Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TurtleCreek on March 24, 2012, 05:18:40 am

Title: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: TurtleCreek on March 24, 2012, 05:18:40 am: Not sure if this is a stupid question, but here it goes. I have seen some guys use Lilac as bow wood before and was wondering if this is the same "Lilac" that blooms with the light purple clusters of flowers in the spring? I was talking trees/shrubs with a lady at work and she has a friend that has some extremely over-grown Lilacs. She described some of them as being 10 to 12 feet tall and about the diameter of a softball at the base and a little larger. Would this be worthy to cut and give a try as bow wood?
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: TurtleCreek on March 24, 2012, 05:29:08 am: Also, what is the specific gravity of this particular type?
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: Holten101 on March 24, 2012, 09:47:05 am: Lilac is awsome bow wood.

It is hard and has very high SG (82 according to tbb4). It dries sloooowly, and checks badly if care is not taken. Propellar twist is normal, regular long straight pieces are not;-). Again...i rate it among the best bow woods out there.

Cheers
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: Bevan R. on March 24, 2012, 01:50:29 pm: I have been watching my neighbors lilac 'jungle' each year, waiting for some to be just big enough befor I ask if I can trim them for her.
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 24, 2012, 02:05:01 pm: I think Blackhawk made one? Cant remember for sure.
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: blackhawk on March 24, 2012, 03:03:36 pm: Quote from: PEARL DRUMS on March 24, 2012, 02:05:01 pm
I think Blackhawk made one? Cant remember for sure.

Nope...Lee cut some last year n was playing with it earlier this year,not sure what came of it though?
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: TurtleCreek on March 27, 2012, 03:16:26 am: I haven't gone over there yet to check them out, but she did say that they were fairly straight, but what's straight to one, may not be to another. So we will see.... I will post pics when I make it over there.
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: bambule on March 27, 2012, 08:42:57 am: It was Keenan:

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,5969.0.html
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: crooketarrow on March 27, 2012, 10:14:49 am: LILAC is a bush. I've never used it but have read of people useing it to make a bow. Give it a try it's free so it only cost you time. We can aways use the exserance.
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: doggonemess on March 27, 2012, 12:36:09 pm: Quote from: TurtleCreek on March 24, 2012, 05:18:40 am
Not sure if this is a stupid question, but here it goes.

Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people. :laugh:

Just kidding, awesome find there! I wish I had access to decent wood. I'm surrounded by pines and oaks, and I'm not cutting down an oak.
Title: Re: Lilac for bow wood.....
Post by: vinemaplebows on March 27, 2012, 01:53:29 pm: Well, I am confused.....in that link I asked Keenan if the bow he made was Mock Orange, he said it was, not Lilac. Look at the last 2 posts.