Hop Hornbeam - Ironwood - Question

[Dean Marlow]

You guys out there that have experience with ironwood I got to ask a question. The ironwood around here does not get very big in my area. Around 4" threw is big here. I went and sawed a couple of these logs down the middle with my saw. Is straight grain a must in ironwood? Dean

[Pat B]

You would be better splitting the pole to be sure the tree didn't grow twisted. I usually start a wedge in the center of the pole and they usually split straight to both ends as long as the grain is straight.
  Like most whitewoods, the growing season is the best time to cut because the bark slips off easier and whats under the bark is the best back.   Pat

[DCM]

You can always follow the grain when you layout the bow, which is much advised.  I have had trouble finding enough depth for the handle, by controlling the split you may have avoided that problem.

[Pat B]

If I have that problem I add a shoe leather riser to fill in the handle. I make bulbous handles so a 4" leather oval works well.    Pat

[Roy Steele]

PAT B said it all.

[Holm-Made]

We get some bigger trees around here, 6-7 inch diameter.  I have it on my property.  I made a few bows out of it and was real happy.  I cut it in the winter and took my time taking the bark off.  It was stuck on good.  The backs of these bows had some humps and valleys so I left some canbium layer in the valleys for a natural camo effect.  Looked really nice.  Tuff stuff.  Chad