Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TimothyR on August 09, 2014, 07:16:30 pm

Title: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: TimothyR on August 09, 2014, 07:16:30 pm
I cam across a honey locusts about 8" in diameter standing dead.  I was able to push it over.   Would it be worth the trouble of bringing it home?
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: JonW on August 09, 2014, 07:58:00 pm
I don't think I would mess with it. Not the same wood as Osage and Black locust.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: wapiti1997 on August 09, 2014, 08:25:14 pm
It's a beautiful grained wood, but has swirls where the thorns were making a selfbow a real challenge.  A dead standing tree probably has some issues..
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: IndianGuy on August 09, 2014, 08:28:24 pm
I have sinew backed several honey locust bows,the wood is white as it can be and light but is surprisingly good in compression strength. I have heat treated the belly and left some plain and couldn't see a difference in either. Now the bows I made were short 50" or less. I haven't tried a long bow from it but plan too as I harvest several logs last year. Give it a try, I might suggest a 1.5" wide mid limb tapering to 1/2" tips, that's a safe design.
E
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: Danzn Bar on August 09, 2014, 08:39:26 pm
It's a beautiful grained wood, but has swirls where the thorns were making a selfbow a real challenge.  A dead standing tree probably has some issues..

I agree Wapiti ....dead standing honey locusts probably will have some rot issues................
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on August 09, 2014, 08:52:42 pm
i tried a dead standing and had some rot issues,,,yours may be ok,,,, only one way to know,,, :)
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: Pat B on August 09, 2014, 08:55:15 pm
I wouldn't use standing dead tree for bow wood. If you can kick it over its too far gone.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: DarkSoul on August 09, 2014, 09:04:51 pm
There is a reason why you can push over a standing dead tree...
It is called rot.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: Badger on August 09, 2014, 09:15:03 pm
  Honey locust isn't much good when it is cut green.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: Danzn Bar on August 09, 2014, 09:22:04 pm
  Honey locust isn't much good when it is cut green.


I agree................
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: Stringman on August 09, 2014, 10:24:43 pm
Very brittle and prone to decay.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: huisme on August 10, 2014, 12:33:58 am
Like it's been said, honey locust just doesn't last after death like black locust and osage. Dead standing black locust is some of my favorite stuff to work with, always a rich brown after finishing.
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: blackhawk on August 11, 2014, 08:31:51 am
I cam across a honey locusts about 8" in diameter standing dead.  I was able to push it over.   Would it be worth the trouble of bringing it home?

Short answer....    NO!!!!
Title: Re: Any honey locusts experts out there?
Post by: DavidV on August 11, 2014, 03:54:16 pm
Honey locust is pretty wood but any attemp I've made has resulted in frets and set, even when tillered well. It isn't rot resistant so a dead standing tree isn't a good choice.