Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: tgr on January 14, 2010, 08:56:55 pm

Title: beech stave
Post by: tgr on January 14, 2010, 08:56:55 pm

Any thoughts or experience making a bow out of beech? I live in Orange County, NY
Thanks ahead for any comments

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: El Destructo on January 14, 2010, 10:16:11 pm

Beech will make a decent Bow....it's specific gravity is between Red Oak....and White Oak...it runs between .56 and .64...depending on the Moisture Content....I would shoot for a Bow with a width of 1 5/8" to 2" Limbs...tapering gradually in the last 12 to 14 inches to 3/4" to 3/8" Tips......JMO

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: Josh on January 15, 2010, 11:15:13 am

doesnt beech cause cancer or something?  I think I remember reading that somewhere so be careful...  josh

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: crooketarrow on January 15, 2010, 11:38:02 am

      My granddady use to call them indain umbelas  because lighting won't strike them.
     I built a bow 66"s,55#"s at 27"S I think about 20 years ago.Backed it with rawhide.I talked to the guy about 5 or 6 years later and he told me he still shot and hunted with some.And it was still like the day I made it.Same poundage and and an inck of string follow if I remember right thats what it had when I gave it to him.

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: El Destructo on January 15, 2010, 12:11:02 pm

Quote from: Josh on January 15, 2010, 11:15:13 am

doesnt beech cause cancer or something?  I think I remember reading that somewhere so be careful...  josh

I doubt very much if Beech is a Carcinogen....Unless maybe if you live in California....since everything is known to cause Cancer there....... >:D

The Beechnuts are edible ....and Budweiser uses Beech Wood in their Brewing Process...and the Germans use Beech Wood to Smoke and Dry their Hops in their Beers....and Others use the Wood to Smoke Their Cheeses

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: Josh on January 15, 2010, 12:42:29 pm

cool I guess you shouldnt believe everything you read then huh?   ::)   ;)  -josh

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: tgr on January 17, 2010, 04:27:48 pm

Thanks for all the response. How about thickness of the bow.  Any ideas.  I'd rather work with a thinner  bow and not as wide. Also, I'll try not to smoke it.  TR

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: aznboi3644 on January 17, 2010, 04:49:08 pm

Quote from: Josh on January 15, 2010, 12:42:29 pm

cool I guess you shouldnt believe everything you read then huh?   ::)   ;)  -josh

well not everything...just information from California lol.

I remember a "study" saying reusing plastic water bottles is harmful to your health lol.

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: Josh on January 17, 2010, 07:06:33 pm

Quote from: aznboi3644 on January 17, 2010, 04:49:08 pm

Quote from: Josh on January 15, 2010, 12:42:29 pm

cool I guess you shouldnt believe everything you read then huh?   ::)   ;)  -josh

well not everything...just information from California lol.

I remember a "study" saying reusing plastic water bottles is harmful to your health lol.

lol

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 17, 2010, 08:19:04 pm

I read the same thin in TBB#4. Jawge

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: tgr on January 17, 2010, 11:21:05 pm

What do you mean George, the plastic bottles or beech stave? tr

Title: Re: beech stave
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 17, 2010, 11:31:34 pm

Tim Baker in the beginning of Vol 4 listed some of the hazards of working with different woods. American beech was one of them. I think it said that it could cause eye cancer. I'll check it later. Getting tired now. Jawge