Old Soldier

[Gus]

Hi Y'all,

I've mentioned this piece of Osage to a couple of PA folks in passing and finally remembered to snap some pics of it this past weekend.
This is a Piling taken from a railroad trestle during a rebuild/upgrade.
My uncle works for the Railroad and so was able to bring it home, lest it be destroyed.
The trestle was built in the mid 1800's which would put this Osage Log at around 150+ years old.

My uncle is offering me part of the log for bow wood.
He wants boardage fit for his woodworking efforts.
So I'm thinking I should have it milled with the "S" bend set in the vertical plane.
With the intention of working the center cut (2") for bow staves.

Does this bear out?
Am I missing anything?

The Squirrel Gun is leaning against the log in question.

Thank You for looking.

-gus

[gstoneberg]

Cool find Gus.  You said the wood would be milled?  The last guy I talked to about cutting up some osage ran from old wood kicking and screaming.  He broke 2 blades cutting up the green wood we had.  I can't imagine cutting that old soldier.

George

[osage outlaw]

You sure enjoy a challenge   Best of luck with what ever you do with it.  Please do a build-a-long as you go.

[fishfinder401]

i cant imagine what the coloration on wood that old will be, this seems like it is truly a once in a life time opportunity , cant wait to see what you can do with it.
noel

[Gus]

I hear ya George and Outlaw, been talking with a local guy that mills Live Oak and other Odd woods.
Not sure if I can talk him into trying it yet but we'll see.

I split a splinter off the log and it was the color of old dried blood... Nearly Black
But like you say Fishfinder, who knows what the heart of this log will look like.
Growth rings that haven't seen the light of day for maybe 200 years?

-gus

[criveraville]

Cool story Gus.. Split a splinter there, make a bow, send it to me and I will let you know if it is worth milling...

Cipriano