Need advice on Osage bendy layout please

[Vgo750]

Hey guys, so I have this reflexes Osage stave.  It is 60” long.  I want to do a bendy and maybe reflex the tips a bit.  Here is my issue.  On one end I have some drying cracks.  Looks like the wood is “delaminating” if that makes sense.  Do I have any options here except to cut off the end until the separation is gone? If that is the case I think I can cut 2 or 3” off and still get 27” out of it if I do my part.

[burchett.donald]

Vgo750,
             Cut that sucker! Take it to 55" That's more than enough for an Osage bendy @ 27...
                                                                                                                                          http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,57075.0.html



                                                                                                                                          Don

[osage outlaw]

I don't think those are drying cracks.  It looks like it splintered when the tree was cut or split.  You need to cut that end off until you get to solid wood. 

[Whiskeyjet]

I agree. Cut that section off without question.

[bushboy]

I would just start reducings the tips until I had something to work with.i

[bushboy]

With that kind of reflex,I would try to make it even on a form.maybe a little d at the handle.it will be tough to break that one over to bend!

[Weylin]

I don't think those are drying cracks.  It looks like it splintered when the tree was cut or split.  You need to cut that end off until you get to solid wood.

Agreed. no choice but to get to solid wood. That stuff isn't usable.

[Almosetx]

I may be contacting you for more information on this issue. It is very interesting.

[Marc St Louis]

I also would work the splintered end down to see what you have in there.  If you start cutting then you may cut off more than you need to