Black locust growth rings

[episaacs]

I've not worked with black locust before.  The tree I cut this AM seems to have 2 different types of ring structure; The larger rings are 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide, and there are 2 light (sapwood) rings and several dark (heartwood) rings.  These have a crunchy layer between them, ala osage. Within the larger rings are about 10-12 smaller diameter rings that are nearly impossible to follow, and don't have the crunchy layer (winter growth?).  Please tell the the larger rings are the ones to chase

[Justin Snyder]

I didn't fallow that very well.  I'm kind of slow, how about some pictures.  Justin

[Pat B]

I think you are seeing the lunar rings inside the annual rings. The annual rings are what you want for a back ring(lunar rings are included). It is the crunchy early ring that you don't want shining through the back. A little of it on top is no problem.   1/2" rings are a bit big. 3/8" is good.   I find BL to work very similar to osage but you should  to add 10% to the width and length with BL for a similar osage bow.
   Pat

[episaacs]

Here is a pic sans the sapwood

[Pat B]

Those are lunar rings. They are laid down monthly during the growing season. The annual rings are as big as I've seen with BL.    Pat

[episaacs]

Yeah, they're huge!  Thanks Pat.  Need some ERC?  I'll swap for some sourwood shoots

[Pat B]

send me a PM      Pat