Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: tiknuttle on August 03, 2009, 07:30:11 pm

Title: Elm Bow
Post by: tiknuttle on August 03, 2009, 07:30:11 pm

Does anybody have experince making an American Elm bow or a Slippery Elm bow? I have acess to Elm trees and I was wondering if it is hard turning it into a bow. I was also wondering how it preformes as a bow.

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: wakosama on August 03, 2009, 07:58:58 pm

Some people think it's the  best bow wood there is.  Makes excellent flat bows.  Very tough grain, splinter resistant.  The  Welsh reputedly made VERY strong bows from elm.  Recommended highly in TBB's.

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: FVR on August 03, 2009, 08:47:56 pm

Made a 52" (I think) pony bow out of an elm stave years back.  Little thing is still a shooter.

I like elm, have a split log downstairs just drying.  Can't wait to get into it.

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: Bent Rig on August 03, 2009, 09:42:00 pm

I have and made a 66"n to n meare heath style bow and I love it , wish I could get more to work with ! ;)

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: hammertime on August 03, 2009, 10:53:54 pm

Yeah Elm is a great bow wood heat treated,recurved or longbow,usually make mine 64-67' long 2" at the fades to 1/2" tips.Just finished a 54" recurve that shoots great so it is versitle.Hammertime

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: adb on August 03, 2009, 11:38:35 pm

Elm is great bow wood, and I prefer an ELB style. It is VERY difficult to split, and will test your patience.

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: tiknuttle on August 03, 2009, 11:48:26 pm

I plan on making an eastern woodlands style self bow out of elm about 67 in

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: DanaM on August 04, 2009, 07:02:03 am

Elm is great wood but it will test yer mettle when ya split a log :)

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: Hillbilly on August 04, 2009, 08:45:53 am

I would rate elm as one of the best bow woods. There are several different species with varying densities, but they're all good (except maybe Siberian elm.) I've used American, slippery, and winged elm, all good wood.

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 04, 2009, 08:52:02 am

I made one from American elm. The stave was a gift fro DRT. Dutch elm disease wiped out all the elms years ago in this area. I like the wood but have very little experience. Jawge

Title: Re: Elm Bow
Post by: tiknuttle on August 04, 2009, 12:09:50 pm

How would you tell if the tree has Dutch Elm Disease, and if it does can you still use the wood?