Author Topic: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?  (Read 5634 times)

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Offline Aussie Yeoman

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Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« on: September 25, 2014, 05:07:51 pm »
Fairly straightforward question. I cut down some of these trees in my backyard, and the timber looks nice. So before I waste my time on a dud wood, I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had a go yet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koelreuteria_paniculata

Cheers,

Dave
Articles for the beginning bowyer, with Australian bowyers in mind:

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Offline JoJoDapyro

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2014, 06:53:33 pm »
These grow like weeds near my home (and in my flowerbeds) I will watch this to see what the answer is.
If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got.
27 inch draw, right handed. Bow building and Knapping.

Offline DC

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2014, 07:52:26 pm »
Just to be sure, because I was confused, you're not thinking of Golden Chain Tree are you? 

Offline wizardgoat

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2014, 07:58:13 pm »
Golden chain is Laburnum anagyroides, this is something else.

Offline DC

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2014, 08:05:30 pm »
Yeah, I knew that(after I looked it up). :-[ :-[  I'm just checking to make sure he isn't confusing the two. I'd hate for someone to pass on some Laburnum just because of a mistaken identity.

Offline 21st century archer

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2014, 09:42:12 pm »
Golden rain tree is often planted in my area an ornamental. I have a few growing in my backyard and in the fall it drops many seed pods in our yard.  I once took a branch and tried to make a bow out of it. The wood is probably one of the most brittle woods I have ever used. The 67 inch bow broke at a 20 inch draw. You should stay away from this wood.

Offline Pago

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2014, 01:01:59 am »
After some research it is in the soapberry family.  Said to be very hard, very heavy and tends to be brittle.  Some sources say it checks badly, recommend sealing and keeping in a humidified environment while slowly lowering humidity to avoid checking.  In other there are lots of better bow woods.  No note of your specific species being used for bow wood.  Most soapberry species are somewhat poisonous so wear a respirator.  Sounds like a challenge good luck.

Offline Aussie Yeoman

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Re: Anyone used Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)?
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2014, 07:08:21 am »
I am certain the species I asked of is the species I have. The Wikipedia link in the OP shows samples identical to the trees I cut down.

It sounds like a lot of trouble to prepare and work this wood. I think I'll avoid it. I only entertained the idea because the trees had the right size and shape to them.

Thanks for the feedback, all!
Articles for the beginning bowyer, with Australian bowyers in mind:

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