Question about seasoning a black locust stave

[eastcreekarchery]

So I split a stave off a log i found on a tree service junk pile. I don’t know when it was cut or how long it’s been there. The sapwood directly under the bark is slightly wet to the touch but the heartwood looks dry. The heartwood has tiny sparkles on it after I split a ring off. Idk if thats water or something else. I was thinking of roughing out the bow then letting it sit for a couple weeks, maybe leave the sapwood on n seal the ends. Thanks!

[gutpile]

cant tell moisture content by looking.. but if its looks wet you can bet it is.. I personally would at least build a hot box and rough out a bow and let it season.. by roughing out I dont mean take it down to your back yet either.. if you force dry wood it will check..building a wet bow is not going to achieve what you are looking for... also seal the back and ends and leave belly raw so moisture can escape there... leave it thick for now.. if its really wet....gut

[Black Moshannon]

I think black locust has to be seasoned a long time like Osage. It seems to take a year and a half to turn the nice yellow orange color. This is one reason I like white woods cause I can do them in a couple weeks.

[George Tsoukalas]

Only good to leave sapwood it you don't have enough heartwood.

If you remove the bark you must seal the back with a poly or it will check.

Jawge

[Pat B]

George has build as many locust bows as anyone. I'd listen to him...and gut. 

[eastcreekarchery]

Ive decided to let the stave sit and season a while longer. I'll check it in a month. I removed the bark but left the sapwood on which ill remove later as i chase rings. Thanks for the help everyone.

[bradsmith2010]

    i would rough out, ,to floor tiller put the sinew on ,, and let them cure together,,
as stated coat the back,, or it will check,,
if you want the bow to cure faster,, take off the sapwood now and rough it out,, I would put a good layer of hide glue on the back till you get ready to sinew,,that will help with any checking, that being said, if you gonna sinew back a little checking will not effect your chance of success,,
at least rough out and put one layer of sinew on,, you can always add if you need,, I am not big on waiting   
    if you want a really cured stave then get one and do another bow,, and see how they compare,,,
    a month will not do much in the current state,, maybe a year,,

[eastcreekarchery]

Haha i dont wanna wait either so i think ill rough out then sinew then cure

[bradsmith2010]

please read Laubins book ,, the sinew backing part

[eastcreekarchery]

please read Laubins book ,, the sinew backing part

Are you referring to American Indian Archery?

[bradsmith2010]

yes

[druid]

I always store my locust with bark for few months. After that, when it is easy to strip off I debark it. When I left fresh locust debarked usually I have deep checks. Also I do not recommend fresh locust blanking because it can wrap badly. You make good, straight blank and after some tome it is not straight any more.

[eastcreekarchery]

i think im gonna put it next to the fireplace and see if that helps