Cascara Buckthorn

[zdogk9]

I'm thinking about trying this bow building stuff. I've read good reports on vine maple which there is a lot of near me, but I can't think of any that comes close to straight. There is also a lot of cascara, some of it is very straight. Would cascara be suitable for a first-time effort? I can think of several in the 4"-5" diameter within 15 minutes of me as I type.
Thanks,
Z

[nathan elliot]

Why not give it a go, see how it turns out. I have met some guys who just make one bow, but one usually leads to another and I have to warn you its very addictive. I have made a couple of Buckthorn bows although mine was Purging Buckthorn, made a nice bow so go get that stave!

[HoBow]

Get at it    I have some that's waiting to become a bow.  I believe you treat it like Yew...I may be wrong though.   Makes a beautiful bow!

[mullet]

 I really like Cascara, I wish I had more.

[HoBow]

Eddie- they are paying people to get rid of it up here. They have shifted from trying to eliminate it to managing it because it spreads so quickly. One of the trails I've been running on has an unlimited supply.

[Lee Slikkers]

So what does this stuff look like while on the ground and with leaves?

[zdogk9]

I'll take some photos tomorrow morning whilst hunting and post them.

[Lee Slikkers]

I'll take some photos tomorrow morning whilst hunting and post them.

Excellent, thanks a ton!

[Elktracker]

Yes it is good bow wood and it grows pretty srtraight as well. I have never built any bows from it yet but I have some nice staves seasoning and I am pretty sure Gordon has built some beautiful Cascara bows and posted them on here, do a search and I bet you will find some.


Yes here is the link to Gordons cascara bow! http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,13125.0.html
Josh

[Keenan]

Cascara is a good bow wood. It can be a little difficult with heat bending,  sometimes it will lift a splinter if not carefull. I would back it with raw hide sinew or fish skin like sturgeon or lingcod for protection. You can build a self bow but with caution. It's not as durable as yew and Gordon and I both agree it is best backed for safety if there are any questionable areas.
 Ps Dont eat the dust and wash your hands afterward. It's a great laxitive

[Elktracker]

Ya I learned the hard way biting my nails after harvesting a dozen staves

[zdogk9]

Since this is growing outside my window I wont have to wait until tomorrow

[img][/img]

[Gordon]

Cascara is strong in compression, but not so much in tension - it makes an excellent bow if backed as Keenan suggests. It is, however, not very dense, so take wood off carefully when tillering or you will quickly find yourself underweight.