Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bigcountry on October 13, 2009, 02:16:29 pm

Title: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: bigcountry on October 13, 2009, 02:16:29 pm

I know its been discussed a few times.  But I am interested in building a slippery elm bow or red elm.  Does sapwood on elm work like yew sapwood?  Should it be thinned to like 1/4" or less?

Title: Re: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: M-P on October 13, 2009, 03:09:08 pm

Elm is a white wood ( for bow making purposes.)   Just take off the bark start tillering.     Ron

Title: Re: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: snedeker on October 13, 2009, 03:39:49 pm

Yeah like he said.  In other words, best case scenario is ALL sapwood with these.

Dave

Title: Re: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: Hillbilly on October 13, 2009, 07:34:33 pm

I've made a couple slippery elm bows, and I used the ring under the bark. Pretty good wood.

Title: Re: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: bigcountry on October 13, 2009, 11:08:58 pm

Thanks guys, I was under the assumption that you wanted to use mostly heart wood.  I read a build along somewhere where they thinned the sapwood. 

Appreciate the info.

Title: Re: Slippery or Red Elm Sapwood
Post by: billy on October 14, 2009, 12:10:36 am

Only time I've ever heard of the sapwood being thinned is on yew.  All sapwood elm bows shoot great.  I also have a hickory longbow that is all sapwood....and it is the fastest bow I've ever made.  It outshoots all my osage bows.