Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bowyer2906 on December 01, 2008, 09:03:59 pm
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Who has built bows from this wood? Small diameter trees or large. I can get some good trees but they are small, 3-6 inches in diameter. All opinions and ointers appreciated!
Nick
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Birch isn't the best bow wood but a pretty good bow can be built with birch. I'm not familiar with build bows with River Birch but I have with Sweet Birch. Trees 3" to 6" will be fine. Pat
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Thanks Pat. I am cutting them tomorrow.
Nick
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I've tried a bow from my river birch I lost to 5''of ice last Dec. It doesn't split. Its like some elms. You have to saw a stave out of the trunk. Also the wood just didn't feel right so I heated the house with it. Dismount
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heck if the grain in intertwined like elm i would definatly give it a try,may be some work to split it but might be worth it
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I tried making a bow from sweet birch once and broke it on the tillering stick. The wood seems nice and stiff, though. Should make a good flat bow (mine was a bit too narrow and thick)....will probably try again someday. ;D
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I've had win "some/lose some" with this wood.
The attached picture is one of my very first bows, ever. I haven't shot it for years but it was and is still a decent bow. But it is made from a billet of river birch and one of hawthorne >:D
In general, I think it is too soft. Makes great arrow shafts, though.
Very common around here.
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That's a truly determined man who uses limbs of two woods in one bow! That's inspiring Don. :) Where there's a way you've got the will. Dave
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Only real men wear socks with thier sandals!! I however keep the birch stacked by the wood stove......
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Socks with your sandals? Tourist!
Wayne