Author Topic: butternut  (Read 1337 times)

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Offline warpath

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butternut
« on: January 04, 2014, 02:55:06 pm »
Found some butternut but sadly it was already milled up into lumber. My question is: If I back it with either hickory, maple, or ash.... can I still make a bow out of it?

  G

Offline Pat B

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Re: butternut
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2014, 04:07:38 pm »
Even though white walnut is the first cousin to black walnut the wood is weaker I believe. Give it a try with a thin maple backing and see what ya come out with.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline warpath

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Re: butternut
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2014, 05:42:11 pm »
Pat B- Butternut is beautiful! With a nice thin maple backing that would look awesome. Might take me awhile but I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

  G

Offline Danzn Bar

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Re: butternut
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2014, 06:45:35 pm »
Are you talking about "butternut" hickory?  or am I confusing woods  :-\
DBar
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking

Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: butternut
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2014, 07:51:05 pm »
I've worked with Butternut before and I would be surprised if it makes a bow.

That is Bitternut Hickory DBar.  Not the same thing
Home of heat-treating, Corbeil, On.  Canada

Marc@Ironwoodbowyer.com

Offline Danzn Bar

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Re: butternut
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2014, 07:55:10 pm »
Thanks Marc, yeah Bitternut.  Thanks
DBar
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking

Offline warpath

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Re: butternut
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2014, 09:28:11 pm »
Marc St Louis- What problems did you run into? Not going to get it if it's not worth it.

  G

Offline lostarrow

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Re: butternut
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2014, 09:33:46 pm »
Working with some butternut in the shop right now ( door panels) it has the weight and feel of pine but with interlocking grain . VERY soft and spongy . My guess  is that any hardwood backing will crush the belly. ..................... But you could prove us wrong ;). If you can make a bow from  Pine , Poplar, Tree of heaven..........Giv'er!

Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: butternut
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2014, 09:56:58 pm »
The Butternut I was working with was not bow related.  The wood was soft and seemed brittle.
Home of heat-treating, Corbeil, On.  Canada

Marc@Ironwoodbowyer.com

Offline warpath

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Re: butternut
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2014, 11:01:47 pm »
lostarrow- Maybe I'll give it a try. Still thinking about it.

  G