Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Papa Matt on November 20, 2008, 05:29:14 pm

Title: Best cross section for Elm?
Post by: Papa Matt on November 20, 2008, 05:29:14 pm

Brothers, what is the best general cross section for Elm, as far maximizing speed and efficiency? I'm thinking about a bow roughly 62 inches in length.

~~Papa Matt

Title: Re: Best cross section for Elm?
Post by: Pat B on November 20, 2008, 05:34:17 pm

I would imagine a wide rectangle with a flat belly but I have worked very few elm bows.    Pat

Title: Re: Best cross section for Elm?
Post by: JackCrafty on November 20, 2008, 06:02:22 pm

There are various types of elm....so the best design will take into account the best qualities of the wood.  A flat bow design with narrow tips is probably your best bet....although elm has been used in the past for ELB designs.  Again, find out what kind of elm and then use the formulas in TBB to design your bow.

Elm is great in tension but a little weak in compression.  Heat treating the belly will increase the performace of the bow.