Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Springbuck on November 30, 2014, 03:39:18 pm

Title: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: Springbuck on November 30, 2014, 03:39:18 pm
  I am messing with a red osier dogwood stave I happened across.  Don't know what I can get out of it, but the size impressed me.  It was almost 78" long, no branches, but only 1.25" on the skinny end and 1.5" on the fat end.  I restrained it to dry and it's ready.  I plan on trying a crowned, skinny bow as long as will maintain some draw weight once I scrape below the pith channel.

But the bark is still on and it looks cool. Anybody know if i can lightly scrape or sand dogwood bark and leave it on, like you can plum and serviceberry?
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: wizardgoat on November 30, 2014, 03:41:43 pm
if its anything like pacific dogwood, it may last for a while, but will eventually pop off.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: Pat B on November 30, 2014, 03:44:18 pm
The only way to find out is to try.  ;) I've not had much luck leaving bark on bows. It usually cracks and in most cases the crack ran into the wood.  :o   If you have any red osier shafts with the bark still on make a small bow and see if it holds up.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: Springbuck on November 30, 2014, 06:09:31 pm
  Ok, thanks.  i was enjoying the thought of the red bark and white flecks.

  I have had bark stay on plum saplings.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on December 01, 2014, 11:27:25 am
i think it is a risk,,
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on December 01, 2014, 12:40:40 pm
I was hoping to keep bark on an ocean spray Im working right now. All was well until I tried to low brace it, the bark cracked and popped right near the fade. I ended up fighting it all off, what a beach that was. But all is well now and the bow is healthier as a result.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: wizardgoat on December 01, 2014, 09:18:11 pm
ya i feel like it changes the tiller a bit too when it lets loose
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: Springbuck on December 02, 2014, 07:48:13 pm
  Well, I played with it last night, and no matter what else happens, I messed up by not taking it off when it was green!
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on December 02, 2014, 08:14:16 pm
well I wonder if you could raw hide back over the bark,, ???
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: duke3192 on December 02, 2014, 08:21:05 pm
Is it a high crown, how about a hollow limb design, like Simson in Bavaria does. I've got an Elm sapling that I am waiting for to try it out.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: Springbuck on December 11, 2014, 02:50:12 pm
  To be clear, I didn't mess up the bow.  Just a hella lotta work taking it off now that it is dry.
Title: Re: Can I leave bark on dogwood?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on December 11, 2014, 03:09:09 pm
Id get it gone myself. Not worth the gamble. Imagine finishing the whole bow only to have bark pop 100 shots in, and then have to remove it. Yuck...