Main Discussion Area > Bows
Elm harvesting
Muskyman:
Have a 8-10 inch diameter elm I can harvest. Do you treat it like Osage and draw knife the bark and sapwood off, or does it come off like hickory does? Leave the bark on and let it dry? I think it’s a slippery elm.
Also how would you rate it as bow wood? As good as hickory, better?
Bob Barnes:
It will peel off this time of the year, leaving a perfect back. Winged elm is great wood but I don't care for American elm. I have never tried slippery elm.
PEARL DRUMS:
Not sure where you live. I'm in central Michigan and the bark wont slip off yet. Another 2-3 weeks and it will easily slip off. I have no problem with any of the elms, it's decent bow wood. Make it 1.75-2" wide and plenty long and you will like it. Tempering it is essential, like all white woods.
Stickhead:
Our local red elm in VA peels off pretty well in May, and makes a great bow. Splitting it is a major bitch, though. You might need a chainsaw to help get through the interlocking grain.
bassman211:
Really hard to split. Chain saw is the ticket. Not real easy to work with, but my favorite white wood for bow making. Takes heat well, and can make a fine bow.
American elm is the only elm I have had access to, but never any complaints about it. In my area it can succumb to disease often.
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