A Realistic Routine for Osage Orange & Yew Stave Selection That Fits a Busy Life
As an artisan bowyer living in the heart of Missoula, Montana, I know all too well the juggle of a busy life while pursuing a passion like bowmaking. Between family commitments, work responsibilities, and the everyday hustle, it can be hard to carve out the time to dive deep into selecting the perfect staves for your bows. However, with some practical strategies, you can realistically weave stave selection into your routine without feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve spent years honing my craft, and I want to share my insights on selecting Osage Orange and Yew staves—two of my favorite materials—with you in a way that fits into your busy life.
Understanding the Staves
Before working through the routine, let’s take a moment to understand why I choose Osage Orange and Yew. Each has distinct characteristics that make them ideal for bowmaking:
- Osage Orange: Known for its incredible tensile strength and elasticity, Osage Orange staves produce powerful and durable bows. The characteristic warm yellow-orange color is a bonus!
- Yew: This softer wood has a natural beauty and a unique ability to store energy, making it a natural choice for traditional bows. Its flexibility combined with strength often provides a unique shooting experience.
Both woods require careful selection to ensure you’re getting a stave that will yield a high-quality bow, but the process doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
My Realistic Routine for Stave Selection
Here’s a structured routine that I’ve developed over the years, allowing you to efficiently select Osage Orange and Yew staves without sacrificing quality or your valuable time.
| Step | Activity | Time Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research | 30 minutes | Read up on stave characteristics and local suppliers. |
| 2 | Visit Suppliers | 1-2 hours | Plan visits during weekends or combine with errands. |
| 3 | Initial Selection | 30 minutes | Look for straight grain and minimal knots. |
| 4 | Bring Home & Inspect | 1 hour | Check for moisture content and overall quality. |
| 5 | Store Properly | 15 minutes | Use a dedicated space that is cool and dry. |
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Research (30 minutes)
I kick off my routine with some research. Whether it’s flipping through my bowmaking books or browsing online forums, this step is essential. I spend about half an hour learning about the latest tips for stave selection and checking out local suppliers. Bookmarking a few resources helps set the stage for my next steps.
2. Visit Suppliers (1-2 hours)
On weekends, I dedicate a few hours to visiting local suppliers. I often combine this with errands; it makes the most of my time. My go-to spots are local lumberyards and specialty wood suppliers, where I’ve established relationships over the years. When selecting, I look for staves that are straight-grained, free of knots, and ideally, with a moisture content between 15% to 18%.
3. Initial Selection (30 minutes)
Once I’ve found candidates, I spend about half an hour inspecting them. Good lighting is key for this step. I examine the stave for both outward appearance and internal characteristics. A stave should feel balanced in your hands, and the grain should run straight to prevent future twisting during tillering.
4. Bring Home & Inspect (1 hour)
Once I’ve made my initial selections, I bring them home and spend about an hour inspecting them further. I check for moisture content with my moisture meter (aiming for 15%-18% as mentioned before). This is a good time to document any findings in my woodworking journal.
5. Store Properly (15 minutes)
Finally, I dedicate about 15 minutes to properly storing my staves. I have a dedicated space in my workshop where I keep them cool and dry, ensuring they don’t warp or crack over time. I also label them with the date and moisture content for future reference.