Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: nip_winquipim on January 27, 2009, 04:20:58 pm

Title: Chinquapin Chestnut as bow wood
Post by: nip_winquipim on January 27, 2009, 04:20:58 pm

Does anyone have any experience using Chinquapin Chestnut (Castanea pumila) as bow wood?  It is a relatively uncommon understory tree, but populations tend to be pretty dense where they exist.  Does anyone have any experience with any of the chestnut species?
Thanks for your input!

Title: Re: Chinquapin Chestnut as bow wood
Post by: Hillbilly on January 27, 2009, 06:54:18 pm

I've never tried to make a bow from chinquapin, but I love to eat 'em. Don't see nearly as many around here as there used to be, the chestnut blight works on them, too. I've worked a good bit of American chestnut wood over the years (not for bows, just general woodworking,) and it seems to be fairly soft and light. It's similar to red oak but not quite as hard. It'll last forever without rotting, though. I'd try it and see how it works, if you can find a decent piece. Most of the chinquapin around here is short and gnarly.