Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Holzwurm on November 27, 2007, 01:58:24 am

Title: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: Holzwurm on November 27, 2007, 01:58:24 am

Hi Everyone,

I'd just like to Introduce myself a little bit. My name is Ben and I am a Master Cabinetmaker, I've been in the trade for almost 7 years now - I begun working with wood as just a child, since my father was a Master Craftsman... I have a few bows under my belt, mainly red oak and maple laminated bows that were relatively simple. I used to be a member on this website quite a few years ago but I lost all of my free time due to my schooling. I've just gotten myself quite a few good quality staves of Ash so expect to see quite a bit of work out of me.

I was just wondering how many people have tried their luck with Mahogany? Either as a 1pc or simply laminated together? Anybody had any suscess?
The only reason that I am asking, is because I come upon enough Mahogany veneer to last me a little while?

Thanks,
- Ben
 :)

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: Pappy on November 27, 2007, 05:35:44 am

Welcome Ben,glad you are back.Never used Mahogany but bet it will work.Let us know. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: DanaM on November 27, 2007, 06:03:02 am

Welcome back Ben, no idea about the Mahogany but if it works it should
make a real purty bow.

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: Holzwurm on November 27, 2007, 07:15:54 pm

Hmm, well that's no good.
I did a test peice today at work. I just Routered out a curve and Veneered some of the peices of Mahogany together. It certainly has quite a bit of spring to it. It's a really heavy/dense wood. I also came across a 80" peice of Mahogany at work, the grain is pretty straight, I can't tell the heartwood/sapwood ratio since the wood is all one color and pretty hard to even see the grain on the wood. Even the 80" peice has quite a bit of a spring to it, as it already bends slightly and it is over 2 inches thick. I'll do some work with it, take a few shots and then report back here to see what people think.

If anybody has any information though in regards to Mahogany being used, please give me a heads up. I havent been able to find anything and a reference would be great. 

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: Kegan on November 27, 2007, 07:42:31 pm

Welcome!!! I've heard lemonwood is a relative of mahogony, so it should have some value as a good bow.

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: mullet on November 27, 2007, 09:05:13 pm

  Welcome,The Chinaberry is a cousin too.

Title: Re: Howdy Everybody!
Post by: Pat B on November 27, 2007, 11:49:27 pm

Welcome Ben. I have never tried mahogany but I have a wood crossbow that looks like it is made with mahogany...lock, stock and bow. I believe it came from S.E.Asia. I have never fired it.
   Try a Paul Comstock overbuilt bow design first and go from there. I think I would back it at least with brown paper or linen.     Pat