Need Help...Working With Saplings

[johnston]

I started out cutting small trees 4" down to around 2 1/2" because they were easier to drag to the shop. I always cut a few sticks also to practice on and have found that the smaller the piece the more difficult it is to find a ring to work with. Also, decrowning is a shot in the dark for me. I have started cutting bigger stuff but have some straight and sweet small pieces that I don't want to waste through ignorance. Any advice would be great. Wood includes hickory, pecan, oak, dogwood, hackberry and a couple unknowns.
Thank you.

Lane

[JonW]

Lane all you really need to do is remove the bark and cambium and start making a bow. All the woods you listed are fine for that. 2 1/2" generally doesn't need de-crowning.


Jon W.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I second Jons comment. The cambium will peel off with the bark and thats your back. I use alot of whitewood up here, not many osage trees around. Hackberry is VERY nice to work with. The back of the bow has some cool contours once you peel the bark off.

[crooketarrow]

  He's right I've made bows of all these. Exspecially hickory,uselly in the 3 to 4" range is what I perfer. But have made hem from smaller.

[George Tsoukalas]

Good advice. You also don't need to decrown. Leave the bow  couple of inches longer. Jawge

[johnston]

Thanks guys. I am starting one tonight and will most likely need more help.

Lane