Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Dictionary on November 28, 2012, 10:57:19 pm

Title: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: Dictionary on November 28, 2012, 10:57:19 pm

I think it is. But i'm not sure. You can click on the pics to enlarge them..
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/th_IMAG0005.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/?action=view&current=IMAG0005.jpg)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/th_IMAG0008.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/?action=view&current=IMAG0008.jpg)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/th_IMAG0009.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/?action=view&current=IMAG0009.jpg)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/th_IMAG0010.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/?action=view&current=IMAG0010.jpg)

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: Dictionary on November 28, 2012, 11:00:20 pm

Here's another better shot at the bark. Click to enlarge.


(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/th_IMAG0003.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/Jayrock205_photos/?action=view&current=IMAG0003.jpg)

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: toomanyknots on November 29, 2012, 12:07:17 am

It does look like hophornbeam to me too. Tough stuff.

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: PatM on November 29, 2012, 12:18:44 am

Without a doubt. You can see the slight variations it has from tree to tree. Some have bark that breaks into rectangles and others it turns silvery and shaggy.

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: TacticalFate on November 29, 2012, 02:13:36 am

yup, thats hophornbeam

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 29, 2012, 08:25:58 am

I think so but look at the bark. It will split out with a fearsome spiral. Jawge

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: Dictionary on November 29, 2012, 09:58:58 am

Quote from: Scott D on November 28, 2012, 11:24:11 pm

I think it is, the bark looks right. Look for hops like seed pods and catkins to be sure.

Haven't noticed any pods. Maybe not at this time of the year or maybe not until the tree matures to a certain age does it develop them? This wood grows in small diameter saplings all over the place and in larger trees. A lot of the bark spirals around the larger trees.

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: blackhawk on November 29, 2012, 10:11:23 am

That's one of my gripes about hophornbeam(although I do like it) is that you'll have to look at a number of trees before you find one that's bow worthy IMO. I believe the "hop" looking clusters are out in late spring and early summer only.

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: Dictionary on November 29, 2012, 10:55:00 am

Quote from: blackhawk on November 29, 2012, 10:11:23 am

That's one of my gripes about hophornbeam(although I do like it) is that you'll have to look at a number of trees before you find one that's bow worthy IMO. I believe the "hop" looking clusters are out in late spring and early summer only.

I've had to cut many undesirable trees with small dips and instrusions all around the wood. We'll see in a couple of months time whether i can make a bow from such wood.

Title: Re: Is this HopHornbeam?
Post by: blackhawk on November 29, 2012, 12:14:20 pm

Hophornbeam is a tough wood(its not nicknamed Ironwood for nuttin),and can stand a lot of abuse and character...a lot of folks call it poor mans osage,but it still isn't osage..lol. :laugh: