Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Markus on December 30, 2017, 06:23:30 pm

Title: Black Locust
Post by: Markus on December 30, 2017, 06:23:30 pm

Long ago I read that this wood species is weak in compression or was it weak in tension. I cannot remember which. Help, anybody. Thanks.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: upstatenybowyer on December 30, 2017, 06:42:59 pm

In my experience it's an awesome bow wood with a few considerations to keep in mind... Heat treating works wonders, but may result in the belly overpowering the back which could lead to tension failure. The other thing is it tends to chrysal with an over-stressed design.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: aaron on December 30, 2017, 07:16:43 pm

weaker in compression- prone to crysals. Otherwise excellent. make the belly very flat

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Pat B on December 30, 2017, 07:51:58 pm

Black locust is not weak in compression, actually it is one of the strongest North American woods in compression. The problem is it is brittle and tends to fret if the tiller isn't spot on.  Locust makes a great bow but not for the weak of heart.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 31, 2017, 07:42:33 am

I like BL very much. I cut my bow teeth on it.
I heat treated my last BL bow and it did very well with it.
I do believe there is a regional difference in BL but can't move it.
Northern BL i s pretty good.
Jawge