Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: mox1968 on November 16, 2009, 03:54:47 pm

Title: hawthorn??
Post by: mox1968 on November 16, 2009, 03:54:47 pm

has anyone tried hawthorn for a self bow??was it any good? been looking at a nice long straight stave still stuck in the tree,wondering whether to cut it down/

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: RidgeRunner on November 16, 2009, 05:37:06 pm

Go to Hunting and Shooting.
Check out " Scored on a Small 7 " point by Ryano in the Hunting pictures.

That is a Hawthorn bow.  Looks to have worked very well. ;D

David

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: Pat B on November 16, 2009, 08:17:28 pm

I was going to mention the same thing David.  ;)

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: broad_head on November 17, 2009, 03:37:42 am

I have made several flat bows from Hawthorn and I consider it to be a great bow wood. The only problem is that it never grows that straight, but you get some excellent character bows. I have also found that the best wood comes from small branches, so its easy to harvest.
                         Peter (UK)
               

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: mox1968 on November 17, 2009, 05:22:47 am

ok guys im convinced,going to get my saw!! any word on seasoning ,is it just like a white wood like ash or longer to season??

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: broad_head on November 17, 2009, 09:13:24 am

I normally rough my Hawthorn out on my bandsaw (branch staves about 2 inches in dia) but leave the bark on the remaining surfaces. I have completely removed the bark but have experienced some major splitting problems especially around knots. Let the stave sit for a good few weeks in a cool place then move it to a warmer environment for 2 - 3 months. You will find that Hawthorn does not have the soft early growth that ash has and is a much denser wood, you don't need much wood to make a high pondage bow.
                                             Good luck
                                                            Peter (UK)

Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: OldBow on November 17, 2009, 11:43:14 am

I have had very good luck with hawthorn. Here is a pic of my Holmegaard

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Title: Re: hawthorn??
Post by: mox1968 on November 17, 2009, 04:24:02 pm

ok thanks for the info ,will cut it down at the weekend