Author Topic: PNW Elderberry Bow  (Read 107 times)

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Offline Doug509

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PNW Elderberry Bow
« on: February 08, 2026, 04:07:17 pm »
Harvested this stave of PNW Elderberry about 1 year ago.  Sealed the ends and removed some belly wood and it was dry by end of summer.  Its my next project.  Handle is 1.6" (40mm).  75" overall  length. 

Offline bjrogg

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2026, 04:11:42 pm »
I don’t know anything about elderberry, but I’m imagining a pretty bow.

Bjrogg
A hot cup of coffee and a beautiful sunrise

Offline Doug509

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2026, 04:15:38 pm »
Debarked, handle  established & limbs ready for tillering. Length reduced to 71" .  The pith groove is about 10mm and creates a hole in the handle.  Pretty easy way to make a hollow limb bow.

Offline Doug509

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2026, 04:55:14 pm »
Bjrogg my first time with Elderberry.  Supposed to be decent bow wood.  This stuff is easy to dry.  Easy to rasp.  Doesnt really like my cabinet scrapers.  Feels low density like balsa wood.  Will see how this goes.

Offline Pappy

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2026, 07:22:13 pm »
That's going to be an interesting piece of wood to work on, should be unique if it works out. Looking forward to seeing it as you move along. :)
 Pappy
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Offline bentstick54

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2026, 07:56:25 pm »
Very interesting. I will definitely be watching this.

Offline jameswoodmot

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Re: PNW Elderberry Bow
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2026, 08:04:50 pm »
yep super interesting, Got plenty of elder around me but i've never cut any. looking forward to seeing what you do!