Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: smokeu on April 17, 2009, 08:35:34 pm

Title: Whats a good size sapling for a self bow of Black Locust????
Post by: smokeu on April 17, 2009, 08:35:34 pm

Whats a good size for a self bow of Black Locust???? Im about to cut one of these saplings and was wondering what a good size would be to start with. And Im still learning, so... can I just remove the bark and have the sap wood for a backing on say a 3 in sapling. I  think i would have to cut at least a five inch to go with just the heartwood.

Any suggestions welcomed.

Thanks

Mike

Title: Re: Whats a good size sapling for a self bow of Black Locust????
Post by: Pat B on April 17, 2009, 08:50:03 pm

Mike, See Africa Man's recent post. I believe he used a 3" sapling. Looks like he just removed the bark and used the sapwood for his bow. If you remove the bark, be sure to seal the back as well as the ends.   

Title: Re: Whats a good size sapling for a self bow of Black Locust????
Post by: smokeu on April 17, 2009, 11:21:07 pm

thanks will do

Title: Re: Whats a good size sapling for a self bow of Black Locust????
Post by: George Tsoukalas on April 17, 2009, 11:34:30 pm

Keep in mind that a heartwood back is best but yes you can make a BL sapling bow. My first shooter was made from a 2-3 inch or so sapling. One other point, the closer you get to the heartwood the stringer the sapwood so ring chasing is not completely out of the question. :) Jawge