Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lee Lobbestael on September 02, 2014, 09:26:56 pm

Title: tree ID please
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on September 02, 2014, 09:26:56 pm
Can anyone tell me what kind of tree this leaf belongs too? The bark is kind of similar to white oak or elm. I live in southern Michigan
(http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx203/Lee1_photos/Tree.jpg) (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Lee1_photos/media/Tree.jpg.html)
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: JonW on September 02, 2014, 09:30:51 pm
Does it smell like rootbeer? Looks like sassafrass.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: BowJunkie on September 02, 2014, 09:32:41 pm
Looks like sassafras to me
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on September 02, 2014, 09:36:44 pm
Thanks guys yeah I just Identified it via google. Will it make a good bow?
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: JonW on September 02, 2014, 09:42:19 pm
Depends on who you ask. I've made three from it and will say yes. Others will have a different answer. The stuff I used had good rings so I chased a good ring for the back. It's the lightest in physical weight wood I've ever worked.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: Hrothgar on September 02, 2014, 10:27:24 pm
I've wondered about using sassafrass. What style bow are you planning on making? Keep us posted.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on September 03, 2014, 07:12:11 am
Well I'm not sure If I will cut it yet. If I do attempt it it will be a two inch wide 67" flatbow
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: J05H on September 03, 2014, 07:21:48 am
I cut some a couple of months ago and did a bit of research on it here on PA. The consensus seemed to be that its better at compression than tension and so needs a wide flat back to handle the tension and a rounded belly to take the load off the back. Keep in mind, I've never made one. I'm just sharing the results of my research.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: Auggie on September 03, 2014, 08:24:11 am
Heck id dig up some of the root and make some tea!
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 03, 2014, 11:41:50 am
Its very crumbly/porous, very soft and not really good wood at all. Smells nice.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: Jim Davis on September 03, 2014, 11:02:30 pm
The heart wood makes good fence posts.
Title: Re: tree ID please
Post by: 1442 on September 03, 2014, 11:38:39 pm
It  is very good for cooking too. makes a great flavored smoke and will burn green