Elm staves

[Mad Max]

If I can get it to split
Winged elm

[bdsmith1]

From plenty of experience with winged elm, the best way to split these out is to use a circular saw to cut rifts along where you want them to split. The interlocking grain will cause the split to run if you don't guide it in one way or another. I usually pull the bark first during the summer, but it may be harder right now. Winged elm is great stuff! Good luck!

[Pat B]

Good luck splitting it, Mark. Elm is one of the worst to split. Some folks cut a kerf lengthwise with a circular saw to start the split. This can be a dangerous move so if you try it be very careful. 

[bdsmith1]

Max, are you building self bows? Winged elm responds better than any wood I've tried to a deep heat treat. I cook over coals 4 hours until I get a nice even dark gold to slight blackening. A flat bow in winged elm is a thing of beauty!

[Mad Max]

Thanks for the info. guy's
I have made selfbow before but not with elm.

[dbeaver]

Did we split these out and get em drying MadMax?

[DVSHUNTER]

I've never used winged elm mark, but the elm I did use split fiber enough, although I had some machinery and I was 15 years or so younger. I like elm as bowwood though

[Mad Max]

Yes I split the log into 1/4ers and it's drying.
and I have 2 billets also.
Just a waiting game until this winter to split them down more.

[Pat B]

Mark, if you wanted to get going with this elm you could split the quarters down after about a month and by winter you could build bows.

[Mad Max]