ok another ? about cherry

[jturkey]

just a fast one and it might have been answered i just didn't see it. when using cherry do you use the sap wood or the heart wood or both.? just needing to know before i go cut the tree down it is about 15-20" diameterand has a straight enough piece to get about 13 feet straight with no visible knots or limbs.

[sweeney3]

You can use both.  Heartwood (I think) is a bit stronger while sapwood will be a bit weaker in tension.  It makes a pretty contrast though if you can use some of both.  I'd put some rawhide on it either way, just to be safe.  Or make it really long or wide.  I might be backwards on which is tougher.  If so I'm sure someone who has used it more will pitch in shortly.

[MWirwicki]

My very first bow was from black cherry.  I used only the heartwood.  I did not back it.  It turned out pretty good for my first.  Its a soft wood, so you will want to make it wide.  Mine was a straight pyramid design.  I still have it.  I stained the wood with a mahogany stain prior to applying a finish.

[Lee Slikkers]

Great question...I had the same one but hadn't gotten around to it yet.  The other 1/2 of my question was do you chase a ring or what?

[MWirwicki]

I recall chasing a ring.  It was several years ago.

[jturkey]

ok can i use something other than raw due to not haveing it and the nearest place to get it is offline or 50 miles away. secondlywhat other material would it be if i can use another one? linene cotton cloth. hemp, brown paper bags( how would you use these if they are not long enought to go the complete distance overlap?), silk? i guess it gets more complicated as i go

[DLH]

When I think brown paper bag I think of those brown bathroom towels from elementary school idk if they would be the same I think they buy it from lowes or a hardware store in a roll that ppl back their bows with.