Maple sapling bows

[Julian]

In a stroke of luck I harvested some fallen wood maple branches today. Pretty small diameter. I want to make some kids bows for my cousins from them. Any preliminary advice regarding seasoning and appropriate designs for a low-poundage short-bow? I think the wood is pretty dry already, but should I debark and seal?

Is the bark on maple good enough for a backing or should I debark and chase a ring.

[bubby]

Debark, don't chase a ring. I would rough shape the limbs to the pith and leave the handle fade area alone and clamp it down while it dries, and yes seal the back

[Julian]

Cheers. will do.

[PatM]

How did this wood fall? Broken off or trimmed?

[Julian]

How did this wood fall? Broken off or trimmed?

I think it had broken off obstructing the path, and was moved off the path where I found it. This was on a walking trail.

[PatM]

When a branch breaks on it's own it seems the wood may have inherent weakness. If it's been lying long enough to dry it may have also had time to start rotting.

[Julian]

When a branch breaks on it's own it seems the wood may have inherent weakness. If it's been lying long enough to dry it may have also had time to start rotting.

they seemed ok to me, but we'll see how we go. no loss if they fail

[DC]

What kind of Maple?

[Julian]

What kind of Maple?

Japanese Maple;

From established trees, planted in the 70s. Someone in the 70s planted a whole lot of European bow woods as well, which is rare in this part of the world.

[sleek]

Thank God for the 70s huh!

[Julian]

Thank God for the 70s huh!

 no joke;

Canadian maple, Japanese maple, Canadian birch, English ash, three other varieties of ash, Japanese oak. all old trees on this walking trail. I'd never harvest from them but I'll pick up the fallen branches

[DC]

I've always wondered about Japanese Maple. Keep us posted. That said, picking up branches of the ground isn't the best way to get bow wood. Like PatM said.