[CAS14]

The $200 price tag on the kiln-dried Bois d'Arc staves, cut for bow makers is just too much. At 66, I don't want to wait a year or two for my green sticks to cure.

At noon today, I stopped by a small, obscure hardwood store. He will order 2" x (6 to 8)" x 10' pecan, saw it into square 10' pieces, and then cut them into 6' and 4' lengths. Cost is about $5.50 per board foot plus a nominal charge for the cuts so all will fit right into my pickup bed.

Maybe the KA-BAR will get tiresome, I may have to spring for a draw knife. These will provide a learning experience sooner rather than later.

Future decisions: sealer, stain, finish, accessories.

 

[Rad]

CAS: I'm not familiar with the characteristics of Pecan -- we don't see that around here! I'm assuming it's a hardwood?

 

[CAS14]

CAS: I'm not familiar with the characteristics of Pecan -- we don't see that around here! I'm assuming it's a hardwood?

Pecan is a deciduous tree that is native to Oklahoma, although thin-shelled cultivars are preferred by some growers. On the Janka hardness scale, hickory and pecan are 1820, as compared to white pine at 420 and mesquite at 2345. I thought that it might be finer textured and have fewer knots that walnut, but I am not sure. I will have enough to practice and make mistakes as I learn.

 

[Rad]

Thank You! I've learned something. Still looking forward to seeing the process -- and I'm with you on the grand kid thing! We've raised one of ours from babyhood.