When to debark a stave

[Stefan]

Hi all,

I recently scored a log of maple. (probably Acer pseudoplatanus)

I have split the log into to staves. The log had a large knot, I will likely only be able to make one bow out of it. The log was cut a week or two ago (not by me). Can I debark the stave already so I can see imperfections and draw the lay out on to the stave? Does maple split easily when drying?

I want to rough out the stave as soon as possible so I can induce some reflex when it is still wet (the stave currentley has deflex only, and some twist) Do you prefer/reccomend this method or would you want to let the stave dry (slowly) first and then induce reflex with a heat gun/steam?

Greetings,

Stefan

[osage outlaw]

With white woods the best time to debark it is right after you cut the tree down during the growing season.  The bark should slip off easily.  Once it sticks, its a pain to remove.

[blackhawk]

I'm betting your bark is stuck on now...so removing now or later ain't gonna make a difference...how soon do you wanna make a bow with it? You can do either...remove it now and reduce it down to near bow dimension to dry faster,or later whenever your ready to make a bow with it a year later...up to you? A large knot ya say only giving you one bow? Got pics?

[Stefan]

Thanks Blackhawk and osage outlaw! I will remove the bark as soon as possible. When it is starting to look like a bow i will upload pics,

greetings Stefan

[BowSlayer]

i would say as soon as you get it. i learnt that you need to remove it as soon as possible, then seal it.