Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Thesquirrelslinger on February 05, 2014, 02:44:51 pm

Title: Hackberry
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on February 05, 2014, 02:44:51 pm
marvelous wood, is it not?
I recently found a 6" diam tree of it... 50 feet tall or so... forming an arch over a creek because a big ole rotten oak fell on it. creek is about 25' wide.
It is very odd to see. my mind is saying... WHY HASN'T THIS BROKEN YET?
If I were to cut this tree... would it be any good for bows?
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: Joec123able on February 05, 2014, 03:01:02 pm
Come on of course it is it's like rubber In fact I think if you took two wide limbed flatbows one from Osage and one from hackberry I think the Osage would break first under tension
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: Hrothgar on February 05, 2014, 03:12:53 pm
Great straight-grained, light weight wood.
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: smoke on February 05, 2014, 03:45:49 pm
Very good stuff - I'll be chopping on some tonight!
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on February 05, 2014, 09:22:52 pm
It loves to bend......
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: JW_Halverson on February 05, 2014, 10:09:17 pm
Quote from: beetlebailey1977 on February 05, 2014, 09:22:52 pm
It loves to bend......

It loves to bend...as in making a bow.  I have found it does not like to keep a bend when heat treated or steamed.  Some others have had this experience, too.  Luckily it has a tendency to grow with straight grain and little or no twist!
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: toomanyknots on February 06, 2014, 12:23:38 am
Quote from: JW_Halverson on February 05, 2014, 10:09:17 pm
Quote from: beetlebailey1977 on February 05, 2014, 09:22:52 pm
It loves to bend......

I have found it does not like to keep a bend when heat treated or steamed. 

Now I don't think you have ever said one thing I disagreed with Sir the entire time I have been here, but I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one, or only regarding my experiences at least. I have steamed the crud out of hackberry, and never had much of any spring back at all, if any.
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: Joec123able on February 06, 2014, 12:47:24 am
Quote from: toomanyknots on February 06, 2014, 12:23:38 am
Quote from: JW_Halverson on February 05, 2014, 10:09:17 pm
Quote from: beetlebailey1977 on February 05, 2014, 09:22:52 pm
It loves to bend......

I have found it does not like to keep a bend when heat treated or steamed. 

Now I don't think you have ever said one thing I disagreed with Sir the entire time I have been here, but I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one, or only regarding my experiences at least. I have steamed the crud out of hackberry, and never had much of any spring back at all, if any.

I agree with toomany
Title: Re: Hackberry
Post by: JW_Halverson on February 07, 2014, 10:07:44 pm
Ok, I will amend my statement.  Hackberry doesn't like to take or keep a bend for me!Your mileage may vary, as mine certainly did. 

All that being said, hackberry is in my top 3 favorite woods for making bows.  Finished bows are very lightweight in the hand, and I love the pale almond color of the unstained wood.