Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Ncsnipe on September 02, 2010, 12:20:30 am

Title: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: Ncsnipe on September 02, 2010, 12:20:30 am

Just wondering. These trees grow like weeds around here and seem to have lots of perfect bow stave size branches.

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: aznboi3644 on September 02, 2010, 02:17:54 am

I've always thought about it...It grows wild around here too...perfect straight branchless 8-10 foot sections I see a lot.  Just haven't cut one down yet.

Measure the SG of the wood if you can.

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: El Destructo on September 02, 2010, 02:40:31 am

Mimosa is a very Useful Tree...for Medicinal purposes such as Burns...Lesions...and it kills Infections and stops Bleeding...and many other great uses...But the Wood is Brittle...and Breaks easily in High Winds and Snow and Ice.....If I was to use it to build a Bow though...I wou;ld reduce it to only Heartwood...it's a lot denser wood...JMO

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: tombo on September 02, 2010, 07:33:40 pm

I'm ready for someone to try this out !! Tom

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: tiknuttle on September 02, 2010, 09:41:08 pm

deffinetly dosent work. already tried it. The wood is to brittle and weak. You could make a 25 lb. bow I guess.

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: ken75 on September 03, 2010, 12:16:23 am

any wood is bow wood ,designed properly ! ,some are just more tolerant than others

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: madmax46 on October 03, 2010, 05:54:24 pm

That piece of information was very interesting, El Destructo.  I'm not from Missouri  (LOL!), but I did have to check it out.  And, of course, you were absolutely correct.  Well, at least I've learned one thing today!   Thanks.     :)

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: Lombard on October 03, 2010, 09:58:33 pm

Never thought of it as bow wood, for reasons already mentioned. Did take the time to make three arrows from it though. Went squirrel hunting with them. Lost one, and the other two just about disintegrated upon hitting limbs. Needless to say I haven't wasted any more time on Mimosa. I just enjoy the pink blossoms in the spring now.   

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: Justin Snyder on October 04, 2010, 12:32:17 am

The mimosa I have cut was super dense with tight growth rings but a little brittle. I think it is a fine bow wood if you back it.

Title: Re: Has anyone tried to make a bow from a mimosa tree?
Post by: MelDel89 on December 28, 2010, 07:55:42 pm

I'm going to try it! I just cut down a mimosa (or at least I believe thats what it is). I have started working on a great stave and the rings are perfect. It's my first bow, and I am about 5'2 so I dont think I have to worry about backing it seeing as how I wont have to pull it back as hard. I'll let you all know how it goes!!  ;D