bush honeysuckle

[Spotted Dog]

Is bush honeysuckle any good for bows? If it is how do you dry it. Found some 4" in diameter.

[Josh B]

It's very good.  I haven't cut any that big, but with the smaller stuff (1 1/2" or smaller) I seal the ends and leave the bark on it.  I tried removing the bark and sealing the whole thing and it checked horribly.  I haven't had bugs bother it yet, but it wouldn't hurt to spray it with bug killer now and then.  Josh

[Spotted Dog]

Josh,
thank you. I cut a piece today about 6' long and 2" diameter .  I found a great spot to sit along the creek there
and work on flint knapping to.  Going back in the morning.

Dan

[Aaron H]

Is that the same as amur honeysuckle?

[Spotted Dog]

Not sure. It grows all over along the roads near a park I volunteer at.

[Spotted Dog]

Aaron I did a quick check and yes it is.

[Aaron H]

Thanks Dan

[Jax666]

Tough stuff. I have had several piece check badly, quickly. I have about a 4 foot long 2.5" to 2" that dried all by its self that did not check I might make a short bow. It is tough and hard. I have some about 6 foot long piece still growing I might try a Sapling Bow.

[dylanholderman]

winter is the best time to cut it very little checking just seal the ends and leave the bark on, its pretty easy to remove after seasoning. if you have to cut it in spring or summer pick your back and belly and get it somewhat roughed out or it will check bad enough to ruin a nice stave.

and you dont need very much this bow is about 45lb at 28"     69 1/2" ntn and only 1 1/4" wide at the handle.

[Spotted Dog]

nice bow.

[Spotted Dog]

I got back in there this morning. I dropped down into a deep draw. Found some nice honeysuckle. I
cut a 3"x 5' piece and a 4"x 4 1/2' piece. When I looked up there was a piece at least 7" in diameter.
Twisted bad , but big.
How log does it take to season these ? By summer ?

[Jax666]

Dylan, how big was the piece you started with?
and you dont need very much this bow is about 45lb at 28"     69 1/2" ntn and only 1 1/4" wide at the handle.

[/quote]

[dylanholderman]

no more than 1 5/16 the only wood i removed width wise at the handle was to get rid of any sharp corners

[joachimM]

Dylanholderman: nice bow! Isn't that draw more than 28"?

[dylanholderman]

Lol yes i tillered it out to 32" in this pic I think I'm getting around 31" ish