I've been researching for a while and started the process a few weeks ago. It will ultimately take quite a while, especially if I want to really season each bow.

Any tips?

Step 1 complete
-Finding trees about 4inces in diameter and very straight to cut and age.

This was much more difficult than I expected. When you get really close, so many trees have minor issues that will affect the bow.

I cut one hickory, one Osage Orange, and found a nice length of an oak that had fallen at least 6 months ago, but was free of rot and decay.

Step 2 starts this week, splitting the lengths and then more aging before I start shaping.

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Posted by KingRanch

The Ranch

Member since Mar 2012

61605 posts

Posted on 1/30/15 at 8:09 am to LSUfan20005

I haven't, but keep this updated with your progress

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Posted by gorillacoco

Baton Rouge

Member since Oct 2009

5320 posts

Posted on 1/30/15 at 8:15 am to LSUfan20005

I think they need to either be dried for several months in the open air or dried in a kiln. I had looked into it a few years back but didn't wind up pursue it any farther. Good luck and keep us updated.

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Posted by LSUfan20005

Member since Sep 2012

8817 posts

Posted on 1/30/15 at 8:20 am to gorillacoco

quote:
I think they need to either be dried for several months in the open air or dried in a kiln

This is what adds a lot of time, but makes the process more enjoyable because you can never spend more than a few hours working at a time (so it's never overwhelming).

Cut logs, dry for a few weeks. Then split logs, dry inside for a few weeks, gradually shape (it still dries during this period).

It can be a challenge preventing the lengths from cracking/splitting while drying, so it's important to protect from temp/humidity changes and seal the ends.

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Posted by LSUfan20005

Member since Sep 2012

8817 posts

Posted on 1/30/15 at 8:24 am to KingRanch

quote:
I haven't, but keep this updated with your progress

Will do. Eventually I'll put up images.

I start shaping my son's bow this weekend, which dried faster because it isn't as thick, ultimately looking for a 1-1.5 inch wide bow (vs about 2 inches for mine).

I've cut more than I need, because I expect to make plenty of mistakes