Sassafras

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Jon McGinnis
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Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:59 am

Sassafras

#1 Post by Jon McGinnis »

Does anyone have experience with a sassafras stave? I've got an old tree in my yard that has been dead for several years. It could make some really good staves? Any tips would be helpful.
1 John 4:14 "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world"

Jamesh76
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Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2016 6:05 pm

Re: Sassafras

#2 Post by Jamesh76 »

It's a very light weight wood. Would probably need overbuilt. Here is a general rule of thumb for staves. If its a old tree, been dead in the weather it may not be usable. You could always cut a 80" section, split and see what the heartwood looks like.
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Elkman
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Re: Sassafras

#3 Post by Elkman »

Hey Jon,

Welcome to Tradhunter!
Calling Elk - Awesome! !€

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Jon McGinnis
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Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:59 am

Re: Sassafras

#4 Post by Jon McGinnis »

Thank you very much! This is helpful. I've built two board bows so far and have learned a lot from that. The first was Red Oak (Lots of string follow) but still shooting at 53lbs. The second was a smaller hickory bow for my son. It's 35lb at a 23in draw. Still going to make more board bows, but thinking about trying a stave. I may give the sassafras a try...but not expect a whole lot. Really appreciate the reply!
1 John 4:14 "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world"

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Greg Felty
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Re: Sassafras

#5 Post by Greg Felty »

Good luck with your bow Jon. Keep us posted. I just tried making my first red oak board bow but it didn't survive.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

jaydee2trad
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Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:28 pm

Re: Sassafras

#6 Post by jaydee2trad »

good luck on it Jon, it would be cool to make one out of that tree.

Captainkirk
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Re: Sassafras

#7 Post by Captainkirk »

Welcome aboard, Jon! James is the board bow guru, BTW.
Aim small, miss small!

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Grizzly
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Re: Sassafras

#8 Post by Grizzly »

I remember Mike Treadway uses sassafras for laminations for his longbows. Sort of a plain looking wood. It grows around his place in N.C. plentifully and so he uses it.
Jesus replaces the old covenant and speaks to the believer the moral code of God by His Spirit directly to the heart. He is the eternal, everlasting revelation of God to mankind. In Him is both the knowledge of righteousness and the power to live right.

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