Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: wood_bandit99 on October 13, 2013, 10:47:33 pm

Title: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 13, 2013, 10:47:33 pm
I have two trees that are all over my land in Oklahoma. I have no clue what they are. Can u tell me what they are and if they are any good? How good is persimmon and oak?
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 13, 2013, 10:49:02 pm
Tree #2
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: SLIMBOB on October 13, 2013, 10:52:51 pm
Looks like Elm on the first and I would say pecan on the second.
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: okie64 on October 14, 2013, 12:09:19 am
Elm on the first one and some kind of hickory on the second one. Both are good bow wood but I would wait till spring to cut them that way the bark peels off easily. As for persimmon and oak Ive never used either one so I cant help you there.  :)
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: criveraville on October 14, 2013, 12:46:36 am
Red Elm (Slippery Elm) on the first pic.

Cipriano
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: Pat B on October 14, 2013, 01:39:42 am
Elm, hickory, persimmon and oak are all best cut during the growing season so you can peel the bark to expose the back for your bow. Good bows can be made with any of them if cut now but it is a lot more work getting to the back.
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 14, 2013, 11:03:34 am
is that what they are? I looked up elm and the first looks like that. The other i have no idea what it is. what kind of hickory do you think it is? how good of bows does oak,persimmon, and elm make? do i need to back them even if i have a single growth ring on them? or belly them with something?
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: Josh B on October 14, 2013, 12:38:11 pm
I haven't used persimmon yet, I just cut some a couple weeks ago though.  All the rest are very tension strong and require no backing.  They do perform well with a belly heat treatment.  Your elm looks pretty twisted, I'd pass on that particular one and see if you can find a smaller straight one to tackle.  Also with elm, it has a nasty habit of twisting and warping when drying.  Once you peel the bark, split em and seal the ends, you'll want to lash em to something to keep em straight.  Even lashing them back together the way were before you split them will help.  After they've dried for a couple months, they are pretty well stabilized and you can unlash them and let the air circulate around them more.   Josh
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: Scallorn on October 14, 2013, 01:30:47 pm
The first one is elm for sure. The second one I'm sure is pecan, elm makes a better bow. As for oak and persimmon,  they will both make a good bow, if you build it right. Oak does better as an overbuilt flat bow. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 14, 2013, 05:23:23 pm
Just what I was looking for! Thank you guys!
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 14, 2013, 05:51:01 pm
How would I tell the difference between pecan and hickory leaves? I looked up both and they both look close to it.
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: SLIMBOB on October 14, 2013, 05:55:56 pm
For bow making, I'd treat them the same.
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: Joec123able on October 14, 2013, 06:05:21 pm
From what I can tell, pecan is technically a hickory anyways and stores that sell lumber sell pecan as hickory
Title: Re: Tree identification
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 14, 2013, 06:07:46 pm
Okay. Looks like there is gonna be no trees at my lease! You'll see me with a bunch of oak and elm and some persimmon and pecan/hickory!