hichory

[jturkey]

Anyone know where i can get a hold on some good quality hichory to make a long bow from would like to try backing it with boo for added strength. just can not find any around here.

[Pat B]

Doc, IMO, hickory and boo are not a good combo. Others will probably disagree. Hickory is very strong in tension but not so in compression. A selfbow of hickory would be more practical im my opinion.
  Pine Hollow sells quality hickory staves. Another option is go to a local specialty lumber company. You can buy enough hickory for 4 or 5 bows for what you will pay for a stave from a vender.

[Kitsu]

Have to agree with Pat on this, if you want a boo backed bow, i am sure others here can help you decide a better wood that would fit your plans.

[adb]

I'd also agree. Boo backed hickory is not the best combo, as they're both tension strong woods.

[Hrothgar]

Osage, mulberry, black locust would all make a good core for a boo backed long bow.

[jturkey]

i was thinking of a board bow for some kids in my church and wanted something doable with alot of strength in it as well. ithat is the only reasoni would back a hickory bow with some thing like boo.  i can use maple all day long but would want something these kids age 14-18 could shoot and be proud to say they own. and hickory seems to be a very strong and durable wood in these parts.   so would this still not be a good choice or would maple be better?

[jturkey]

if the growth rings were not perfect is what i meant.

[Kegan]

Only stave more unbreakable than hickory is white oak. Hickory makes a great bow, and durable, all on its own. No need for boo unless the grain is really awful or you're planning on using Perry reflex to get a certain shape.

[Hrothgar]

As Kegan said, you can't go wrong with hickory--durable, forgiving, and reasonably priced ; would be a good choice for a group of kids.

[jturkey]

cool thanks