Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: AndiE on March 02, 2015, 10:24:37 am

Title: Lilac warbows?
Post by: AndiE on March 02, 2015, 10:24:37 am

Hi

I have built warbows from some different woods and some laminated but now I am interested in warbows made of lilac.
There is always somebody who knows somebody who knows someone who has seen one. But I haven't found one on the whole internet. So has anybody here built one, or knows datas or knows a link or something that could help?
I have about 6-7 awesome Staves and don't want to waste one.

Kind regards
Andi

Title: Re: Lilac warbows?
Post by: WillS on March 02, 2015, 10:35:03 am

According to Jaro's document on bow woods:

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris, Syringa L.)

SG 0.7-1.0
 Tension 8
 Compression 9
 Response ? (Unknown, but higher)

 It has white or beige coloured wood, which is very hard and has good mechanical properties. It is very difficult to season, and it can crack in matter of mere minutes. However longbows of approx. 50# have been made of it, and those have reportedly shot very well.

Title: Re: Lilac warbows?
Post by: AndiE on March 02, 2015, 12:55:00 pm

Hi

Great. Thanks!
Do you have a link to this document?

Kind regards
Andi

Title: Re: Lilac warbows?
Post by: DC on March 02, 2015, 01:03:29 pm

I think this is it
http://www.theenglishwarbowsociety.com/LesserKnownLongbowWoods.html

Title: Re: Lilac warbows?
Post by: Marc St Louis on March 02, 2015, 01:33:28 pm

I have seen some  Lilac bows but not a warbow.  I cut some many years ago for bow wood but quickly found out that it needs special care to prevent the wood from splitting as it dries.  The wood is very pretty with alternating purple and beige wood and it is quite aromatic when worked.  The wood was highly regarded by those who made bows out of it.  It is very hard and quite dense