Del, Josh, Pappy, Parnell, TBod, Steve M, Jawge, Sailor Dad, GMC, and David W thank you all for the kind words.
GMC, other than issues with drying and getting the wood to stabilize, it has been really nice wood to work with. I have gotten staves from three different logs from two different states, and didn't see a big difference in grain or color between them. The staves from the bigger older tree had ebony like viens in the heartwood that thinned out to just streaks closer to the bark. Gave a nice effect to the bow. It lends itself well to hand tools, and seems to make a fine bow once it settles down. When debarking staves I have been welcomed by a pleasant pumpkin odor, that gets me thinking pie. Looking forward to making more bows with Persimmon.
A man asked me the other day,"What would you say was your favorite wood for making bows?" After a moments thought I replied,"Whatever piece of dry wood I have in the drying rack, that is ready to be made into a bow, that is my favorite kind of wood for bows."
