Apple wood self bows
Hi just wondering if anyone has experience of making a bow with apple wood? I came into a bit of luck with some unusually long clean boughs and a few 'trunk' pieces. The plan is to split the thicker stuff into billets and make Holmegaard or Møllegabet style bows from the boughs.
I'm pretty excited to get into processing but I'm cautious about the wood checking. Some experimental trimming to make wood for the bbq has checked/split like crazy. The wood I have drying with the bark on appears to not be checking at all but I'd say it's still relatively wet.
What's the best way to dry this wood?
I'm thinking slow is best, leave the bark on and apply glue or paint to seal the ends. I have enough wood to experiment but don't want to waste it.
Thoughts and advice very welcome.