compressive strength of blackthorn???

[Dazv]

Hi guys!!!

So i would like to make a Californian Indian style bow around 45 inches long. The stave i hope to is blackthorn but as i have never used this wood for bows before i was wondering if you guys think it would be strong enough in compression to withstand this design? I know it is not yew but i really don't want to go and cut more wood when i already have a stave of suitable length.

Thanks so much

Darren

[mikekeswick]

Go for it. Blackthorn is very good in compression. How wide is your stave?

[Dazv]

Its around 2 1/2 inches but the cross section of the stave is more eye shaped than round, i could get a 2 inch wide bow from it.

[Lee Slikkers]

Dazv, the "eye" shape or lenticular is actually about how you will want to shape the bow as you tiller it so at 2 1/2" I think you will be in pretty good shape.  Be sure to post up some progress pics as you go, I'd love to see how it goes as I have a couple nice stands of stick hawthorn which I think is fairly similar in properties...

Good Luck~

[mikekeswick]

Blackthorn is pretty dense so no need to go wider than 1 5/8 ths when roughing out. Go for the flatter 'sides' for back and belly.

[Dazv]

thanks for the advice guys. I will try to post some pics when i start the new bow but computers are not really my thing but i will try.