before starting....

[Wooden Spring]

OK, so I've got a couple of white oak and hickory trees that we're going to be dropping, so I thought they'd be great to learn on for making my first selfbows...  I'm thinking it's high time I learn...

So, being the nerd that I am, I picked up "Building the Sinew Backed Bow" DVD, The "Rattlestick" DVD, and the book "The Art of Making Selfbows."

They're all great but for one question....   What rough thickness do you start out with just before floor tiller?

[osage outlaw]

My first suggestion would be to wait until spring to drop those trees.  The bark will probably be stuck tight this time of year and be a pain to remove without damaging the outer ring.  In the spring when the sap starts flowing the bark should peal right off.

[TimBo]

That's a good suggestion - it will also give you time to read up on things a bit.  In the meantime, you could try to find a straight-grained board to work on.  Your trees will need to season for a while anyway.

[Pat B]

I also agree with the guys about cutting in the spring but if you have to cut now...5/8" to 3/4" is a good thickness starting point.

[Wooden Spring]

That's a good suggestion - it will also give you time to read up on things a bit.  In the meantime, you could try to find a straight-grained board to work on.  Your trees will need to season for a while anyway.

Oh, I've lost count of how many board bows I've built... That's why I think I'm ready to try staves now. Although I enjoy their clean lines, I'm tired of telling folks they're boards.... Doesn't quite have the pinache.....

[Wooden Spring]

I also agree with the guys about cutting in the spring but if you have to cut now...5/8" to 3/4" is a good thickness starting point.

Awesome. Will do.

[TimBo]

Plenty of people cut white wood in the fall and winter.  I think next time I do that I will try giving the staves a bath in my steam tube, but de-barking isn't really that big of a deal if you go slow.  3/4" should be a good starting point as mentioned (don't forget the handle if you want one though!).  Good luck!

[wizardgoat]

I don't think debarking wintercut wood in that bad personally.
I feel like it's a stronger back, because it's had the full growth
cycle. I don't have anything to back this claim, just a hunch.

[Pat B]

Hey goat, if you cut in the spring the back ring has had all winter to mature before the new rig starts to grow. I prefer spring time cuts for that reason.