is cherry wood any good

[danny f]

hi there, i cut this cherry stave from a friends allotment the other day and have split it. im not to sure if cherry is good enough for bows though. also there are some knots that go straight through the centre of the log right in the heart wood should i just burn this or do you lot think its possible to get a bow out of it, bearing in mind im a newbie. thanks for any advice.

[Dauntless]

There's a bow in there. Be careful when taking the bark off and tiller slow, cherry can apparently be "frisky".

[DarkSoul]

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3938.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,2641.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3978.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,1987.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,2063.0.html

Cherry is tricky in tension. I'm not sure how your smallish log will hold up, given its high crown...Candidate for decrowing?? Or even a backwards bow?? A backing would be highly advisable, regarding the fair number of knots. And due to the kinks in it, some heat correction may also be in order. Either way, you're in for some work...

[hammertime]

I have used cherry for a bow got 40# out of it and backed it with rawhide.Real nice to work ith-Hammertime

[Slackbunny]

I have a maple backed cherry board bow, and it is a very good shooter.

[danny f]

thanks for the advice and the links. i may just leave it until i have abit of experience before attempting this one.

[dwardo]

Looks like your in the UK judging by your shed and the word alotment
That there is prunus avium I am sure, have been making bows from nothing else lately. That one does look like a bit of a challange though with the knots but its worth a go if you have nothing else. If you do i would leave it until you have a few more under your belt. These are all quite short at 60 inch and some bend through the handle. I silked backed them only for safety but they were all pulled to FD on the board many times before the silk went on.

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,30536.msg404185/topicseen.html#msg404185
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,29182.msg386264/topicseen.html#msg386264

This one is still on the tree. I am taking liberties with this one to see ho wit holds, 59 ntn stiff handle and stiff leavers stand back!

[danny f]

cheers dwardo, they are super looking bows. yes im in the uk near manchester. i take it you are from uk to then? i will keep this stave and let it season and maybe have a go with it one day. i have no wood to work with yet, all the wood i have is just cut so have to wait for now .

[dwardo]

I work in Manchester a few times a week and commute from chester, small world!
Have a lot of ash coming very soon if your interested? The pic above is my last bit of cherry although there is a bit near by that is looking at me funny

If you have other wood to use get ir roughed out now and speed up the drying time no-end. 2.5 inches wide and as long as you can. 1-2 inches thick to start.

[danny f]

yes very small world. i spoke to a tree surgeon the other who lives near me and he saidthey are cutting plenty of ash and maybe some yew in the next few weeks he said he would give me a ring. so hopefully i will have some but if not i am definately interested. also if theres plenty of decent stuff you could take some of me to. i know what you mean about trees looking at you funny everytime i take the dog out i am looking for suitable trees lol.