Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: alex b on April 24, 2011, 02:00:49 am

Title: Black Cherry?
Post by: alex b on April 24, 2011, 02:00:49 am

I have a friend who wants a few cherry trees removed on his farm and he is letting me take them for staves. I have read that
I need to back it but would much prefer selfbows. What is a efficient, safe design for cherry? Any tips would be appreciated.

thanks
alex

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: Sparrow on April 24, 2011, 02:25:29 am

 Black cherry will make a bow. Stay on this site and it will become clear.  '  Frank

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: MWirwicki on April 24, 2011, 02:06:25 pm

66" long.  51# at 26".  Pyramid style bow starts out 2-1/4" after the handle fadeouts and straight tapers to the 1/2" tips.  The first selfbow I made.  My handle is 4-1/2" with 1-1/4" fadeouts.

MWirwicki
Perry, MI

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: Pat B on April 24, 2011, 02:43:33 pm

I've only made a few cherry bow and all were with the sapwood under the bark. All were overbuilt as per Paul Comstock.

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: Polar Bear on April 24, 2011, 08:53:40 pm

I would take all the bow wood he will let you have and if he'll do it take all the non bow wood you can.  The non bow wood is great for using in your smoker.

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: Buckeye Guy on April 24, 2011, 09:40:56 pm

I have not made a self bow from blackcherry.
I do love to make arrows from it !!
If its staight grained it makes really good arrows !!

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: alex b on April 25, 2011, 12:20:37 am

Thanks for all the help.

I was planning on chasing a ring to the heartwood- the color is so beautiful!
But, if sapwood is better I will use that.

what do you guys think? sapwood or heartwood?

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: MWirwicki on April 25, 2011, 12:25:21 am

I chased a ring and built the bow (pictured above) with the heartwood.  I applied a reddish leather dye prior to my finish.

MWirwicki
Perry, MI

Title: Re: Black Cherry?
Post by: alex b on April 25, 2011, 12:35:26 am

That is a really nice looking bow
thanks for showing