Got my butt kicked

[Gsulfridge]

I saved a nice looking winged elm log from destruction at work and decided to drag out the wedges and maul and get her split before it started checking on me.  It was straight and relatively knot free.  No biggie says I.   I done a little research first and saw that it was a little ornery about splitting.  I used the chainsaw to cut a nice straight kerf in it first and commenced to whailing on the wedges with the maul.  Holy Toledo!!! That stuff is tuffer than sweet gum.  I beat and beat and then sawed and beat some more.  What the heck!!  I had a serious case of swamp ass going on and it still wasnt giving in.  I flipped the log over and cut another deep kerf in it with the chainsaw.  Finally I heard the tell tale sounds and it gradually split (although it still took its good sweet time) as I beat the snot out of my wedges.  That stuff is mean.  If toughness to split is any indication of quality of bow wood, this stuff should put arrows in orbit.  Anyway, I halved the log and sealed the ends up.  I decided to wait for it to season some before I quarter it on out (and let my back and blistered hands heal).  :'(In the mean time, I think I will stick to more user friendly wood types.  Anyone else have trouble with splitting winged elm, and did it make decent bows??

[osage outlaw]

Sounds like fun Greg     I hate splitting elm.  I've done one log and I don't ever plan on splitting another one.  Not worth the trouble in my opinion.  Especially if you have access to other trees.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I don't kerf them. I chase wedges from end to end. Then leave a wedge in each end and run my saw down the split I made. It seems to work good. Ive split a fair share of elm this way.

[Gsulfridge]

Sounds like fun Greg     I hate splitting elm.  I've done one log and I don't ever plan on splitting another one.  Not worth the trouble in my opinion.  Especially if you have access to other trees.

Oh yeah, it was a riot for sure!! Most fun Ive had since circumcision!  How does it work with hand tools?

[osage outlaw]

Don't know.  I got so pissed at that log that I haven't touched it since.  That was 4 years ago.  I traded half of it to Boardhawk.

[seabass]

good to hear from you again Greg.

[BowSlayer]

I had trouble with splitting maple with a saw and crowbar. Then I discovered wedges and a sledgehammer.  But took my nail clean off trying. 

[Thesquirrelslinger]

i have a 5 pound mini-sledge w/ a 10" handle... try splitting a 6" knotty elm log with just 2 wedges.
Seriously.
it really is a workout!

[BowSlayer]

We should make a bowyers fitness workout DVD 

[Pappy]

It is tough to split sometimes and sometimes not so bad,I do about like Pearl. And yes Winged Elm makes a good bow,just be sure it is dry and keep it that way through the process. It is bad about absorbing moisture. 
   Pappy

[blackhawk]

I kerf cut n split elm...never had as big as an issue as what you stated Greg....maybe your just a wuss 

Clint I haven't touched that elm yet...its still "seasoning"....

[PEARL DRUMS]

I think he just called you a wuss Greg?.......................How far away is the Classic now?

[Gsulfridge]

I think he just called you a wuss Greg?.......................How far away is the Classic now?

If I didn't know better, I'd say he did just call me a wuss.  Must of been a typo.     He is way to civilized to be name calling and pointing fingers!  I may just save those two elm halves and let him show me how to properly quarter them.  From  what I hear, he has a hard time splitting Mongolian Tulip, so he has no room to talk.  Oh .  .  . the Classic.  It can't be too much longer.  Im looking forward to it already.

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Mongolian tulip?
I think I have heard of a Mongolian Tulip Pecker... but never the actual tree