Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Webradbury on April 07, 2015, 09:00:19 am

Title: Privet questions
Post by: Webradbury on April 07, 2015, 09:00:19 am
I have heard both good and bad things about privet bows, so I thought I would ask for opinions here.  I will be cutting some wood for bows around a county owned property in the coming month and there are some large, straight pieces of Privet that I can cut.  It's rare in my area to find suitable bow size staves of Privet.

My question is obviously, am I wasting my time? Another question would be what is the best way to season it and what style bow would be best for this wood?

Thanks, Will
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: Sidmand on April 07, 2015, 09:48:24 am
I think it was bubby who just finished a privet bow.  It WILL make a good one, it's harder and heavier than you might think.  I know from experience that it doesn't take dry heat well at all, but I believe that bubby steamed his and it worked out real good.  Treat it like a typical whitewood (just strip the bark off, rough shape it, seal the back and end good, and let it dry) and you should be good to go.
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: Knoll on April 07, 2015, 10:12:23 am
I think it was bubby who just finished a privet bow.

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52048.0.html
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: Webradbury on April 07, 2015, 10:28:01 am
Well, there you have it! I'm sharpening the chainsaw as we speak!  Thanks! Will
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: simson on April 07, 2015, 01:50:28 pm
privet is super bow wood. Can be polished like bone. Make it long enough.
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: bubby on April 07, 2015, 03:40:50 pm

privet is super bow wood. Can be polished like bone. Make it long enough.



Yeah it hs a ivory look to it and it does polish up slick
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: Webradbury on April 07, 2015, 07:57:36 pm
I'm looking at a couple pieces growing from shoots under the main bush. They are straight with no knots and about as big around as a persons wrist. A little over six feet long. Should I seal the ends, lash it to a board and let it dry that way or rough it out and seal it?
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: bubby on April 07, 2015, 08:39:28 pm
I would rough it out and seal the back and ends, and strap it to a board so it stays nice and straightish
Title: Re: Privet questions
Post by: Webradbury on April 07, 2015, 09:14:20 pm
Excellent! Thanks, guys! Will