Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ricochet on September 28, 2008, 06:11:38 pm

Title: GOOD BOW WOOD?
Post by: ricochet on September 28, 2008, 06:11:38 pm

I HAVE JUST RECENTLY BEEN BLESSED WITH SOME OAK WOOD THANKS TO HURRICANE IKE. I DONT KNOW THE TRUE NAME OF THE OAK, BUT I HAVE HEARD IT CALLED WATER OAK. IS THIS A GOOD BOW WOOD OR JUST GOOD FIREWOOD? THANKS FOR THE HELP

Title: Re: GOOD BOW WOOD?
Post by: El Destructo on September 28, 2008, 06:23:46 pm

                                                 Ricochet....quit screaming at people!!!!!!!   ;D

                                                             Thats what Caps mean!!!

As for the Wood.....is it for sure Waterr Oak???  It's also called Possum oak or Spotted oak....... I beleive that it would make a good Bow....it is a faster growing Tree than any other Oak though....so it wont be as strong as say White Oak or probably even Red Oak...The Water Oak has been used as a source of timber and fuel by people in the southern states since the 1600's

Title: Re: GOOD BOW WOOD?
Post by: Pat B on September 28, 2008, 06:45:31 pm

I'd say give it a try. Collect a few staves and make firewood from the rest. ;D  I've never used water oak but I am familiar with it. Like Mike said it is a short lived oak and has the tendency to have hollow centers in the big trees. Make your bow long(at least 68") and wide(about 2" out at least half of each limb) and you should be OK.     Pat