Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: aznboi3644 on December 10, 2009, 04:59:12 pm

Title: Ash growth rings
Post by: aznboi3644 on December 10, 2009, 04:59:12 pm

I got a couple 8-10 inch diameter 6' long ash logs from a buddy...got a helluva deal on them for free WOOT WOOT.

Is it better to have tight growth rings or bigger thick growth rings??

On these trees it seems that they have been growing very slowly...I didn't get enough time between class to count the rings but the trees looked to be 30-40 years old with 1/16" thick rings.

I was thinking of quarter sawing the middle of the logs and then split the sides to staves like this

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p67/aznboi3644/log.jpg)

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 10, 2009, 05:35:28 pm

I wouldn't worry about it. Take off the bark and make a bow. I haven't noticed any difference. Jawge

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: snedeker on December 10, 2009, 05:56:22 pm

White ash, the best ash for bow wood, usually has thick rings.  I would go ahead like George says.

Dave

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: artcher1 on December 10, 2009, 06:09:30 pm

Where's the heart or center located? If it's dead center, and splits out straight, do pretty much what you want to it. If it's heart is off center then keep all the tension wood on one side and the compression wood on the other. Then take ONLY the staves from their middle.

Slow growth is always better for bow wood in my opinion. ART

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: aznboi3644 on December 10, 2009, 10:19:29 pm

sweet...I'm pretty sure the tree grew straight up and the pith is in the very center...Best part about it is that I didnt have to cut those suckers down.

Good to know I'm good to go...But I hate waiting for wood to season lol.

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 10, 2009, 10:25:03 pm

Take off the bark. Take a stave and rough it out. Actually get it into floor tillering. Put it in near a heat source. It will dry faster that way. Jawge

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: aznboi3644 on December 10, 2009, 10:40:17 pm

sweet...thanks everyone

I love this place

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: dwardo on December 11, 2009, 07:21:59 am

Quote from: George Tsoukalas on December 10, 2009, 05:35:28 pm

I wouldn't worry about it. Take off the bark and make a bow. I haven't noticed any difference. Jawge

I have made bows from both thin and thick ring ash, i also cant tell the difference,

Title: Re: Ash growth rings
Post by: Cromm on December 11, 2009, 07:30:25 pm

It's all good!!!