Main Discussion Area > Bows

Persimmon

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Traxx:
Workin,on my first Persimmon Bow now.Got a stave of it,from Kowechobe.Ill probly be the only guy with a Persimmon Bow,in the State Of Nv,providen i dont screw it up.LOL

billy:
Hey Ya'll,

Let me know how that persimmon bow turns out.  I've never tried it, and I'm curious as to how it turns out!

Otoe Bow:
Well guys, my first foray into working persimmon is off to a twisted start.  I dropped the tree, topped it and took the 77" log  back to the shop.  I started off with a sharp draw knife removing the bark, but was afraid that I was going to go through the sap wood into the back.  I switched to a dull draw knife, and starting at the end, worked the blade under the bark and popped it off easily. 

Then using a small ax and wedges, I started on the trunk end and started to split it.  My original plan was to quarter it.  On the first run, the split started twisting and I ended up with two halves with the ends rotated about 45 degree.  I tried halving one of the halves and the split ran about 30 inches then split off to the edge.  With that kind of luck I decided to leave the other half alone and if it's salvageable after it cures, just work it down with the draw knife. 

I put a heavy coat of paint on each end and the peeled back. I then placed them in the rafters of my shop. 

Despite the twists, the wood was pretty clear and had only one knot on the inside that was not visible prior to splitting.  The center did reveal a dark streak that I originally took as rot or fungus.  Closer examination revealed charcoal.  Counting the rings, the tree survived a grass fire about 27 years ago.  Everything else looked good with the exception of the twisted grain.  :(

I was soaked with sap and sweat when I finished and the wife wouldn't let me in the house, otherwise I would have taken pictures then to get your opinions on whether the billets are salvageable.  I'll get them back down tomorrow and let you see them. 

Is this common on persimmon? After seeing some of the remarkable things that you guys do with some really bazaar pieces of wood, I just hope I'm able to pull this off. 

Thanks.

Otoe

Pat B:
Thats why I don't cut local persimmon or sassafras. You have to study the bark real close to see if it twists and if it does the tree is twisted.  I don't know how persimmon reacts to heat straightening but at least it worth a try.    Pat

DanaM:
Otoe may I make a suggestion, if you really want to make yer first bow why not start with
a good quality red oak board. Should be easy and cheap. Go to George and/or the Ferrets site
for directions on choosing a board and building directions. This is a great way to learn how to tiller
and there is nothing wrong with a board bow. Hope this helps.

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