How to split a log into bow staves

[@DanSantanaBows]

Once again, another very helpful video! I must have missed it, what kind of tree is that?

[@BowtellBows]

Thanks Dan! I guess I actually forgot to mention that it was a maple tree. Not sure what species though.

[@MElaughs]

Your cat makes for a brilliant distraction. Great video though, very useful. I have some cherry that was cut 5 months ago but I have not split it into staves. It is under shelter. Am I OK leaving it or do you recommend splitting?

[@BowtellBows]

He is a good cat and thank you. I have found that I am usually good leaving logs whole or split if in a shelter. Only problem I ran into lately is bugs wanting to eat under bark. If you can and haven’t yet debarked the tree, I’d recommend doing that so the bugs don’t get to your treasured stave. Best of luck!

[@MElaughs]

@@BowtellBows thanks for such a fast answer and for some excellent advice. I will strip it down tomorrow. Stay blessed.

[@WOF27]

good video! At the end when you mention the knot, it seems like there are two other knots near it. Is that not the case?

[@BowtellBows]

Yes it does have two other knots but I think I will either be able to work around them but we shall see. They are definitely smaller than the one on the end. Thanks for the comment!

[@DogsaladSalad]

hardwood doesnt grow here :( good vid though

[@BowtellBows]

Well that is unfortunate. What kinds of softwoods? Thank you

[@DogsaladSalad]

@@BowtellBows pine and cottonwood. little else

[@BowtellBows]

Yeah those aren’t great for bows but cottonwood wouldn’t be bad for practice if you find a good, clean, and straight log to try on. Otherwise it wouldn’t be worth the time I think.