I've got a massive Mulberry tree that's in need of a serious trim and the branches look as though I could get 3 maybe 4 good 6' to 8' staves out of each. How is Mulberry for a selfbow? I don't want to buy a stave when I have this big mulberry available.

Sorry. I done a search and found what I was looking for. I've done hickory in the past so I have all the tools so now it's time to move on to Mulberry. The only thing I need (other than patience) is a moisture tester.

I didn't use a moisture meter in my early days. You could weigh your stave every day and look for constant weight for about a week.

You could seal the ends and split into staves.

Mulberry is a heartwood so you could remove the bark and go to a heartwood ring.

Seal the back too after sanding.

Anyway, more on my site.

http://traditionalarchery101.com

Jawge

have fun... :)

Good luck Paul!

Good luck and I'm sure you will make a good one.

Just one amateur question. When is the best time of the year to harvest due to moisture ?

I cut white woods when the sap is running so I can peel the bark off, but I've always tried to cut osage and such in the winter.

Still do not own a moisture meter after 28 yrs of making wood and composite bows. Rough out the bow until almost ready to floor tiller. Bounce the stave off concrete upright from a few inches, when the proper high pitched "ping" I know it is dry enough. Sound checking MC

i use a moisure meter sometimes,, but have some staves that have dried for years and dont need it much, but something like a green stave would be nice,, I agee get it to floor tiller, wont take long to dry enough to make a bow,,,,,I think aged is better but made alot of nice bows from pretty new wood,,enjoy,,,,worst thing is if you made it too soon might follow the string a bit, but would still shoot,, and probably pick up some weight, as it cured,,

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here