anyone try Japanese maple?

[shofu]

I got some maple today from pruning my friend's tree.  Seems to be a Japanese maple.  The branches are character, heavy, and relatively free of knots.  Anyone know if this will make decent selfbows? Any tips?
Thanks,
George

[Pat B]

George, I've often thought about it but never have. It is heavy wood. I suspect it would make a good bow. Try it out and report back.

[PatM]

I've cut a few pieces for other purposes. It does seem like a hard maple and likely to make good bow wood.

[shofu]

Thanks guys. I will rough one and see how it feels then it is a waiting game!
g

[DC]

I've wanted to but haven't found any yet

[Hamish]

Haven't used any for bows, but I have carved a few spoons out of it. It seemed softer than rock maple from memory, though I would think it would still work for a bow if you have a suitable stave.

[loefflerchuck]

I've thought about it a bit. From many late spring heavy snowfalls out here I decided it is the hardest wood in the world to break! The strongest tree limbs I have seen X10. I would love to try it.

[shofu]

Thanks guys! Sounds like my friend might take the whole tree out to get more light for palms and things (for some reason?).  If so I will get it all and save a stave for anyone who wants one.  Not lots of straightness but might be good character staves.
g