I did some searching and didn't find this discussed on the forum, my apologies if I missed it. I've got a nice American elm log that unfortunately got knocked down by a dead ash a couple years back. Cut at 111” and 12” diameter and straight. The log was cut wet in December 2022 and while removing the bark I found lots of beetle trials underneath. Went ahead and let it dry under a dry overhang where it's sat un-split ever since. I've made an Osage self bow before, and although I love Osage there’s limited supply on the property. I know that with elm there’s no need to chase a ring, and that the back of the bow can be the outermost layer of wood just under the bark. Unfortunately there isn’t a long enough section unmolested by beetles to make a bow from. So what now? If I sanded past the beetle lines would that be an acceptable back for a self bow? I could always sinew back it but I’d prefer not to. Never worked with elm before. Worst case scenario i can get plenty of axe handles or canoe paddles out of it. Thanks in advance!
