Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Knocker on March 09, 2008, 02:46:34 pm

Title: Cedar Bark
Post by: Knocker on March 09, 2008, 02:46:34 pm

NW (USA & Canada) Coastal Indians used Western Red Cedar as one of their basic raw materials.  The wood was used for houses, canoes, and art in the form of masks and totem poles.  They stripped the bark of the tree and shredded the cambium layer to make cloth, sleeping/floor mats, and rope and fishing line.  My question is, has anyone on this forum used the fiber as a bow backing?  It seems it may be in the same league as flax?  It comes off the tree in long 10-12 strips.  I was thinking that it could be used wet and stretched on like rawhide, or it could be shredded and applied like sinew.  Has anyone tried this?

Keith

Title: Re: Cedar Bark
Post by: brian melton on March 09, 2008, 03:51:37 pm

Keith,

               Short answer... I don't think so, never seen it done before. Hows the bows coming?? The vine maple I cut while you were here is a bow now, just needs sanding, and finish..


Brian

Title: Re: Cedar Bark
Post by: El Destructo on March 09, 2008, 08:26:21 pm

Brian..just noticed where you live....got a Son lives there too....works for Weyerhauser.....names Jeremy Roberts

As for the Bark....wouldnt waste my time on it.....not when you know the outcome of Rawhide or Sinew....or Cherry Bark for that matter.......JMO

Title: Re: Cedar Bark
Post by: brian melton on March 09, 2008, 10:56:19 pm

    Do't know the name, but know a few people at weyerhauser. Head of security for this region Sid Strong, and forester John Todd... sure your son knows their names if he works out of the cosmopilis mill....

Brian

Title: Re: Cedar Bark
Post by: Knocker on March 11, 2008, 01:10:27 am

Thanks for the responses Gentlemen.  I know Cedar bark is a tough fiber, I might have to experiment with it sometime since I've got some that's been peeled and drying in my shop for about 5 years... 

Brian - Sounds like you are a bit further along on your bow.  Haven't done anything with the Vine Maple.  I have started a breakdown with the Cascara billets, and have got a bit further with the IPE and bamboo.  I have some Perry reflex in it, and have glued on some hardwood tips.  The next step is getting my tillering rack setup in the garage.  I just got back from a couple of weeks in Europe, and have been working on vintage Triumph motorcycles in anticipation of spring...   ;D  Working for a living and too many hobbies!

PM me or call if you are interested in going to Glass Butte this month.

Keith