Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: IrishJay on October 05, 2019, 01:25:44 pm

Title: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: IrishJay on October 05, 2019, 01:25:44 pm

I found an area that was recently logged, they setup an onsite mill and cut their boards as they were dropping trees. They left several huge piles of slabs behind. I did some poking around the other day and pulled out a peice of maple (not sure which species, but its hard). Saw some oak, hickory and birch buried in there too, but since I was alone and no-one knew where I was I didn't want to do too much climbing and digging.

I got 3 usuable staves from the maple slab I grabbed though.

Anyone else have any luck with staves they've come by this way?

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/jayres83/bow%20pics%202/20191005_141223_zpshpswbi31.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/jayres83/media/bow%20pics%202/20191005_141223_zpshpswbi31.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: bjrogg on October 05, 2019, 01:38:14 pm

I've got a Osage stave from slab wood. I chased a ring on it and reduced it close to bow size last spring. Should work.
Bjrogg
Ps at least as long as nothing else wrong with it. Bugs or fungus

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: bassman on October 05, 2019, 01:56:33 pm

If it is Rock Maple sometimes call sugar Maple it will make a good bow. I have tried Red Maple a few times with no success. Good luck on your builds. Were I live the Amish have many saw mills. Lots of slabs piled up. I never inquired ,because they always look to weathered to me.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: IrishJay on October 05, 2019, 02:05:08 pm

Bass, where abouts are you? I'm in Amish country myself.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: bassman on October 05, 2019, 02:38:46 pm

Rural Valley, Plumville, Sagamore area. Western pa.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: JW_Halverson on October 05, 2019, 02:50:10 pm

Looks like you might have a secret gold mine! If you can find the timber crew, maybe they will give you a head's up when they are going to be working in an area and you will be able to mine the fresh cut stuff. 

Peel the bark and see whatcha got fast! Be sure to seal the back immediately or toss it aside as firewood.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: IrishJay on October 05, 2019, 03:21:24 pm

Western Pa here too Bass.

JW I'd definitely like to find out where theyre head next. I'm going to get as much usable stuff from this site as I can, but this property was mostly maple and black cherry. I'd love to dig their pile on a property with more hard woods.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: timmyd on October 05, 2019, 04:35:25 pm

Western PA here to. I know that area. Wife has family in Dayton and I go up to that smicksburg produce auction every year. Cool find though

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: IrishJay on October 05, 2019, 05:55:55 pm

All of us western Pa guys should put together a little shoot and get together some time.

Title: Re: Staves from mill slabs
Post by: bassman on October 06, 2019, 09:04:17 am

That would be fun.