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[JK Lewis]

You may remember my first efforts last year. A steep learning curve with a tree that was too young and too skinny, resulting in a pitiful number of banana shaped clefts. So, I'm turning it up to 11 this spring, here's a picture of the next project. Nice round trunk, approx 60 inch circumference at the bottom and way tall. It's not perfect, a few twigs and branches up the trunk, but I reckon there should be plenty of useable wood. As soon as the felling license arrives, she's coming down!

[Buzz]

Good luck, looks a super tree! Have you got someone who can help with cleft cutting/sealing the willow?

[JK Lewis]

I found a couple of guys locally with the sawing capability that I need, and we practised together last year. I figure to use some of the wood from the top of the new tree, or unuseable knotted sections of trunk to hone our skills on. Then we can get to the good wood, and make the most of it. On sealing, the candle wax I used previously was pretty effective, especially when I double-dipped. But another woodman suggested using heavy, waterproof outdoor paint, to seal the ends. This sounds like a good idea, and probably easier than melting dozens of tealights on the BBQ in my garage.

[Buzz]

Sounds like you have given it loads if thought.
Have you tried giving Wright's or Kippax or Matt at H4L a chat to ask for some tips? Might be worth your while.

Am really looking forward to seeing how this progresses, lots of pictures please!!

[Seniorplayer]

Looking at the photo Working From the first 8 feet of the tree  with a good splitter you should get 8  4 1/2  wide  clefts  from  each of the first 4 roundels.
Also the first 4 roundels  normally gives you the   Trees best willow

[JK Lewis]

Looking at the photo Working From the first 8 feet of the tree  with a good splitter you should get 8  4 1/2  wide  clefts  from  each of the first 4 roundels.
Also the first 4 roundels  normally gives you the   Trees best willow

Yes, that's what I think too. I'm about 70 inches tall, and I'm planning to cut 30 inch lengths. So you can judge from the photo I should get 4 or 5 decent rounds, plus 2 or 3 more for practise. I might get some clefts that work for junior bats from the higher sections. I haven't been able to measure the circumference at height - it's not the sort of place that I can take a long ladder - so there is an element of guesswork involved.

[Seniorplayer]

With regard to sealing it needn't be expensive you could use PVA or Paraffin wax

[JK Lewis]

With regard to sealing it needn't be expensive you could use PVA or Paraffin wax

PVA? Like glue? That's an excellent idea, thanks.

[Seniorplayer]

Yes, that's what I think too. I'm about 70 inches tall, and I'm planning to cut 30 inch lengths. So you can judge from the photo I should get 4 or 5 decent rounds, plus 2 or 3 more for practise. I might get some clefts that work for junior bats from the higher sections. I haven't been able to measure the circumference at height - it's not the sort of place that I can take a long ladder - so there is an element of guesswork involved.

Cutting  roundels  no less than  28 inches upto 30 inches  in length is correct. Note  the willow facing south as this should be superior.
Your right regarding the willow higher up after the first 4 roundels it's not so good.
Hopefully the tree won't have to many defects and  you work is rewarded with  nice bats.

[Seniorplayer]

PVA? Like glue? That's an excellent idea, thanks.

Yes PVA glue it is already being  used by the industry as an altertitive.

[Vulcan Cricket]

Bees wax . Find a bee keeper buy some honey and a bit of wax and melt it in a big metal pan and dip your end away 🙈 I mean willow cleft ends 

[JK Lewis]

Bees wax . Find a bee keeper buy some honey and a bit of wax and melt it in a big metal pan and dip your end away 🙈 I mean willow cleft ends 

Another good idea, thanks.  There are various beekepers around here.  I do quite like the simplicity of paint or pva tbh, avoids the pans of boiling liquid!

Maybe I'll try both, and report back.

[JK Lewis]

Breaking News...The felling license has arrived! Just need some decent weather, and a big chainsaw!

[Rahul_K]

Breaking News...The felling license has arrived! Just need some decent weather, and a big chainsaw!

I don't want to be the boring safety nazi, but please be careful. I apologise if you are an experienced tree feller and if so, do disregard this message. Assuming you are not, willow can be bloody evil. It has a habit of splitting and shattering so please please don't go into this unless you are entirely confident of your abilities. Again, you may know all this already, if so I am sorry.

Good luck with it.

[Seniorplayer]

I don't want to be the boring safety nazi, but please be careful. I apologise if you are an experienced tree feller and if so, do disregard this message. Assuming you are not, willow can be bloody evil. It has a habit of splitting and shattering so please please don't go into this unless you are entirely confident of your abilities. Again, you may know all this already, if so I am sorry.

Good luck with it.

Nothing wrong with. Asking  someone  to be careful seen far to many accidents in my job.