saskatoon (service berry) old growth?

[jayman448]

I found what looked to be a large straight thick stave and just couldnt wait to cut it (so i didnt) but i found that the end center on one end was real punky and rotton looking (obviously not useable.) I cut the other side just to see and it was not rotton but it was black in the center. Is this a fungus or a common rot with this kind if wood? If i come across a piece that is not punky but is black will it nit be suitable? (I apologize for me never ending questions xD)

[bambam]

I have done 2 old growth saskatoon bows with dark brown center (not black). The dark color was hard and had no weakness in the bow. I have 2 really nice staves drying in the basement and will let them dry bark on with ends glued for at least a year as they tend to propeller twist as they dry. The fibers of this wood is crazy tough and an inch thick stave can make a high poundage bow.

[jayman448]

This one i got must be about two and a half inches across dead straight, over six foot long with two knots on the same side (so i intend on hacking em out on the belly side) quite excited for this piece if wood (so long as the black stuff isnt an issue xD)

[DC]

Roughly what kind of age is "old growth" Saskatoon?

[Danzn Bar]

Roughly what kind of age is "old growth" Saskatoon?

Yea ....What diameter of tree was that old growth............... I got access to a few trees been thinking about making some bows ....................
DBar

[jayman448]

Lik i said above its probably about two a d a half inches across only. Ive found bigger that had the old growth a d inside of the black ring was a mulchy punky rotten center