Post by: HillSlick on April 25, 2014, 05:20:24 PM
What are some wood types In Western WA that can be used for a decent bow? And how can I tell them apart?
The only one I know of or have used is apple wood, makes really good bows surprisingly. But I'd really appreciate the help, lookin for a little variety, and Google isn't really making it As easy as I'd figured it would. God bless all
Post by: jackelope on April 25, 2014, 05:28:20 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on April 25, 2014, 05:31:06 PM
Pacific Yew
Ditto!
Post by: RadSav on April 25, 2014, 06:00:07 PM
http://www.nwarchery.com/books-and-magazines/ (http://www.nwarchery.com/books-and-magazines/)
Post by: HillSlick on April 26, 2014, 06:58:42 AM
Post by: Special T on April 26, 2014, 07:22:43 AM
Post by: Old Dog on April 26, 2014, 09:11:37 AM
Post by: Pacific on April 26, 2014, 10:31:54 AM
According to the books Cherry will make a decent bow, too. I tried it once, because I had some....didn't work out for me.....but probably my lack of skill more than anything.
Post by: HillSlick on April 26, 2014, 09:48:27 PM
Post by: RadSav on April 27, 2014, 12:25:49 AM
Thanks guys ya'll rock, the Bowyers Bible? Do you think I could find it at sportsman or sportco?
I'd be surprised if you found it locally. I'd try Lancaster Archery or 3 Rivers Archery online. The first edition should be available rather easy. If looking for the others I think you will find it easier to buy the complete four volume set. Don't buy it from Amazon! Last I saw Amazon wanted more for a single book than Lancaster did for the complete set. Lancaster is generally cheaper, 3 Rivers usually has a better traditional book selection and better service.
Post by: HillSlick on April 27, 2014, 09:28:29 AM
Thanks guys ya'll rock, the Bowyers Bible? Do you think I could find it at sportsman or sportco?
I'd be surprised if you found it locally. I'd try Lancaster Archery or 3 Rivers Archery online. The first edition should be available rather easy. If looking for the others I think you will find it easier to buy the complete four volume set. Don't buy it from Amazon! Last I saw Amazon wanted more for a single book than Lancaster did for the complete set. Lancaster is generally cheaper, 3 Rivers usually has a better traditional book selection and better service.
Ok I'll start at Lancaster then, thanks man. Really appreciate the help
Post by: TONTO on May 26, 2014, 10:34:21 AM
https://sites.google.com/site/onemississipp/bowwoods
Post by: HillSlick on May 27, 2014, 10:17:55 PM
Bumping back up. As mention yew(good luck on that one), black locust and vine maple are all exolent bow woods. Hazelnut will also make a great bow too, as well as pacific dogwood. Don't overlook some of the fruit trees, apple, plumb, cherry and pear are all good bow woods. I have a Japanese pear curing, thats some pretty heavy stuff. Madrone will make a bow but will check realy bad if not taken care of right away. Gary Oak, a sub species of white oak, is a native west side wood with good properties, I have also read that ScottsBroom will make a good bow but I have yet to find one large enough for a self bow, it will make a good billet bow if you want a takedown though.
https://sites.google.com/site/onemississipp/bowwoods
I've been playing around with scottsbroom quite a bit, dried and carved on a bit it's pretty good stuff. I haven't gotten hold of any of the other woods though. Scottsbroom grows EVERYWHERE here.
Post by: JLS on May 27, 2014, 10:41:14 PM
Bumping back up. As mention yew(good luck on that one), black locust and vine maple are all exolent bow woods. Hazelnut will also make a great bow too, as well as pacific dogwood. Don't overlook some of the fruit trees, apple, plumb, cherry and pear are all good bow woods. I have a Japanese pear curing, thats some pretty heavy stuff. Madrone will make a bow but will check realy bad if not taken care of right away. Gary Oak, a sub species of white oak, is a native west side wood with good properties, I have also read that ScottsBroom will make a good bow but I have yet to find one large enough for a self bow, it will make a good billet bow if you want a takedown though.
https://sites.google.com/site/onemississipp/bowwoods
I've been playing around with scottsbroom quite a bit, dried and carved on a bit it's pretty good stuff. I haven't gotten hold of any of the other woods though. Scottsbroom grows EVERYWHERE here.
Given how fast it grows, I wouldn't think this would make a very good bow wood. It's been a long time since I carved on it as a kid, but I don't remember it being all that hard and dense. :dunno:
Post by: Hornseeker on May 28, 2014, 08:13:48 AM
Anyhow... chokecherry... and juniper can be real good too... Saskatoon... Mountain Ash... The black locust spoken of would be great for sure. Of course, Yew is tops... but not the easiest of the bunch to procure or build a bow with!
Good Luck!
Post by: HillSlick on May 28, 2014, 08:17:42 AM
The Scittsbroom isn't very dense but it BERY elastic, especially after it's dried for a while
Post by: HillSlick on May 28, 2014, 08:19:03 AM
"VERY"
Post by: Snapshot on May 29, 2014, 07:27:18 PM
Post by: HillSlick on May 30, 2014, 07:52:06 AM
Cascara and Indian Plum haven't been mentioned and both make bows; the plum better than the cascara. I wouldn't trust big leaf maple... Volume #1 of the Bowyers Bible is the one to get if you can only get one.
Never worked with either, I've seen plumb tho, pretty stuff
Post by: GregE on June 04, 2014, 01:46:00 PM
Post by: pd on June 04, 2014, 02:24:23 PM
Oh, lots of Gorst (Scotch Broom), too.
Post by: RadSav on June 04, 2014, 03:07:24 PM
I have as much crapwood (Black Locust) as you might want. Come cut it please. Hate it.
Traditional guys should score on that offer! Great stuff :tup:
Post by: HillSlick on June 05, 2014, 07:39:20 PM
I have as much crapwood (Black Locust) as you might want. Come cut it please. Hate it.
Oh, lots of Gorst (Scotch Broom), too.
Hm well I may take you up on that some time
"WAIT! Looks dangerous...you first"