Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tommy D on September 25, 2020, 11:58:12 am

Title: African Pencil Cedar as a bow belly...
Post by: Tommy D on September 25, 2020, 11:58:12 am

I have heard Junipers make good bow woods. I am back in East Africa now and we have some old cedar (we call it cedar) lying around. Its Latin name is Juniperus procera. It’s a red wood with a beautiful smell.

I am considering trying it in a bow... I am sure it needs a backing as it seems quite brittle...

Interested in any thoughts on designs? Or anyone with experience of this wood?

Title: Re: African Pencil Cedar as a bow belly...
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2020, 01:02:05 pm

Sounds similar to ERC, also a juniper. Clear ERC sapwood makes a pretty good selfbow but any knots are a disaster waiting to happen. You might try sinew backing it. That is the best option for ERC and some of the western junipers.