Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Dag on March 10, 2012, 07:48:51 am

Title: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: Dag on March 10, 2012, 07:48:51 am

I was wondering if tigerwood is suitable for making a bow. It's specific gravity is .80 and it is a diffuse-porous tropical hardwood.  A local lumber liquidator just received a HUGE shipment of all shapes and sizes of tigerwood planks, boards, etc. I bought a 2x4 for some smaller projects and was just curious if anyone has made or has heard of someone making a bow from this stuff.

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: bubby on March 10, 2012, 04:06:21 pm

yeah I've made a couple, beautyful wood when finished to, Bub

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: JW_Halverson on March 10, 2012, 04:09:35 pm

I've heard of quite a few fine bows made from it.  The grain is very hard to see, especially in sawn boards which will be all you are going to see in the States.  I've been told to be very careful to not have much for grain runout on your limbs or else back it with a thin layer of hickory. 

I sanded a piece out to 600 grit once and buffed it with beeswax.  It takes a nice luster and has a wonderfully rich color.  Even if it makes a moderate bow, you will gain great points for style and beauty!

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: Dag on March 10, 2012, 05:56:31 pm

Yeah that was one of my apprehensions, the fact that the grain is difficult to see. It does look down right B-E-A-Utiful though!

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: rossfactor on March 10, 2012, 07:25:03 pm

Had an unbacked flat bow blow up on me.  But definitely didn't have a good feel for grain violations as stated above.

Gabe

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: bubby on March 10, 2012, 07:32:13 pm

i backed the ones i built, white oak and maple backings, Bub

Title: Re: Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood; Suitable for making a bow?
Post by: DarkSoul on March 12, 2012, 02:03:08 pm

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,29408
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,2694
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,9305
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,25127
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3470
http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/23363/Goncalo-Alves-tigerwood

Plenty of stuff to read :)