I've not had much success with black locust, but I realize some of you love it. So I appeal to your commone knowledge. . .
This stave is 70" and 1 1/2" wide. The bark was peeled carefully and then sealed. There is a mild dog leg in each limb that will need corrected, as well as a bit of twist.
![](http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s670/cotton7611/54C633EC-C2C1-4FEF-8753-0A3C2B07F864_zps1uqooptq.jpg)
My question is about the sapwood. Will it be a good backing for this bow? It appears that I will lose most of the heart wood on the belly unless I reduce the back some. The other option would be to side tiller, but I don't like that idea due to the lack of compression quality in black locust.
![](http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s670/cotton7611/1C72E773-218F-4C66-989F-0CA68F2D3B8F_zpsnaguqrjc.jpg)
![](http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s670/cotton7611/E3A15CF8-5434-48AD-BEFF-5121C1924CF3_zpsnqu4samx.jpg)
So let me have it. I'm not in love with this stave, but thought I'd try anyway.