Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TRiggs on March 20, 2020, 04:55:19 pm

Title: Kentucky Coffee Question
Post by: TRiggs on March 20, 2020, 04:55:19 pm

I have a nice Kentucky Coffee stave with great rings, my question is do I treat it like osage and chase a ring or can I treat it like hickory ? Any tips would be welcome.

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Question
Post by: Pat B on March 20, 2020, 07:02:26 pm

I've never used KY Coffee but I think I'd treat it like any whitewood.

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Question
Post by: BowEd on March 20, 2020, 08:09:30 pm

I've made a few KTC bows.I think it's pretty decent wood myself.With design parameters along the same as red oak.Easily making a 50#@ 28" bow @ 1.75" wide.Even though the sapwood on KCT overall is thicker than osage or black locust I always removed the sapwood and used the heartwood.It could be leaving the sapwood would'nt hurt anything either.Takes heat treating well too.When heat treating it the wood will turn a lavendar or light purpleish color before turning brown.After finish is on and in time even the lavendar color will turn a light brown also.
I've sinewed them before too and they make very nice bows.

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Question
Post by: TRiggs on March 25, 2020, 09:03:18 am

Thanks guys I'm going to chase a ring and heat treat it, pretty wet and damp here in Mo right now but as soon as it warms up I'll get at it.
I am looking to get 62" bow 35lbs @ 26" for my wife.