Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Dean Marlow on October 05, 2012, 02:43:24 pm
-
Guys was wondering what you think of Ash for making selfbows. I got several real good trees here and was wondering if I should cut a couple this winter or leave them alone. These are white ash. Also do you treat it like Hickory for dimensions ect. Dean
-
I have really enjoyed making some bows with Ash. Responds very well to heat. Strong in tension. I think there is lots of variability between ash species. I believe white ash is better than Oregon Ash, but both make bows. I've heard (total hear-say alert!) that ash growing in swampy areas is the best.
Gabe
-
Made quite a few from our native UK ash. Varies a lot as said and definitely better in tension than compression. Recently managed to chrystal an ash bow that was too short too heavy and not wide enough.
-
Like I said mine is white ash. In the flat bow design what do you recommend in width ect. Bows in the 66" length area. Dean
-
I'd build it stiff handle, 1 7/8" at the fades, with pyramid or an Eiffel tower width taper to a 3/8 inch tip. Narrow and stiff for the outer 1/3 limb, with a gentle recurve to help string angle.
Gabe
-
Run a search for "ash" to get an infinite amount of tips and tricks that have been posted about ash in the past.
-
Like I said mine is white ash. In the flat bow design what do you recommend in width ect. Bows in the 66" length area. Dean
I would push up to 68 and 2 inch fades and go from there. If you get a nice bit and it behaves then pike it.
-
Sounds good fellows. Thanks for the info. Dean