Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tortoise on March 02, 2012, 07:43:38 pm

Title: Arizona tree ID please
Post by: Tortoise on March 02, 2012, 07:43:38 pm

I got this big tree in a part of my front yard in Arizona that is soon to be cut down. It looks like a desert ironwood but saw significant differences in the color of the bark and leaf structure. The tree also leaks a very thick reddish sap in drops. Anyway, can someone please identify this tree, tell me if it is good bow wood, and a stave count estimate? Here's some pics:
(http://i.imgur.com/NeOyp.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/K5o2R.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zJyFM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/egOQj.jpg)

I apologize for the super big pictures, have no idea how to reduce the size.

Title: Re: Arizona tree ID please
Post by: Josh B on March 02, 2012, 08:10:23 pm

Mesquite.  It likes a flat back , comparable to black walnut in tension strength .  I'd trade an Osage stave for a couple staves out of that. >:D That ones the cleanest and straightest I've ever seen.  Be careful with it.  Borers love it and it checks and splits FAST if you don't get it sealed good.  Josh

Title: Re: Arizona tree ID please
Post by: Tortoise on March 02, 2012, 08:16:03 pm

I'd be happy to trade a stave from this for another osage actually  ;) , I'll let you know in the future when it gets cut