Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Thwackaddict on July 20, 2010, 02:30:51 pm

Title: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 20, 2010, 02:30:51 pm

I stumbled upon a nice patch of slippery elm,most being in the 3-6inch range.When is best to cut them.Fall when the saps down or whenever i can get a saw into them?

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: ken75 on July 20, 2010, 02:41:36 pm

whenever you can ! now is fine bark will come off better

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 20, 2010, 02:45:42 pm

Thanks ken,i been livin here for three years and yesterday i was pickin berrys and scopin bow trees and they are evrywhere behind my house!!

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: KenH on July 20, 2010, 04:05:16 pm

You might want to try Half Eye's technique described in his article in the last issue of PA.  He saws split Red (Slippery) Elm into quartersawn grained thick planks.  Makes some din-o-myte bows!!

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 21, 2010, 02:52:28 am

I'll have to look that up again,I remember readin it but not sure if i have right equipment.Guess i could split it and wait til i get back to work and take it to sawmill.Thanks ken(s)Lol

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: cracker on July 21, 2010, 09:00:24 am

I drive lag bolts into it in a line with an impact wrench. Just too lazy to beat on the wedges. Oh and get it sealed as soon as you get the bark off.
Ronnie

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: J05H on July 21, 2010, 10:20:06 am

Quote from: cracker on July 21, 2010, 09:00:24 am

I drive lag bolts into it in a line with an impact wrench. Just too lazy to beat on the wedges.

Hey, great idea. Why didn't I think of that? ;D 

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 21, 2010, 01:09:09 pm

thanks ronnie,Thats a great idea.

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: cracker on July 21, 2010, 03:33:53 pm

Yep laziness is the mother of a lot of inventions.Ron ;D 8)

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: denny on July 22, 2010, 12:09:17 am

Dip the ends in hot parafin and put cheap whjite glue on the area where bark has been removed. By the way good luck with the slippery elm. It likes to crysal and crack, mostly because of the wet sap wood. denny

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 22, 2010, 01:57:51 am

very true ron very true
denny-I have worked with slippery elm and had no problems with chrysals or cracks.I think it is one of the better bow woods.beautiful grain in it.thanks guys

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: denny on July 23, 2010, 12:03:55 am

you have been fortunate, I have one in the shop now that reflex a bad experience. I just wanted to save you heart break. Didn't say you couldn't make a bow from it. Denny

Title: Re: Slippery elm
Post by: Thwackaddict on July 23, 2010, 01:55:20 am

thanks denny didnt mean to come off like that.I guess everyone has their preferences.I appreciate the caution tho.