Author Topic: apple question  (Read 1171 times)

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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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apple question
« on: December 14, 2012, 12:40:37 am »
I cut a piece of apple wood back in early sept. It is a branch about two inches in diameter. I left it unsplit with bark on because I heard it checks really easy. Is it ok to rough it out at this point and let it dry faster or will it still check?

Offline Pat B

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Re: apple question
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2012, 01:14:07 am »
It should be OK to work now. If you remove the bark now be sure to seal the back. I keep a spray can of Bullseye shellac on my work bench all the time and seal all newly exposed backs, no matter how old the stave is.
 I cut a 2" peach sucker last winter. I left it whole for about a month then cut out a rough bow shape and bound it to a form in reflex. Not long ago I removed it from the form. I've just started back building bows after a drought period and have this "peach" of a stave in my go to pile with a few others.
  Keep us posted on your progress.  ;)
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: apple question
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2012, 07:06:09 am »
ok thanks Pat! how is peach as a bow wood?

Offline Pat B

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Re: apple question
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2012, 10:39:07 am »
Its pretty light weight physically but seems strong and resilliant. I'll let you know how it goes from here as I progress.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline gstoneberg

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Re: apple question
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2012, 12:43:07 pm »
Save the shavings off the fruitwood bows, they work great in the smoker. :)  Good luck on the bow.

George
St Paul, TX

Offline Bryce

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Re: apple question
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2012, 01:19:34 pm »
Pat you've been teasing us with this peach bow for almost a year now! Can we please get a peek at it!!
Clatskanie, Oregon

Offline Pat B

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Re: apple question
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2012, 01:39:07 pm »
I'll take a pic when I get back in the shop. Not much done on her though. I'm just starting back up after a long drought.  ::)
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: apple question
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2012, 04:53:58 pm »
Yeah keep us updated on the peach bow. Also I will store the apple stave near my wood stove which goes 24/7.  I cut it in sept. How long does a two inch diameter debarked piece of apple take to dry in these conditions?

Offline Pat B

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Re: apple question
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2012, 05:28:06 pm »
Lee, take it down to floor tiller stage and it will dry quicker. I bound the peach sucker to a form to induce some reflex but also to keep it from twisting as it dries.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: apple question
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2012, 07:00:03 pm »
ok I'll give it a go tomorrow