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Author Topic: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries  (Read 5607 times)

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Offline redwasp

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in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« on: February 02, 2008, 12:39:18 am »
hello all, ive enjoyed reading and learning from the vast experience that you guys have. so I was just wondering if any special attention should be given to the stave after the harvest. any special way to split the wood ect. My experience in this area is very limited other than splitting firewood. also, i have only made board bows backed with bamboo. is this wood good for a beginner? Any imput would be greatly appreciated. also have hackberry and hickory.
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Offline El Destructo

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2008, 12:44:59 am »
How large is the Tree??? What diameter logs will you end up with?? If it is like 4 inch diameter...I just cut them to length....seal the ends and let them cure slowly...I have a bunch of Maple that I cut in Michigan 2 years ago in June...when I went Home on Vacation....and none of it has split any at all....the bigger ones I always half or quarter....then seal and let cure..I am sure that you will get plenty of answers to this post....good luck
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Offline redwasp

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2008, 12:47:36 am »
the tree is about 15 inches in diameter. any way to tell if its worth cutting before i fell it?
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If one man can do it, another man can do it. Richard......Northeastern PA.

Offline redwasp

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2008, 12:50:33 am »
i have so mant maple trees mabey one is better than another. just looks like bark to me. lol
« Last Edit: February 02, 2008, 12:53:56 am by redwasp »
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Offline venisonburger

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2008, 01:19:53 am »
I don't split into staves just split it in half to start, with a 15 inch maybe quarters, if you split all the way to staves they seem to twist. I leave the bark on too. seal the ends and keep them covered.
VB
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Offline redwasp

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2008, 02:18:58 am »
thank you venisonburger, we'll do.
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Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2008, 09:11:01 am »
Remove the bark as soon as possible. Bugs love Maple
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Offline Ryan_Gill_HuntPrimitive

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2008, 09:37:20 am »
i agree strip the bark and seal the back. leave them 2-3 staves thick cuz they do love to twist....and how you think i got my name....-Ryan
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Offline DanaM

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2008, 09:58:12 am »
I cut a big maple last summer, I split two logs into about 30 staves, removed the bark sealed the ends and back with shellac.
None of them twisted and I don't think they will if ya leave a little meat on them.
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Offline redwasp

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2008, 07:33:24 pm »
unable to havest this weekend due to freakin weather nice and icy here in poconos and plus the superbowl in sunday so mabey next weekend.
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Offline DanaM

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #10 on: February 02, 2008, 08:04:25 pm »
The bark is gonna be stuck tight this time of year, much easier to remove in early summer.
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Offline redwasp

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #11 on: February 02, 2008, 10:49:09 pm »
thank you, i guess ill wai til early summer then. Thats why i asked the question .....Richard
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Offline El Destructo

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2008, 12:45:13 am »
I guess I have always been lucky....I have never had Bugs in Maple...Silver or Sugar....Hard Rock....I have always left the Bark on and let it pop off when I start tillering the Staves...the tree Fairies must be watching out for me ;D
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As a species we're fundamentally insane. Put more than two of us in a room, we pick sides and start dreaming up ways to kill one another.Why do you think we invented politics and religion.
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Offline DanaM

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2008, 07:58:11 am »
Redwasp I will take wood anytime I can get it, just wanted to point out that the bark
slips right off when the sap is up. yakee I don't seem to have a problem with bugs either
of course they are probably all frooze to death.
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Offline venisonburger

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Re: in going to harvest some maple any tips on preserving while it dries
« Reply #14 on: February 03, 2008, 08:05:17 pm »
I haven't had the bug problem, I usually take my draw knife the following summer and shave the bark off, it is like a crystaline matter, kinda crunchy feeling when you shave it. when  i get close to the actual wood under the bark I use the corner of the draw knife to scrap it out of the dips. I usually leave a little for character.
VB
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