Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: John K on February 24, 2010, 01:53:52 pm

Title: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 24, 2010, 01:53:52 pm

Some Black Locust i got over the weekend.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/johnkeehn/STARTINGSPLIT.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/johnkeehn/SPLIT.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/johnkeehn/SEALINGENDS.jpg)

and a Black Locust Burl.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/johnkeehn/BLKLOCUSTBURL.jpg)

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: DanaM on February 24, 2010, 02:41:31 pm

Nice, save one for me eh :)

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 24, 2010, 02:55:06 pm

Sure will Dana !

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Jude on February 24, 2010, 05:48:36 pm

Nice lookin stuff :)

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Cacatch on February 24, 2010, 05:54:17 pm

Good for you! Black locust is always good to have around.   ;D

The heartwood really doesn't look like the BL heartwood I've seen in Indiana when fresh cut though. The bark does, but the heartwood looks more light brown/cream colored to me. Here in Indiana all the heartwood I've ever seen was greenish yellow when fresh cut and a little more defined than what you got. But I think the color does vary from state to state.

Anyhow, I'm jealous!  ;)

CP

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 24, 2010, 06:21:48 pm

CP, I think it's because it's a younger tree ?  I to think it might very from region to region.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Ryano on February 24, 2010, 06:27:17 pm

Yep, I've seen both colors around here. I think it just depends on the minerals in the ground where it was growing or something. From my experiance the darker green colored stuff seems to be more dense and made better bows.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 24, 2010, 06:45:36 pm

Thanks Ryano, this stuff was growing in very sandy soil. I cut some from a buddys place a couple years ago that was much darker and that was growing in real rocky soil...........will see how it goes !

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: stickbender on February 25, 2010, 03:29:17 pm

     John K;
     Do you use the heart wood, and not the sap wood?  Or a combination?  Or ......just what part of Black Locust do you use for making bows?

                                                                             Wayne

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 25, 2010, 03:32:57 pm

Wayne, i only use the heart wood.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: crooketarrow on February 25, 2010, 03:43:48 pm

    I've used both but the 2 I made with sap wood I sinewed and I made 2 out of only heart wood.I was told type of ground,minerals and growing close to wallnut trees all made it darker.I'm not sure this guy knew for sure.But he talked a good talk.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: stickbender on February 25, 2010, 03:44:32 pm

    Ok, thanks. ;) I thought that was what was used, but was not real sure.  I know that they say that Black Locust will last longer than rock!  :o ::) Some of the old homes that used that wood for siding on the housing, well over a hundred years ago, are still standing, and still solid, with no signs of rot! 8)  Supposedly when the settlers would build a log cabin, they would use Black locust for the first five or six layers, then oak, and then pine, if those woods were available.  The Locust would hold up to the wet wether, better than the other woods. ;)  Some of those log cabins are still standing also! 8)
                                        Wayne.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: John K on February 25, 2010, 04:24:21 pm

Cool, Thanks for the info !

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Jude on February 27, 2010, 05:09:45 am

It is pretty rot resistant.  I was told it was the preferred wood for anvil stumps (bottom half buried), and it was popular for fence posts, for the same reason.