Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: IrishJay on April 18, 2019, 06:51:57 pm

Title: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: IrishJay on April 18, 2019, 06:51:57 pm

I was out for a walk today, not particularly looking for bow wood; but I ran across this nice, relatively straight, piece of 1" dogwood. I plan to finish roughing it out tonight before putting it away to dry.

Would yinz recommend debarking the back and then sealing it or just leave the bark on?

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/jayres83/bow%20pics%202/20190418_212111_zpsxrffvrko.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/jayres83/media/bow%20pics%202/20190418_212111_zpsxrffvrko.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/jayres83/bow%20pics%202/20190418_212121_zpsqsheanz0.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/jayres83/media/bow%20pics%202/20190418_212121_zpsqsheanz0.jpg.html)

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: Hamish on April 18, 2019, 07:07:07 pm

I always debark and re seal with PVA glue. It stops bugs. Bark is always easier to remove when freshly cut.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: IrishJay on April 18, 2019, 07:09:32 pm

Thanks Hamish. I usually do debark before drying, but I've never had one roughed out this far before drying.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: Pat B on April 18, 2019, 08:34:47 pm

I agree, debark and seal.  You may also strap it to a form to prevent twisting and taking on too much reflex.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: sleek on April 19, 2019, 06:45:42 am

Wow, it's got a lot of twist to it.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: ohma2 on April 19, 2019, 08:12:15 am

I have found dogwood to be bad about spiral twist.that one has some now and will get alot worse as it dries.as said better strap it down good.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: IrishJay on April 19, 2019, 09:21:18 am

I skinned 'er, took out the twist and did some straightening. She's clamped up and drying now. It's looking like once I get the belly all cleaned up and flat I'm going to have about 3/8" thickness along to lengths of the limbs. So while the stave is drying I'm going to prep up some black walnut belly lam's from a skinny split out of walnut I just couldnt bring myself to scrap.

Title: Re: To Debark or Not to Debark.
Post by: IrishJay on April 19, 2019, 08:54:40 pm

I did some more roughing out and heat shaping on this stave. Put a slight deflex in the handle and reflexed the tips. Net reflex is 4.5", tips are straight and the twist is gone.

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/jayres83/bow%20pics%202/20190419_232347_zpsolnhyq7c.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/jayres83/media/bow%20pics%202/20190419_232347_zpsolnhyq7c.jpg.html)