Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: PeteDavis on December 27, 2010, 10:27:45 pm

Title: Red Elm Stave
Post by: PeteDavis on December 27, 2010, 10:27:45 pm

I have a dry red elm stave here. Way over-big and 72". 2" of natural reflex. I'd like to make as long a bow as I can get from it.

What are some safe oversize width tapers to rough out of this stave. My first stave bow.

Also, should I remove all the sapwood and use the first heartwood ring for the back? I like the idea of leaving a skein of sapwood over the back for mottled camo.

Aside from these questions, any random thoughts on red elm?

PD

Title: Re: Red Elm Stave
Post by: JW_Halverson on December 27, 2010, 10:35:45 pm

I've seen several posts on here of elm bows made in WarBow strengths, isn't Marc St Louis' whitewood warbow article in the last PA from elm? 

I think you got some good wood there, good luck.

Title: Re: Red Elm Stave
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 27, 2010, 10:42:58 pm

No you don't need to remove the sapwood. Jawge

Title: Re: Red Elm Stave
Post by: wvarcher on December 28, 2010, 12:08:28 am

I've used R. Elm almost exclusively to make bows and i cant tell any difference between the sapwood and heartwood.

Title: Re: Red Elm Stave
Post by: PeteDavis on December 28, 2010, 12:17:18 am

This stave is 3.5" deep. It may have two bows in it. Sapwood is 1/2". I'll try to get a pic up tomorrow.

PD