Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: wizardgoat on March 24, 2014, 03:10:18 pm

Title: horn bow core wood
Post by: wizardgoat on March 24, 2014, 03:10:18 pm

Ive started collecting materials to build an asiatic  horn bow.
I dont want to have to buy or waste a stave of osage or mulberry
for the core wood.
I know theres guys here that have made some, would a sheet
of hickory backing work? Its very close to the thickness
I would want, I know not very authentic, but way cheaper.
Cheers

Title: Re: horn bow core wood
Post by: toomanyknots on March 24, 2014, 03:39:22 pm

I would think yes. You can buy maple pretty cheap at menards too. Or home depot also I think. Maple is a traditional horn bow core wood I think.

Title: Re: horn bow core wood
Post by: bubby on March 24, 2014, 05:02:21 pm

I'd use the maple, it's lighter

Title: Re: horn bow core wood
Post by: PatM on March 24, 2014, 06:08:36 pm

Maple is really the best all around choice for a number of reasons. A typical backing strip is too thin for most horn bow designs. Having a thicker piece to start allows you to have a deeper glueline for the spliced in tips.

Title: Re: horn bow core wood
Post by: wizardgoat on March 24, 2014, 07:47:47 pm

thanks guys. all the maple in home depot is 1" thick, it would be real tough for me to get a perfect thickness
with hand tools, i know the wood thickness has to be pretty dead on for these.
the maple sold on 3rivers seems way to thin as well. the guys in the "building an asiatic horn bow" video
split a flat crowned stave right down the early wood, which may be the easiest i guess without a planer. cheers