Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: hedgeapple on February 15, 2010, 02:51:01 am

Title: Why not BL as backing?
Post by: hedgeapple on February 15, 2010, 02:51:01 am

From my little understanding black locust is strong in tension strength, but lack some in compression which causes it to crystal unless tillered to near perfection.  Am I correct so far?  If so woudn't that make BL a good would to use as backing?  I've searched and haven't found any bows built with BL as a backing.  So I was wondering why not?  I think BL is a beautiful wood and would look pretty darn sharp with osage.  Comments?

Title: Re: Why not BL as backing?
Post by: orcbow on February 15, 2010, 06:07:16 am

I just finished up a black locust / walnut laminate. Seems to have worked out good. I used those two woods just because I had them.

Title: Re: Why not BL as backing?
Post by: radius on February 15, 2010, 07:50:26 am

orcbow had that stuff left over from making his crossbow stock, i bet...

any wood that will make a selfbow will serve as backing.  give it a shot, man!  And Orcbow...let's see that BL, Walnut bow...

Title: Re: Why not BL as backing?
Post by: Kegan on February 15, 2010, 02:01:46 pm

I bet the only reason you don't see it alot is because it probably requires more work than say a hickory backing because of potential checking, thorns, etc.

Title: Re: Why not BL as backing?
Post by: hedgeapple on February 15, 2010, 03:30:59 pm

Thanks guys,  I'm kind of like orcbow, I have BL staves but no hickory at the moment. 

Orcbow, I'd love to see pics of the BL/walnut bow.  If you posted it already I must have missed it somehow.  I've never laminated a bow so this would be all new to me.  Any suggestion on handling BL as opposed to hickory (which there are many posts about)?