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Author Topic: Alternative bow woods list  (Read 2078 times)

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Offline stuckinthemud

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Alternative bow woods list
« on: September 01, 2024, 06:12:50 pm »
We all know certain classic timbers for bows -yew, Osage, ash, most maples, hickory- but how about a list of less well known timbers that make an amazing bow , timbers you reckon everyone should try but no-one seems to.

My suggestions:

scotch broom - only really available in short lengths but easy to splice , easy to shape with heat, brilliant for sinewing and kicks like a mule

Mountain laurel - will NOT heat shape and needs strapping down to season but unbelievably fast
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Online Selfbowman

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2024, 10:29:19 am »
I haven’t run out of Osage yet. But if I do I’ll consider others.
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Well I'll say!!  Osage is king!!

Offline Muskyman

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2024, 11:29:52 am »
I’ve always wanted to try some mulberry. I’ve read it’s a good bow wood and related to Osage. I’m lucky to have some pretty good bow woods growing in my area. I let people know I’m always looking for Osage if they hear anything they call me. I have been keeping my eye out for some black locust too. I’ve heard that walnut is pretty good but never tried any.
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Offline mmattockx

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2024, 12:36:47 pm »
Don't forget cherry.


Mark
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Offline GlisGlis

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2024, 01:12:39 pm »
Apple, plum, mulberry.
they say elderberry is very good but I only made one that broke very early
Black locust too is very good
I recently tried alianthus (invasive species here) for kid bows and it's really snappy and usually straight, node free and very fast to dry without checks
« Last Edit: September 02, 2024, 01:17:57 pm by GlisGlis »
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Offline stuckinthemud

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2024, 02:50:45 pm »
Alianthus is a new one for my list
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Offline Jim Davis

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2024, 04:47:01 pm »
Serviceberry
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Jim Davis

Kentucky--formerly Maine

Offline bjrogg

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2024, 04:55:15 pm »
HHB. I have heard good things but never tried yet. Apple and plum. I have a wild apple tree that really needs trimming. I think I can see a bow growing there.
Have some birch I’m going to try.
Bjrogg
« Last Edit: September 02, 2024, 04:59:42 pm by bjrogg »
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A hot cup of coffee and a beautiful sunrise

Offline WhistlingBadger

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2024, 05:17:17 pm »
Juniper and sinew is a winning combination, but not the easiest way to make a bow.  I've only finished one, and 10# kids' bow.  It is amazingly snappy for such a light weight.

I have some rocky mountain maple, roughed out and awaiting the end of hunting season.  It's closely related to vine maple and I hear good things about it.  Will probably back with rawhide to avoid explosions.  Stay tuned. 
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Thomas
Lander, Wyoming
Arise!  Kill, and eat!

Offline Ruddy Darter

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2024, 05:44:02 pm »
Hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel.
 R.D.
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Mon arc, mon cœur. Gardez la foi!

Offline Will B

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Re: Alternative bow woods list
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2024, 08:13:18 pm »
I’ve fire-hardened white oak and made some nice selfbows.
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