Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: hammertime on September 19, 2010, 05:09:51 pm

Title: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: hammertime on September 19, 2010, 05:09:51 pm

Hello all Yesterday  I cut some tamarack up-12" log very sraight only one knot ,fine rings anyone ever work with this before what design would be best.?thanks for your help -Hammertime

Title: Re: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: Pat B on September 19, 2010, 05:27:03 pm

Probably not bow wood but might make good arrows.

Title: Re: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: El Destructo on September 19, 2010, 05:54:09 pm

Hammertime....with my limited experience with Tamarack...we cut a lot for fence posts and firewood....it has bad spiral grain tendencies...I doubt it would be worth Tue time go steam out all of the twist...jmo

Title: Re: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: Lombard on September 19, 2010, 06:53:09 pm

I had seen a short bow at  a museum in Maine, many years ago, that was listed as Tamarack. It had a broken sinew string. Wouldn't know weather or not it makes a good bow, but if the sign on the bow was accurate to the wood species, then it was used by some tribes as bow wood. Make one and let us know. 

Title: Re: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: hammertime on September 19, 2010, 10:46:41 pm

Thanks  for the advice guys well see what I can do,I  have mix feelings the TBB4 says "good bows have been reported"thats it.maybe I'll try when I get some time-Thanks Hammertime

Title: Re: Tamarack as bow wood
Post by: waterlogged on September 20, 2010, 12:38:20 am

Ive heard it's very much like fir heartwood. If the rings are tight and the wood dense, it's definitly doable. I'd watch for spiral grain too, I know all the ones I found did about 2 or 3 revolutions in a six foot section (only grew on or near the top of a mountain in my area). Other than that, give it a shot and go easy on it. Sounds like you have plenty, so do an sg test, and overbuild slightly for that sg. Good luck, and be sure to post pictures.