Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DuBois on February 08, 2016, 05:17:06 pm

Title: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: DuBois on February 08, 2016, 05:17:06 pm
Just wondering if anybody knows if lilac is stronger in tension or compression? Thinking on trapping the belly on a bow but not sure if that is the right thing to do.

Thanks in advance.

Doobs
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: wizardgoat on February 08, 2016, 07:15:38 pm
I think lilac would be classified as a white wood so it will be tension strong.
On tension strong sapling bows it's better to aim for a flatter belly, or very very slightly crowned.
On compression strong woods like yew, I like to crown my belly a lot more, to take some strain off the back.  Depending on how crowned the back is.
Just do a little experimenting, I hear it's great bow wood
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: jandersson on February 08, 2016, 08:43:14 pm
I often hear " I hear lilac is a good bow wood" but I don't think I've seen a lilac bow or see anyone that actually made one. We might be pioneers here Doobs! :laugh:
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: DuBois on February 08, 2016, 08:53:28 pm
Well JA, we sure got a lot of the twisty stuff growing around here.

Thanks WizG, it has a fairly low crown for lilac (from a big bush). I will try to keep it rectangular I think then. It is a curvy grnarly sucker for sure.  >:D >:D And that 5 curve trade bow is %&##*N nice!!
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: PatM on February 08, 2016, 09:01:06 pm
"sumpitan" loves this stuff. I have made a few small scrap bows to test it. It is a very balanced wood in tension and compression.
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: turtle on February 08, 2016, 11:13:40 pm
I have no idea but have been wanting to try some out. Wife keeps aclose eye on hers and won't let me near it. :(
Title: Re: Lilac; tension or compression strong
Post by: DuBois on February 08, 2016, 11:19:35 pm
Ok, cool. Thanks Pat  ;D