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Author Topic: Split or Cut?  (Read 12370 times)

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Bowman4269

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Split or Cut?
« on: December 18, 2007, 04:07:42 pm »
I'm new to bowmaking so this is probably a stupid question but do most of you guys split your wood or cut it with a saw when making staves?

                                                                                                                                                                                 Bowman4269
« Last Edit: December 18, 2007, 04:14:39 pm by Bowman4269 »
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Offline Coo-wah-chobee

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2007, 04:49:27 pm »
.........Split it out that way it will more than likely follow the grain. Dont saw it out, it will violate the grain................bob
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #2 on: December 18, 2007, 09:33:09 pm »
Do check that vertical grain and follow it when laying out the middle of the stave. Not a big deal with a straight whitewood stave but becomes important when dealing with a snaky stave. The vertical grain runs tip to tip. Look closely at the back of the stave. Jawge
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Offline cowboy

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2007, 09:37:22 pm »
Have tried both - prefer splitting, as a split follows the grain. After you debark and locate the grain, saw away :).
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Offline Hillbilly

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2007, 09:08:10 am »
Split. Then saw or chop to profile, but like Jawge said, you gotta follow the grain. If you try to make a straight bow out of a crooked stave, it's gonna blow up on you.
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Offline Auggie

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2007, 09:10:47 am »
Oh you gotta split it, how else can you appreciate the strength and toughness of the tree? Plus swingin a  big hammer is good for ya.
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Offline Pappy

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2007, 11:07:33 am »
I split most ,but do cut Hickory if it is good striaght grain. :) and want to get the most out of it.
    Pappy
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Offline DanaM

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2007, 11:15:08 am »
In the interest of settling this debate if anyone wants to drop 2 logs of osage off at my house I will do one each way
and report the rusults back to ya all ;D
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Offline madcrow

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2007, 03:16:31 pm »
If you only try osage, that would still leave the debate open, so in all fairness, I say two of everything.  If you need help splitting, call me and make a large pot of coffee.
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Offline cowboy

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2007, 08:46:58 pm »
On the way Dana, one anyway - think you'll be able to get two outa this one (maybe ;)).
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Offline DanaM

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Re: Split or Cut?
« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2007, 05:59:19 am »
Camp coffe ok? Black and strong, none of that sissy Starbucks slop.
If the grain is not straight I say split, if the grain is nice and straight kerf with a chainsaw
and save a little work. On small diameter 3"-4" I will just cut them in half on the bandsaw.
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