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Author Topic: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow  (Read 1787 times)

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Offline KelRob

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Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« on: September 06, 2015, 07:05:57 pm »
Hi,

 I just got a 5" diameter x 60" trunk of mulberry. I would like to know:

 1. About how long would it take to air dry?

 2. Should I use it as a backing for my red oak board bows I plan on?

 3. Or, make it in to a bow just by itself?

 4. Should I remove the bark to make it dry quicker?

 KelRob
« Last Edit: September 06, 2015, 07:40:46 pm by KelRob »
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Offline sleek

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2015, 08:22:49 pm »
5 years to dry.

Now that I depressed you, split it and rough out staves, 6 months or less depending where you live. That includes bark removal and end grain painting.

Id make bows as it is. Red oak backs itself well. 
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owlbait

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2015, 08:31:40 pm »
Just split a wide 70" stave and shortened them to 66". They were debarked and have been drying for 10 months. Look good to go. Get after yours and have fun. I wish you much success!
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Offline bowandarrow473

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2015, 10:02:45 pm »
Split into halves or quarters if you can, remove bark and rough to near bow dimensions, then seal the back and clamp to a board for 2-3 months. That's what I do for all my bows. Also make sure the ends are sealed or it WILL check on you.
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Offline KelRob

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2015, 10:58:28 pm »
What would one use to seal the ends?
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Offline Loope

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2015, 11:04:07 pm »
I have used shellac to seal the ends, bullseye spray shellac is handy.  Lately I have been just using wood glue to seal the ends... it is easy to get, cheap, and I always have some around.
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Offline bowandarrow473

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2015, 08:56:46 am »
I use TB3 to seal the ends, it's tough, waterproof and I have buttloads of it.
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2015, 09:02:46 am »
If you remove the bark and/or sapwood be sure to seal the back also.
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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #8 on: September 07, 2015, 09:51:56 am »
So many uses for one log. If it was in my hands? Id split it down the middle once and sit it in my basement for 8-10 months with bark on. After that time Id peel and seal it. Then take it upstairs where the climate is controlled at 72 deg and 50% humidity and let it sit for a month. After that, its bow material to me.

I rarely if ever seal ends anymore. I have seen almost every sealed end crack in some way, shape or form anyway.
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Offline Springbuck

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Re: Mulberry use as backing or make complete bow
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2015, 03:10:47 pm »
Quote from: KelRob on September 06, 2015, 10:58:28 pm
What would one use to seal the ends?

Sealant.  I know that's a "smart" answer, but it really is up to you.  Glue, polyurathane, wax, whatever, just make sure it gets done.

All mulberry I have used was pretty good bow wood.  I would split it, reduce it, and RESTRAIN IT!   It will warp all over if not strapped or clamped. 
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