Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: diliviu on December 02, 2012, 06:40:07 pm
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Hello,
I like sapling bows as they are easier to make. I generally take slow growing wood (like dogwoods for example) to have mature wood at small diameters.
Well, not this time! I've seen a 2 inches thick mulberry pretty clean for a mulberry and couldn't resist. Up to now, mulberries I've cut of close thickness had heartwood (1 inch at least). Bad luck - this one has practically no heartwood . Its wood feels pretty ok in density and rings, but only white.
I have a length of about 155-160 cm that I can use. What do you think, does it worth to make a bow from it?
I am thinking at a paddle style, semi bending handled, with the handle not too narrowed. If I can get something, I hope for a 40-42 lb at 26-27'. Do you think that heat treating the belly slowly (a longer time and further of the heat) would make it reasonable elastic in compression?
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None of my bows have heartwood in them. ;)
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You won't be able to make a paddle bow with it cus it more than likely has to high of a crown and you won't have enough width because of it...make a simple bend in the handle with it
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I've made good bows with all sapwood mulberry. It will come out thicker than an all heartwood bow but it will work fine. For small diameter staves make the belly flat.
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Thank you for your replies.
I'll make it bow.
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Just leave it a few inches longer to counteract the crown. Let the stave dictate the design. A paddle bow may not fit the stave. Jawge