wood grain

[Hrothgar]

Several years ago in exchange for making him a self bow, I received 6 mulberry boards that were milled 1" by 3" by about 7 feet.  After 3 failed attempts I finally managed to make one keeper--the grains had been pretty well violated on most of the boards. I now have one board left that has been riftsawn, the grains are even, basically knot free, and run the entire length of the board. I know that generally boards are quartersawn when used for belly or core wood. Since I have a hickory backing strip begging to be glued to something I was wondering if this mulberry board with its vertical cut rings could be made into a working bow, or am I wasting my time? Thanks for any info you give.
Eric

[El Destructo]

Eric....to me a Rift Sawn Board is only second to an Edge Sawn Board....I would not be afraid to make a Wide Limbed Bow from it without Backing it....so I guess my Answer to you would be....Yes it will make a Fine Bow when Backed...and No....You would not be wasting your time

[recurve shooter]

try it and find out eh bay?

[radius]

what are you waiting for man!?!?!?

[Pat B]

With a hickory backing, you can make an excellent backed board bow with mulberry. If you have already failed 3 times trying to make a self bow from the mulberry boards, back it make sure you get a shooter. You can probably go 1 1/2" or slightly wider at the fades, out 6" to 8" and taper to 3/8" tips and come out with a great bow.     Pat