Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: snedeker on May 16, 2008, 11:31:47 am

Title: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: snedeker on May 16, 2008, 11:31:47 am

I have been thinking about buying a white oak board and looking online  but is I see a lot of it is quarter sawed (which is good) but is described as having "rays", "flaking" or being tiger striped.  Any lumbermen to explain these conditions and their ramifications with regard to bow use?

Dave

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: radius on May 16, 2008, 12:03:50 pm

Well, you're in luck:  I just happen to have a book right here that tells us.

The function of the rays (called medullary rays) is to store and transport food throughout the tree.  They radiate from the pith area towards the outside of the trunk.  "The medulllary rays in oak can be seen on the face as dark brown lines about one inch long"

As to the question, how do they affect bowmaking?  I think the answer is simply, they create an attractive appearance (if you like the look of them) or they make the bow look ugly (if you don't like the look).  I have made a white oak bow before, and found the rays to be no impediment at all:  just looks good.

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: snedeker on May 16, 2008, 12:28:41 pm

Nice info.   Does it say anything about flaking?  I've made couple self bows from staves of WO.

Dave

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: brian melton on May 16, 2008, 09:42:14 pm

Dave,

              Is thar flaking, or "fleck"? All the terms used are for figured woods....I would shy away from them. I sold tons of figured woods, and most are NOT bow quality material. My experience.

Brian

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: El Destructo on May 17, 2008, 02:50:43 am

I have made some of the most Beautiful Bows...and toughest ...out of Birdseye Maple....and I would definitely call this Figured Wood

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 17, 2008, 09:47:47 am

Dave, on the 1/4 sawn remember that the edge grain has to be perfectly straight or the board may break. Is this lumber source a bowyer? Jawge

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: El Destructo on May 17, 2008, 10:44:12 am

Jawge..there you are....been trying to goad you on...in another Post...but no Bites.....where ya been?? me and Justin been expecting you!!!
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,7140.msg100207.html#msg100207

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: shamus on May 17, 2008, 12:36:24 pm

rays on an unfinished white oak nock:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/shamus005/whiteoaknock.jpg)

Title: Re: lumber terms, rays, flaking
Post by: OldBow on May 17, 2008, 12:40:09 pm

The most recent edition of WOOD magazine, typically found at Lowes and HD has an excellent detailed article about white and red oak. Great read, great pictures, and a worthy reference.