Author Topic: american elm ?  (Read 1929 times)

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Offline Matt A

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american elm ?
« on: April 22, 2012, 03:33:28 pm »
i have a 58 inch stave of american elm and a few way longer ones. could i make a shorty out of this 58 incher and if so would i have to put sinew on the back if i drew to say 26 inches?

Offline Bevan R.

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Re: american elm ?
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2012, 03:41:58 pm »
Post some photo's of the stave please. Sometimes numbers just do not tell the whole story.
Depending on the style, profile, you might pull if off. If it was me, I would back it with something. Sinew, rawhide, linen, something like that. Sinew adds draw weight, the others just protection.
Bowmakers are a little bent, but knappers are just plain flaky.

Offline half eye

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Re: american elm ?
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2012, 03:47:50 pm »
Matt, just finished a 58" rigid handled modified pyramid that is a grey (American) elm and draws 28" and about 50#....it's a self bow, only difference is mine is vertical grain but the wood should take the gaff ok.
JMHO, rich
post ya a photo if ya want

blackhawk

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Re: american elm ?
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2012, 08:12:11 pm »
no problems making it draw that far as a selfbow if you make it bend thru the handle. if your still new to bowmaking then i wood go that route and make it a bend thru the handle selfbow imho

Offline Matt A

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Re: american elm ?
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2012, 03:19:48 am »
ok thanks guys, i figured i would try this shorty before i tried a 51 inch osage stave i have hahaha!   :laugh: