Hi Guys,
I've been seasoning a piece of ash since the begining of the year - it's been in the airing cupboard for the last month, and before that in the garage. I split it and roughed the shape first - before seasoning, so now I have a D shaped stave about 3" wide and 2" deep with the sap wood intact (bark off). A few questions if I may....
1. I've been told that it would need a couple of years to season, but I'm sure I've read a few months is enough - thoughts?
2. I've also been told that I shouldn't use the sap wood on Ash, but I thought that was the whole point?
3. Do I need to 'back' it? This it to stop it shattering if it snaps isn't it? Is it likely to shatter or will it lay down and die quietly??
4. The grain is pretty straight, but there is a kink in it where is bows out by 1/2" or so. It's wide enough for me to cut it straight, but would it be stronger if I followed the grain lines? It comes back again at the end, so the string would still pass over the handle (if you see what I mean).
Sorry for all the questions, it's my first bow attempt so I'm a complete
Any other tips gratefully accepted!
Many thanks,
I've been seasoning a piece of ash since the begining of the year - it's been in the airing cupboard for the last month, and before that in the garage. I split it and roughed the shape first - before seasoning, so now I have a D shaped stave about 3" wide and 2" deep with the sap wood intact (bark off). A few questions if I may....
1. I've been told that it would need a couple of years to season, but I'm sure I've read a few months is enough - thoughts?
2. I've also been told that I shouldn't use the sap wood on Ash, but I thought that was the whole point?
3. Do I need to 'back' it? This it to stop it shattering if it snaps isn't it? Is it likely to shatter or will it lay down and die quietly??
4. The grain is pretty straight, but there is a kink in it where is bows out by 1/2" or so. It's wide enough for me to cut it straight, but would it be stronger if I followed the grain lines? It comes back again at the end, so the string would still pass over the handle (if you see what I mean).
Sorry for all the questions, it's my first bow attempt so I'm a complete

Any other tips gratefully accepted!
Many thanks,