed some out with the handle left whole then sealed then up to cure our. just make sure to seal VERY well near the handle.

[TBod]

I like Hazel saplings between 1,5-3" in diameter

[Sparrow]

Thanks fellas !   I have a bunch of them cut  2 to 4 inches thick. I will just put them up in the barn loft and see what they look like come next fall. Should be fun, got some pretty snaky looking pieces in there.  '  Frank

[TBod]

I always saw mine in half and debark pretty soon after cutting, if they are bigger than 2" Can be risky to leave all of yours full width.

[Sparrow]

 Tbod  are you saying that they will check down the length of the uncut stave ?  '  Frank

[TBod]

Yes, the chance is a lot higher and it can start to decay also

[Sparrow]

Copy That.  I am working on staves today. I cut several plum saplings yesterday and need to get everything I've cut squared away and put away. Thanks for the help !
  '  Frank