Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: PeteDavis on March 02, 2010, 10:29:26 am

Title: Elm/Hickory***Hickory Thickness?
Post by: PeteDavis on March 02, 2010, 10:29:26 am

Gluing up an elm and hickory kit for my first try. Starting out, quartersawn elm core is 3/4" x 2" x 72". I have a 3/16" hickory strip that I need to clean up. How thick should it be? Is 1/8" OK?

PD

Title: Re: Elm/Hickory***Hickory Thickness?
Post by: Pat B on March 02, 2010, 10:34:48 am

1/8" is good. I usually start out with a 3/16" strip and after cleaning up both surfaces end up with 1/8".  You can even go thinner if necessary but leave it at 1/8" for now. If you find the belly getting too thin reduce the backing strip a bit or reduce the width of the bow some.

Title: Re: Elm/Hickory***Hickory Thickness?
Post by: PeteDavis on March 02, 2010, 10:44:07 am

Thanks Pat. Is Elm temperamental as a board core? Good under compression? My board is perfectly quartersawn. Thanks again-PD

Title: Re: Elm/Hickory***Hickory Thickness?
Post by: Pat B on March 02, 2010, 10:50:40 am

Pete, I have done very little with elm so someone else should maybe advise you there.  I know it does make a good backing for less compression strong woods.

Title: Re: Elm/Hickory***Hickory Thickness?
Post by: snedeker on March 03, 2010, 11:55:40 am

Elm has no unexpected pitfalls as a board core in my experience.  With your edge grained orientation, if the elm is thick enough you don't need to back it.

Dave