Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: somedude on April 28, 2023, 12:11:21 pm

Title: Popcorn tree or Chinese tallow tree
Post by: somedude on April 28, 2023, 12:11:21 pm
I have a lot of these trees and I wonder would they be a decent wood too. Are a bow from?  I have many that I have cut and it would be a waste to burn them if them could be used for bows.  Anyone have any experience with them for a bow?
Title: Re: Popcorn tree or Chinese tallow tree
Post by: Pat B on April 28, 2023, 04:10:23 pm
There were plenty of them around when I lived in Savannah but I never built a bow from them. Not really knowing but my guess is the wood is too light to use for bows. You could try one. If it works you'll have a good supply of bow wood. If not, you not lost much.
Title: Re: Popcorn tree or Chinese tallow tree
Post by: Hamish on April 28, 2023, 09:04:05 pm
 I have several of these trees on my property, and many grow in the area. I haven't made of bow from  C Tallow wood. I have used the wood to make some small bowls. It works easily. Its a whitewood so it stains grey when not dried appropriately, and rots quickly too.

I wouldn't have thought it to be a good candidate for bows, it never grows really large, or has long trunks, before the canopy grows. Branches seem very brittle.

If you get a suitable stave out of what you have available, then I would go for a classic whitewood design to maximise your chance of success ie 2" wide limbs, flatbow