Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: joesharp79 on April 24, 2009, 10:16:44 am

Title: ironwood?/..pics added
Post by: joesharp79 on April 24, 2009, 10:16:44 am

   i was wondering if u guys could help me out we have a tree around here we call ironwood but i don't know if it is the same as u guys call ironwood the trees we have around here that we call ironwood have purple blooms on them right know and have a smooth bark is that the same that u guys call iron wood if not what does the ironwood tree u guys use look like i would like to try to make 1

   thanks for any and all input    Joe

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Title: Re: ironwood ?
Post by: Kegan on April 24, 2009, 10:18:19 am

Ironwood refers to hop hornbeam and hornbeam. Alot of guys here have made excellent bows from hop hornbeam, and I've made a couple from hornbeam that went well. Finding a stave was a torturous pain, but they shot alright :D

Title: Re: ironwood ?
Post by: Pat B on April 24, 2009, 10:19:46 am

Joe, where do you live. There are many woods called ironwood so your location will help with the ID.  Any pics?

Title: Re: ironwood ?
Post by: Hillbilly on April 24, 2009, 12:05:10 pm

Joe, what most people call ironwood doesn't have purple blooms, just green catkins. Profile syas you're in West Virginis-could it be redbud? You should have hornbeam and hophornbeam both there. Pics would help alot.

Title: Re: ironwood?/..pics added
Post by: Hillbilly on April 24, 2009, 04:38:15 pm

Yeah, that's redbud (Cercis canadensis)in your pics. Try doing a google image search for "hop hornbeam" or "Ostrya virginiana".

Title: Re: ironwood?/..pics added
Post by: Pat B on April 24, 2009, 11:42:39 pm

Red Bud will probably make a good bow if you have already cut it.  ;D