Catalpa Trees

[Okie]

Anyone ever tried Catalpa for bow wood?

[RidgeRunner]

No.  And dont think I would.

David

[El Destructo]

Never had any luck....too light and brittle....it is a very good Fence Post Wood!! Dont rot...sorta like Hedge in that catagory anyways!!

Do not breath the dust as you sand Catalpa (Catawba)....because it is not good for you...and can cause serious repiratory problems...sort of like Yew

[Far East Archer]

There must be a difference in species though, I say this because the old longbows of the Japanese are crafted from catalpa. They also used them in the cores for their yumis. Maybe Japanese catalpa is denser, more flexible. Otherwise I don't see why they would have used it since better woods are available. I myself have not tried it since I cannot find any where I live, hopefully someone knows more about it.

Alex

[Hrothgar]

I've never tried catalpa, but also have heard its brittle.

[TRACY]

There are a few species and they're all in the Bignoniaceae family. In the US they are collectively labeled catalpa spp.. In the fall you can collect a black and yellow catepillar that defoliates the trees and use them for fishing bait, especially catfish. That's my two cents worth.

[richpierce]

They are good for rafts.

[Hillbilly]

Never tried it for bow wood, but I've carved and split a little of it. Nice colored wood, but real soft and light.

[Sparrow]

I'd give it a try,make it as long as you are tall and tiller it for 45 lbs. At your draw length.Probably want a design that will bend almost thru the handle.See what you get.Then you can tell us what kinda' bow it makes.  Frank

[Okie]

Thanks for the info guys. I took a sample off an old fence post and the majority is right, it is brittle. If I run completly out of real bow wood I may try it and see.

John