Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: warpath on January 04, 2014, 02:55:06 pm

Title: butternut
Post by: warpath on January 04, 2014, 02:55:06 pm

Found some butternut but sadly it was already milled up into lumber. My question is: If I back it with either hickory, maple, or ash.... can I still make a bow out of it?

  G

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: Pat B on January 04, 2014, 04:07:38 pm

Even though white walnut is the first cousin to black walnut the wood is weaker I believe. Give it a try with a thin maple backing and see what ya come out with.

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: warpath on January 04, 2014, 05:42:11 pm

Pat B- Butternut is beautiful! With a nice thin maple backing that would look awesome. Might take me awhile but I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

  G

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: Danzn Bar on January 04, 2014, 06:45:35 pm

Are you talking about "butternut" hickory?  or am I confusing woods  :-\
DBar

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 04, 2014, 07:51:05 pm

I've worked with Butternut before and I would be surprised if it makes a bow.

That is Bitternut Hickory DBar.  Not the same thing

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: Danzn Bar on January 04, 2014, 07:55:10 pm

Thanks Marc, yeah Bitternut.  Thanks
DBar

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: warpath on January 04, 2014, 09:28:11 pm

Marc St Louis- What problems did you run into? Not going to get it if it's not worth it.

  G

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: lostarrow on January 04, 2014, 09:33:46 pm

Working with some butternut in the shop right now ( door panels) it has the weight and feel of pine but with interlocking grain . VERY soft and spongy . My guess  is that any hardwood backing will crush the belly. ..................... But you could prove us wrong ;). If you can make a bow from  Pine , Poplar, Tree of heaven..........Giv'er!

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 04, 2014, 09:56:58 pm

The Butternut I was working with was not bow related.  The wood was soft and seemed brittle.

Title: Re: butternut
Post by: warpath on January 04, 2014, 11:01:47 pm

lostarrow- Maybe I'll give it a try. Still thinking about it.

  G