Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Radon on June 10, 2008, 01:09:52 pm

Title: Juniper
Post by: Radon on June 10, 2008, 01:09:52 pm

Hej all,

I managed to get hold of a very nice piece of juniper (Juniperus communis).
It's about 76" long, fairly straight with very few knots. I managed to split it into three staves, avoiding most of the knots.

Now I read that juniper is a good wood for sinew backed "D"-bows. But what about a juniper selfbow with a stiff handle?
Anybody out there who did that?
I'd like to build the bow 68" long, 60#@28", flatbow design with fairly wide (2") limbs.
What do you think? Possible?

Thanks for your replies.

Radon

Title: Re: Juniper
Post by: JackCrafty on June 10, 2008, 01:47:55 pm

Yes, possible.  Around here we have ashe juniper.....and I've made short bows (50" or less) with and without stiff handles (selfbows and sinew-backed).  They shoot smooth and fast when well tillered.

IMO, a long bow would require some skill to make sure it didn't feel "flabby" when shot.  Juniper is not stiff wood.