Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: osage outlaw on March 12, 2011, 03:49:39 pm

Title: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: osage outlaw on March 12, 2011, 03:49:39 pm

With the frequent tree ID questions, I thought it might be a good idea to have a post with pictures and info on all of the common species of trees that we use to build bows.  Everyone could keep adding pictures and info and really make this a valuable resource for the beginning bowyer as well as some seasoned guys that might want to look for a new type of wood to use.  It would be great if this could be saved or archived where it could be easily accessed.  I thought pics of a standing tree, bark, and a cut end would be a good start.  Once the leaves sprout, we could update it and add some pictures of them.  It would be nice if someone could start something like this for arrow making materials also.


I will start it out with osage since that is what I am most familiar with.

Standing tree

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11409.jpg)

Second growth on an old stump

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11405.jpg)

Smaller branches with thorns

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11410.jpg)

The end after it is cut.  Remember to seal the ends as soon as you cut it to prevent checking.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11404.jpg)

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: Pat B on March 12, 2011, 03:53:57 pm

This has the potential to be a very good and very educational thread. Thanks for starting it, Osage Outlaw.  Pics of tree limb tips with the buds is a very good ID tool also.

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: osage outlaw on March 12, 2011, 03:54:45 pm

Hackberry

Standing trees

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11406.jpg)

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11407.jpg)

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11408.jpg)

The end after it has been cut and sealed.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11411.jpg)

The back after the bark has been peeled off.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11412.jpg)

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: SiongSA on March 12, 2011, 05:45:42 pm

when i go to the wood again i'll take some pics of my to most used bow woods, mulberry and white ash

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: toymaker on March 12, 2011, 10:21:26 pm

Black Cherry
(http://bazillionlights.com//Images/photobucket/Archery/BlackCherry1.jpg)


The young trees or branches have smooth gray almost silverish bark. With marks or lines that go around the tree kind of like the black marks on a Birch.
(http://bazillionlights.com//Images/photobucket/Archery/BlackCherry2.jpg)


The mature bark is still the same as the branches only much darker and split a curling off the tree.
(http://bazillionlights.com//Images/photobucket/Archery/BlackCherryBark.jpg)


freshly sealed end for slingshot not bow(that's why it's so short)
(http://bazillionlights.com//Images/photobucket/Archery/BlackCherryRings.jpg)

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: osage outlaw on March 12, 2011, 10:45:47 pm

Very nice.  Thank you.  Anyone else want to add to the list?

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: okie64 on March 12, 2011, 11:23:00 pm

I like this idea. I'll take my camera next time I go to the woods.

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: Elktracker on March 13, 2011, 02:13:18 pm

Quote from: okie64 on March 12, 2011, 11:23:00 pm

I like this idea. I'll take my camera next time I go to the woods.

x2

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: osage outlaw on March 13, 2011, 06:23:02 pm

Maybe everyone could take the camera with them while looking for sheds.

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: crooketarrow on March 13, 2011, 06:33:27 pm

  Anyone have a pic of a ocean spray. I know there not in my area but never made a bow of it. But want to any info on wood or bows etc.

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: fishfinder401 on March 13, 2011, 07:10:10 pm

great thread, this will be great for people just learning what wood to use like me ;D
thanks
noel

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: Elktracker on March 13, 2011, 08:27:06 pm

Ocean Spray also known as a species of Iron Wood, Pic of the leaf and flower and a stave showing the bark, ill get more pics up soon of the plant in nature.
Josh

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: Bryce H on March 17, 2011, 02:10:42 am

Great thread!

I just started a bow from Hackberry; my second bow.

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: osage outlaw on March 17, 2011, 07:50:44 am

Does anyone have some pictures of Black Locust or Vine Maple?

Title: Re: Bowyers tree ID
Post by: Elktracker on March 17, 2011, 01:57:30 pm

Ill get some posted up here soon if no one else does before my next outing