Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: huntertrapper on November 28, 2007, 07:37:56 pm

Title: sassafras bows
Post by: huntertrapper on November 28, 2007, 07:37:56 pm

i have a good bit of sassafras saplins around here. ive cut a few for teepee poles and for building chairs and stuff. but, has anyone had any experience with making bows from them? They seem relatively strong to me. They grow pretty straight too and are abundant.

Title: Re: sassafras bows
Post by: brokennock on November 28, 2007, 09:45:32 pm

I cut some recently and am waiting for it to dry, have my eye on a few other saplings, hope someone with more experience chimes in before I waste any more time.

Title: Re: sassafras bows
Post by: huntertrapper on November 28, 2007, 11:28:26 pm

thanks. ill try it.

Title: Re: sassafras bows
Post by: Pat B on November 29, 2007, 12:35:23 am

Some of my first bows(20 yrs ago) were of Sassafras. I have a few trees in my woods that I've been looking at but haven't done one lately. There is an article in an old PA about sasafras bows..."You can't make a bow out of sasafras"! or something like that.     Pat

Title: Re: sassafras bows
Post by: Auggie on November 29, 2007, 06:27:23 am

Was wondering what color sass wood has and is it considered a white wood?

Title: Re: sassafras bows
Post by: Pappy on November 29, 2007, 07:41:06 am

I have a friend that wrights some in PA[Ron Prusinski] that uses it a lot in the D bow style.
He tells me it will work fine in a flat bow.He dose make his long maybe 70 inches
but I don't know if that is necessary. :)
   Pappy