Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: barebo on October 29, 2009, 03:05:57 pm

Title: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: barebo on October 29, 2009, 03:05:57 pm

I decided to go with popular vote and scrap the Bamboo backing on my Ash bow. Called the local mill, and they don't have Hickory, but lots of Cherry. Possibly Black Walnut also. I'm thinking 1/4" thick x 2"wide. Will Cherry or Walnut be a good match with Ash???

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: Del the cat on October 29, 2009, 03:23:29 pm

I have some cherry and I'm planning a bow with Cherry belly and Ash back at some time when it's seasoned.
I think that Ash is better in tension and Cherry better in compression (everyone says Cherry is a good but a bit twitchy tho')
Del

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: PatM on October 29, 2009, 03:40:32 pm

 If your bow was decrowned nicely you might be able to just leave it unbacked. Or you could work it to a clean ring if there is enough wood depth to do that.

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: jthompson1995 on October 29, 2009, 04:05:03 pm

From what I've read elsewhere here, cherry and black walnut are not woods for backings as they are not so good in tension and can be marginal in compression. They can be used for bellies but they have to be wide, flat and tillered very well.

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: medicinewheel on October 29, 2009, 04:14:37 pm

The ash might much rather make a backing for the cherry!

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: Hillbilly on October 29, 2009, 06:10:00 pm

As everyone else said, with that combo I'd back the cherry with the ash. Cherry is weak in tension.

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: barebo on October 30, 2009, 06:17:33 am

If I go with hickory, what do I ask for at the woodshop ?? I know that there is flat sawn and quarter sawn.
Is 1/4" too thick ??

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: radius on October 30, 2009, 07:26:55 am

1/4 is pretty darn thick.  3/16 maximum, i think.  Plain sawn has worked better for me than quartersawn or rift cut

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: medicinewheel on October 30, 2009, 07:42:54 am

 3/16 maximum, i think, too.

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: VenomBOWslinger on October 30, 2009, 09:02:55 am

Cherry will work but take it from me and these guys know as well I have had more cherry ruin my day than it has done me good...it can be used take the proper precautions as Del said it can be touchy everything can look all dandy till u pull back on ur string then it just may or may not work...I have had good success but with almost as equal horror stories especially in the beggining...why dont u try something a bit more reliable..do u have to back it linen sinew something less invasive...let us know what u plan on doing and if u do decide use the cherry 1/4 inch is a bit thick take ur time keep evrything straight and sanded real smooth
cheers!!!

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: adb on October 30, 2009, 10:05:21 am

Most of the hickory backings I've used have been 1/4". If it's too thick, especially with cherry, the belly will fret or fail.

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: snedeker on October 30, 2009, 10:33:21 am

1/8 inch back is your choice - maple would be good and of course so would the ash

Dave

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: Bushbow on October 31, 2009, 10:02:32 pm

I have had good results with 1/8" hickory backs. Every time I have used Cherry it has developed frets. Black walnut has always worked well for me. I made a pyramid bow from a black walnut stave (mostly sapwood) and a laminated ELB with a 1/8" hickory back, 1/8" bubinga stripe, and black walnut belly

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: bcbull on October 31, 2009, 10:34:32 pm

ID USE 1/8 HICKORY  FLAT SAWEN   BROCK

Title: Re: Will Quarter Sawn Cherry mak e a backing for Ash bow???
Post by: rattlesnake on October 31, 2009, 11:25:59 pm

no,....cherry is a belly wood, also pretty riser and tip overlays;...can be a selfbow wood if done right....snake

ps...not recomended as a backing.....get some hickory or ash...[pine hollow]