Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: hook on February 17, 2012, 01:07:21 pm

Title: OPTIMUM SIZE FOR HACKBERY LOG
Post by: hook on February 17, 2012, 01:07:21 pm

What is the best size of Hackberry to cut for Bowmaking? or is there one?
I have never tried it before but There is alot of it where I am working now!

Title: Re: OPTIMUM SIZE FOR HACKBERY LOG
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 17, 2012, 01:09:12 pm

10-14" is my favorite for all woods. I  believe white wood bows need a flat back and that means a larger tree must be cut. 

Title: Re: OPTIMUM SIZE FOR HACKBERY LOG
Post by: richardzane on February 17, 2012, 01:24:50 pm

I'm no expert, but my better hackberry bows are coming from bigger trees.
BUT I'm not one to go indescriminately sawin down trees. I've been fortunate to have a big one blow over recently.
It had a trunk about 16 to 18 inches... a real nice smooth sapwood back. The blanks i've saved ---not a knot in sight.
one benefit i've noticed is not as much propellering as happens from the younger trees who are always twisting around like kids.

Its nice to shoot a bow made from a tree whose rings shared your summers and winters with you.
just looking at its rings brings back memories.