Lilac Questions

[mmattockx]

We have a fairly large row of lilac bushes on our property and they need some thinning and pruning, so I thought I would take the opportunity to try and get some bow wood out of it. From searching here it seems lilac is highly regarded as a bow wood and is very challenging to harvest and dry without cracking and checking.

1) What do I seal the ends with? I have leftover latex house paint around, is that suitable?
2) I draw 28". I like bows around 40-45#. How big does the stave need to be to accommodate that? I've seen references to it being similar to osage in that you don't need much wood to make a bow and would like to know what size of pieces I should be looking at keeping.
3) I can pick pieces now and then wait until fall to harvest. Is that better than harvesting now while the sap is up? If I cut in the fall it will be sealed up and left in a shed over winter for initial drying, is that OK?
4) Since the pieces will be short from the looks of it, how should I prep it into billets for future use? Dry with the bark on and then cut billets next year?


Thanks,
Mark

[TimothyR]

I'd cut it in the fall while the sap is down. Seal with glue, paint
Shellac or wax. I've read that lilac is hard, but have never seen a bow from it. Post pics when you can.

[simson]

This is what I would do:
1.) seal ends with wood glue
2.) min 58" for a bendy, 66" for a stiff handle
3.) harvest in spring > easy to debark, seal the whole stave with oil or shellac. Harvest in winter > let the bark on seal the sides and belly with oil or shellac. Leaving in a not windy shed is o.k.
4.) if you have time, seal ends with glue and split next year. watch for buggers!

Lilac is great bow wood!

[jeffp51]

I cut one.  It checks fast and hard. wrap the stave in plastic wrap to slow the drying process.