Black locust sap wood?

[penderbender]

Hey guys I got a chance to cut some black locust the other day. Is it 100% necessary to get rid of the sap wood? It's only 2 3/4" wide. Really tight rings so I am wondering if I can leave the sap wood? Cheers- Brendan

[Pat B]

I would not remove the sapwood from those poles. Just peel the bark to expose the backs.  I'd saw them in half, choosing the best place to insure 2 good staves then bind them back together with small pieces of wood between to allow air circulation. Be sure to seal the ends well and if you remove the bark(should peel easily) be sure to seal the backs well.

[DC]

Was there any bug holes in them Brendan? I got a stave from the Cowichan area and it was full of tiny(less than a mm) bug holes. It looked like there was an infestation a few years back and all the holes healed over. None of them came to the surface so the back looked pristine but when I split it there was tons of little holes.

[penderbender]

Thanks pat! That's what I was hoping.
Don i Don't know about bug holes yet. I am going to split/ debark after work today. I'll let you know. Thanks again. Cheers- Brendan

[Pat B]

Brendan, sometimes small diameter logs(poles) don't split well. If you have or have access to a band saw sawing would be a better option.

[George Tsoukalas]

I agree about leaving the sapwood if there is not enough heartwood.
My very first shooter was made from a BL sapling with a sapwood back.
Anyway, there is some info on my site re sapling bows.
Jawge
http://traditionalarchery101.com/saplingbow.html

[Pat B]

I was waiting to hear from you George. 

[sleek]

If its good enough for the tree its good enough for me. I have made several good performers with sapwood on.