butternut

[warpath]

Found some butternut but sadly it was already milled up into lumber. My question is: If I back it with either hickory, maple, or ash.... can I still make a bow out of it?

  G

[Pat B]

Even though white walnut is the first cousin to black walnut the wood is weaker I believe. Give it a try with a thin maple backing and see what ya come out with.

[warpath]

Pat B- Butternut is beautiful! With a nice thin maple backing that would look awesome. Might take me awhile but I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

  G

[Danzn Bar]

Are you talking about "butternut" hickory?  or am I confusing woods 
DBar

[Marc St Louis]

I've worked with Butternut before and I would be surprised if it makes a bow.

That is Bitternut Hickory DBar.  Not the same thing

[Danzn Bar]

Thanks Marc, yeah Bitternut.  Thanks
DBar

[warpath]

Marc St Louis- What problems did you run into? Not going to get it if it's not worth it.

  G

[lostarrow]

Working with some butternut in the shop right now ( door panels) it has the weight and feel of pine but with interlocking grain . VERY soft and spongy . My guess  is that any hardwood backing will crush the belly. ..................... But you could prove us wrong . If you can make a bow from  Pine , Poplar, Tree of heaven..........Giv'er!

[Marc St Louis]

The Butternut I was working with was not bow related.  The wood was soft and seemed brittle.

[warpath]

lostarrow- Maybe I'll give it a try. Still thinking about it.

  G