Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on July 25, 2022, 04:54:57 pm

Title: Wych elm heartwood bow?
Post by: stuckinthemud on July 25, 2022, 04:54:57 pm

I have a wych elm stave that is thick enough to split out a heartwood strip thick enough to build another bow.  Can you build an unbacked elm heartwood bow?

Title: Re: Wych elm heartwood bow?
Post by: Jim Davis on July 25, 2022, 06:30:39 pm

I don't think you will be able to split it. Witch elm has a very interlocked grain. Best to just band saw to a thickness you can work with and make firewood out of the waste.

Title: Re: Wych elm heartwood bow?
Post by: bownarra on July 26, 2022, 01:17:03 am

Yes just chase the ring you want - no problem.

Title: Re: Wych elm heartwood bow?
Post by: meanewood on July 28, 2022, 04:32:44 pm

I have used Elm heartwood before, but have found it inferior to a bow made from sapwood or a combination of both.
It will be interesting to get your opinion based on 2 bows from the same stave.

Title: Re: Wych elm heartwood bow?
Post by: bownarra on July 29, 2022, 01:29:55 am

Quote from: meanewood on July 28, 2022, 04:32:44 pm

I have used Elm heartwood before, but have found it inferior to a bow made from sapwood or a combination of both.
It will be interesting to get your opinion based on 2 bows from the same stave.

Me too - the stuff I used was the same as sapwood though...wood eh?!