Snaky elm

[superdav95]

I dug out this elm stave I tucked away over a year ago.  Got looking at it and it is quite snaky.  I decided to work it down some and follow the grain.  Here’s where I got to.  All of the others cut that day are the same.  Let me know what you think.  Will it bow?

[Aksel]

Nice stave, will for sure make a cool bow. What kind of elm is it? In my experience european elm (ulmus glabra) has a very "interlocked grain" and will tolerate a lot of grain run-off, so no need to be too careful following grain flow.

[superdav95]

Nice stave, will for sure make a cool bow. What kind of elm is it? In my experience european elm (ulmus glabra) has a very "interlocked grain" and will tolerate a lot of grain run-off, so no need to be too careful following grain flow.

When I cut it over a year ago I asked folks here what type it might be and was told then most likley European elm.  Yes it’s grain is very interlocked.  The top couple layers are similar enough for me to keep the snaky profile. Should be interesting to tiller. 

[Pat B]

That's a very cool stave, Dave. Elm might be the better wood for a snaky bow because of the interlocking grain. Looking forward to seeing your process.    

[Selfbowman]

I’m watching and sure you will make a good bow ! But you know where I stand on the snakes. Interesting though!

[superdav95]

That's a very cool stave, Dave. Elm might be the better wood for a snaky bow because of the interlocking grain. Looking forward to seeing your process.    

Awesome.  Good news then.  Thanks Pat

[superdav95]

I’m watching and sure you will make a good bow ! But you know where I stand on the snakes. Interesting though!

Thanks Arvin.  I may have to have you ship me some diamond back skins from down there.  😁

[superdav95]

Thinned this piece of wood some more.  It’s definitely snaky.  It’s 67” ttt and will be 1.5” at the fades  will put a slight recurve/flipped tips with steam.  In next few days.  Thanks for looking. 

[Pat B]

 

[Selfbowman]

Yes don’t have any or I would.

[Pappy]

I love snaky bows, looks like you done a fine job on lay out and following the longitudinal grain which is key on a successful snaky bow. 
 Pappy

[superdav95]

I love snaky bows, looks like you done a fine job on lay out and following the longitudinal grain which is key on a successful snaky bow. 
 Pappy

Thanks pappy.  Here’s hopin

[Will B]

Looks great Dave!  I’ve never tried elm yet. Looks like beautiful wood. Good luck with it the rest of the way

[PEARL DRUMS]

Dave, I've used and cut a good bit of elm and have found several like that. I don't think its actually snaky grain. I say that because when I split it out it split straight and not snaky. What does the belly grain look like?

[Marc St Louis]

Yes not snaky.  It's quite common to see Elm with snaky grain like that in one ring then straight in the next