Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: hedgeapple on July 23, 2009, 12:27:41 am

Title: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: hedgeapple on July 23, 2009, 12:27:41 am

After reading a post about someone else's potential board for a bow, it got me thinking as to where my sassafras board was bow quality.  So, I brought it to the experts.  I plan to back it with hickory.  The center of the bow has the islands indication the growth rings have be violated.  My initial plan was to use the center of the board since I would be backing it anyway.  But, now I'm thinking the side of the board might produce less run offs.  You can see where I've marked it 2" wide along the edge of the board.  Your help, as always, in greatly appreciated.

 

The marked edge is also the left edge of the end-cut picture

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: radius on July 23, 2009, 02:00:45 am

definitely use the left side:  it is rift-cut pattern, and so the grain runs straight on the face and the edge.  This is called "double-edge ringed" in TBB, i think.

Title: Re: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: hedgeapple on July 23, 2009, 02:08:10 am

Thanks Radius

Title: Re: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: Hillbilly on July 23, 2009, 07:13:44 am

I think you've already got it figured out. Keep us updated on how it's going.

Title: Re: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: orcbow on July 23, 2009, 08:03:18 am

That's a really nice board. Good luck, that should make a bow with careful work! Sassafras is interesting wood as it is light weight, but has a really nice "spring" to it (and has that intoxicating good smell)

Title: Re: sassafras board bow will it work?
Post by: hedgeapple on July 23, 2009, 09:39:21 am

Thanks Hillbilly and Orcbow.  I'll keep you posted how it goes.  I have a leftover piece of hickory from the belly cut of a stave.  I'm going to attempt to chase a ring, then plain it to 1/8.  This is what I'll use for the backing strip.  Now that I know the sassafras board will work, I'll try to get it clued up in the next couple of weeks.