Spicebush as a bow wood-overall review

[david w.]

Well today i recieved my drawknife from a friend.  It was dull but i wanted to use it and try my spicebush stave.  All was well for a while.  One limb had amazing tiller but the other wasnt quite there.  There were two huge knots in the middle of the limb that "wasnt quite there" and that made tillering a bear.  I was trying to even it up when i badly weekend the limb that "wasnt quite there"  then i tried to even up the other limb  badly hinged it.  It was beyond hope. it was the worst hinge i have ever seen.

I am not mad a learned alot about drawnknifing and spicebush.

Well the wood was very very high in compression strength.  The hinge was sooo bad but it didnt chrysal and i pulled it for the heck of it and the back broke but the belly didnt.  It is lower in tension but if you tiller carefully and maybe back it, it should be no big deal.


The bow before i messed it up took no set.  Overall i am very impressed with spicebush and i will definately look for more in the future.

[Dano]

If you did this all in one day you need to get some patience, building bows ain't no race.

[david w.]

no it wasnt all in one day and i know its not a race.  I build one bow in a preiod of a few months. im slower than smoke

Just thought some of you might like to know

[Pat B]

I split my spice bush stave out last week and sealed the ends. The log had started checking so I figured I'd split it to allow it to dry better. I also tapered the last 8 or so inches at each end. Mine has got a while before I attempt to bend it.
   David, as long as you are learning you will continue to improve.        Pat

[Hillbilly]

I'm still looking for a decent stave, I'll find one sooner or later, as spicebush is one of the more common things around here. Be sure to keep the bevel side facing down on that drawknife.

[Papa Matt]

How many of ya's like spicebush for arrows?

-Matt

[david w.]

My favorite shoot material!!!   I am also starting to like boo too