Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jjpso on October 09, 2014, 03:13:13 pm

Title: Arbutus unedo
Post by: Jjpso on October 09, 2014, 03:13:13 pm

Hello everybody.

Anyone has ever tried a bow from this kind of tree?
It is suposed to be very hard wood, but havent found anything in archery made from this type of wood..

Title: Re: Arbutus unedo
Post by: wizardgoat on October 09, 2014, 05:36:56 pm

We have lots of arbutus up here, and its a pretty tree.
ive heard of bows being built from it, but its not great.
apparently very hard and oily, takes along time to season, and
not very strong in tension so it needs backing.
good luck finding a long and straight enough stave.
also, under the very attractive bark, is a pretty boring white ish wood.
Its probably more suited for character furniture in my opinion

Title: Re: Arbutus unedo
Post by: Stoker on October 09, 2014, 06:27:00 pm

Don't get me wrong... When I was on the Van island last year... I was looking around at trees and I was told Arbutus was a protected species..
Thanks Leroy

Title: Re: Arbutus unedo
Post by: Jjpso on October 09, 2014, 06:33:08 pm

Quote from: Stoker on October 09, 2014, 06:27:00 pm

Don't get me wrong... When I was on the Van island last year... I was looking around at trees and I was told Arbutus was a protected species..
Thanks Leroy

Hello there. I believe you are refering to Arbutus menziesii... Same family but diferente tree...

Thanks for the answer wizard

Title: Re: Arbutus unedo
Post by: PatM on October 09, 2014, 10:24:41 pm

There was an article in an old issue of this magazine on Madrone as a bow wood.
 Obviously yours is a different species but I would expect some similarity.
 While the article described successful bows it didn't make one want to run out and procure a stave.

Title: Re: Arbutus unedo
Post by: Jjpso on October 11, 2014, 04:38:46 pm

Thanks for the answer. I guess the tree will stay a tree!  :)