Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: makenzie71 on December 01, 2009, 11:39:12 am

Title: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: makenzie71 on December 01, 2009, 11:39:12 am

A bow, that is.  I saw one earlier today with a straight grain...just had me a bit curious.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: Canoe on December 01, 2009, 11:56:54 am

Howdy Makenzie,

I don't know if Cedar would work so good.  But, I've heard of folks using long, Hickory or Ash shovel handles.

All the Best,
Canoe

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: makenzie71 on December 01, 2009, 12:08:38 pm

I didn't know how well cedar would work for a bow...know for sure it makes good arrows.  I make it a point to look through the garden handles every time I'm shipping lol.  I've been on the hunt for a good hickory axe handle to split into a take-down.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: Tom Leemans on December 01, 2009, 04:08:54 pm

I wouldn't bother if you want it to become a good bow, but you could try, just to learn some things along the way.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: makenzie71 on December 01, 2009, 04:10:31 pm

probably won't bother...I'm reading some negative things about cedar as a bow wood.  I make enough "poor" bows as it is lol.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 01, 2009, 04:49:34 pm

Get a  red oak board. I think you'll be better off. Look for straight grained stock. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: Okie on December 01, 2009, 04:51:06 pm

They look and work real well until they dry out and blow... and man do they blow! I say this from experience. ;D

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: makenzie71 on December 01, 2009, 04:53:00 pm

Quote from: George Tsoukalas on December 01, 2009, 04:49:34 pm

Get a  red oak board. I think you'll be better off. Look for straight grained stock. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

Thanks George.  You should look at the laminate bow of the month voting going on right now. :)

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: nugget on December 01, 2009, 04:53:21 pm

I have made several cedar bows and they were light and fasst. As far as from a closet rod I am not sure, but from a stave I wouldn't hesitate to make a bow.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: denny on December 01, 2009, 05:44:54 pm

Nugget ,where would one get a cedar stave? denny

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: Dano on December 01, 2009, 08:08:06 pm

If I was completely "board"  ;D I might try that with a bamboo back, it might work great.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: aznboi3644 on December 02, 2009, 02:37:26 am

yeah i've contemplated the the shovel handle idea with a very nice grained 1.5" thick ash handle I saw at Lowes...but the 15 dollar price tag didn't go with me lol

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: nugget on December 02, 2009, 07:24:31 am

denny, we have eastern red cedar growing in NC. I have collected several nice staves in my journeys. Other than collecting them yourself, I would recommend asking to trade for one or seeing if anyone has it growing near you.
TJ

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: Pat B on December 02, 2009, 09:57:44 am

It will depend on what type of "cedar" you are talking about. Eastern Red Cedar will make a good bow but Western Red Cedar isn't an appropriate bow wood.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: makenzie71 on December 02, 2009, 10:01:18 am

I don't believe they specify, Pat, lol...just says "cedar closet rod".  It's all good...there's more gamble than I would like to deal with and, as said, I make enough poor bows as it is...with good lumber, even.

Title: Re: Ever whip one up from a cedar closet rod?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 02, 2009, 03:26:06 pm

LOL. I know nothing about lam bows but I'll look.  I don't even vote there. I gotta vote on the selfies though. :) Jawge