Hickory Or Elm For Recurve?

[WoodBenderDW]

I have a hickory stave and an elm stave. Both of them are 60" long. I wanted to make a static recurve bow with one of them. My question is are these staves too short for a stiff handle recurve bow? What about a bending handle recurve bow? Any thoughts? I'm trying to get 45# @ 28"

[Pat B]

I've made both and my best was elm. 60" static recurve with heat treated belly and slightly bendy handle, 55#@26"

[Greenriverwoodcraft]

I have made both and I think the hickory bows have more punch.  I always boil the hickory to get them ready for bending rather than steam them.

[Pat B]

I agree that wet heat is better than dry heat for bending recurves. I used dry heat and experiences cracking when I bent the recurves.

[WoodBenderDW]

Greenriverwoodcraft was that a bending handle recurve bow or a stiff handle recurve bow? Pat B you make amazing bows and I really respect the work that you do. Do either of you have pictures of the static recurve that you made out of elm or hickory?

[Pat B]

All of my pics were lost to Photobucket and at the same time my computer crashed taking my back ups. I wish I did still have them. I lost 106 pages of pics with the PB crap.