Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Hrothgar on November 19, 2009, 03:31:05 pm

Title: Source of hickory
Post by: Hrothgar on November 19, 2009, 03:31:05 pm

I'm planning to start either a pyramid or Modoc style flat bow, 60" long and around 50# at 27" to use for deer hunting. I was thinking about purchasing a quarter-sawn 1x3 hickory board to work with, but am having trouble locating a lumber yard that carries hickory. Does any one out there have any ideas where hickory can be purchased in the mid-west; or a suitable, comparable wood. Maybe hard maple?
Thanks, Eric

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: Innocente on November 19, 2009, 03:37:23 pm

same problem here in california. ended up searching like mad on google for lumber yards, hardwood shops, etc.  finally found a couple places.
agreed though, from all i read it's the ultimate board builders wood, but so frickin hard to find. thank god red oak is plentiful.

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: makenzie71 on November 19, 2009, 03:38:54 pm

Don't look at lumber yards...most of them won't have any idea what "quarter sawn" is.  Look for a saw mill.  Might be hard to find.  There are also one-off hardwood stores...look in the yellow pages for "hardwood".

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: Hrothgar on November 19, 2009, 03:51:07 pm

Thanks, there is an Amish saw mill not too far away. Innocente, how did red oak work for a pyramid bow?

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: Parnell on November 19, 2009, 06:23:26 pm

Yeah - I find it at a 'hardwood' locations.  They are basically processing it to make custom moldings for builders. 

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: Pat B on November 19, 2009, 07:03:38 pm

The Amish saw mill will be your best bet. They still quarter saw lumber and should have hickory. They may also have osage and other woods. I would go check it out.
  I made a great hickory backed red oak pyramid bow a few years back  but sold it recently and don't have pics.

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: Innocente on November 19, 2009, 07:56:28 pm

i just bought me a red oak plank earmarked for my pyramid project, so i can't tell you just yet.
i DID try a gorgeous design pyramid longbow, with birch.  backed it with linen, it detonated on me on the tillering  tree. (was shooting for 65#, may have set the goal a little high).
i'll be reporting on my red oak linen backed pyramid bow soon as i crank it out.

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: aznboi3644 on November 20, 2009, 03:11:51 am

I'm in southern Indiana...There are two big lumber yards in my city here with hickery...my friend who works there said they just got in some Ironwood...they are kiln dried but I  think I may be able to get a few fresh cut to air season.  But hickory likes low MC anyways

Title: Re: Source of hickory
Post by: JW_Halverson on November 20, 2009, 01:56:11 pm

You might also consider calling around to your local custom cabinet makers.  Many of them use dimensional hickory under other laminations.