fresh hickory

[cody]

#3797

Just curious whats everybodies suggestions on how long to leave fresh cut hickory in an attic to let it dry. I don’t have access to a dry kilm and have heard an attic in the summer will do the job pretty well, but how long do I have to make myself wait before I can’t stand it anymore and have to go carve one it? Also what does anybody know about basswood? Been told its a lot like popular as far as grain and texture. Would it be good for lams??

[tailfeather]

#24181

Working on the same thing myself. I split the tree into 4 staves and have them drying in the barn….actually have one in the truck in the sun (windows up). Have been told to rough one out to near bow dimensions to speed up drying.

If it’s roughed out and placed in a dry area with good air flow, I’m told it can be worked/tillered in a month or so…..

[cody]

#24716

yeah Ive heard about a month or so too. also does it warp?? do you have to lay things on it or strap it down so it keeps its shape? I know some wood will go nuts and warp all over the place when it dries. Sorry if some of these questions seem dumb or simple, this is just my first with drying the wood myself. thanks for the info

[William Warren]

#25435

I always peel the bark to minimize the risk of beetles getting into the wood. Make sure the stave is a couple of inches longer than your intended bow length. The stave will check on the ends. In an attic? I’d say 30-60 days. You could leave it for 30 days and then rough it out. If there is any moisture you will feel it in the wood. Put it back up there for another 30 days. Of course, longer is better. My best bows that have taken the least amount of set were made from staves dried for more than a year, but I fully understand you wanting to have a bow built and broken in by hunting season. So you could start one as suggested above if you need one now. Keep on makin’ shavings!

[cody]

#25825

a year!!! oh goodness I can’t wait that long. hahaha. I don’t need one at the moment. I got a hickoy blank at the TN Classic and shaped it out and ended up with a 60 lbs and 28 inches bow that I love and it got me waning to make more and more. But thanks for the information. I’ll put them up and see how long I can wait before I give in to the itch. haha

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