PNW Elderberry Bow

[Doug509]

Harvested this stave of PNW Elderberry about 1 year ago.  Sealed the ends and removed some belly wood and it was dry by end of summer.  Its my next project.  Handle is 1.6" (40mm).  75" overall  length. 

[bjrogg]

I don’t know anything about elderberry, but I’m imagining a pretty bow.

Bjrogg

[Doug509]

Debarked, handle  established & limbs ready for tillering. Length reduced to 71" .  The pith groove is about 10mm and creates a hole in the handle.  Pretty easy way to make a hollow limb bow.

[Doug509]

Bjrogg my first time with Elderberry.  Supposed to be decent bow wood.  This stuff is easy to dry.  Easy to rasp.  Doesnt really like my cabinet scrapers.  Feels low density like balsa wood.  Will see how this goes.

[Pappy]

That's going to be an interesting piece of wood to work on, should be unique if it works out. Looking forward to seeing it as you move along.
 Pappy

[bentstick54]

Very interesting. I will definitely be watching this.

[jameswoodmot]

yep super interesting, Got plenty of elder around me but i've never cut any. looking forward to seeing what you do!

[GlisGlis]

Elderberry is good bow wood but I had some that probably went too dry and exploded in many many pieces without notice
Zero to Kaboom in no time

[superdav95]

Yup that gonna be cool. Hollow limb bows are a bit more challenging to do but same basic principle applies.  Keeping even thickness as you reduce it down and keep close eye on rounding edges as you floor tiller.  If it was me I might consider lengthening the fades a touch compared to regular flat bow.  It will be pretty if it bows.