Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: HickoryBill on March 27, 2011, 03:25:10 pm

Title: Devils walking stick???
Post by: HickoryBill on March 27, 2011, 03:25:10 pm

Anyone out there happen to know the specific gravity of devils walking stick? I cut some yesterday debarked it and split it. I did a bend test on a small piece and it performed pretty well. I was thinking of trying a bow from it.

Title: Re: Devils walking stick???
Post by: sharpend60 on March 27, 2011, 03:41:52 pm

Ouch

Title: Re: Devils walking stick???
Post by: Elktracker on March 27, 2011, 04:04:40 pm

I have never seen a piece big enough for a bow but I would like to know how it goes

Title: Re: Devils walking stick???
Post by: HickoryBill on March 27, 2011, 05:05:09 pm

The spines and limbs are just on the bark they don't go into the wood. The piece I cut is about 8-9 inch diameter and about 6 feet long. I split into 3 good staves. I sealed the back and the ends with urethane. Now they just need to dry.

Title: Re: Devils walking stick???
Post by: Pat B on March 27, 2011, 05:06:53 pm

Bill, almost any wood will pass a bend test when it is green. I'd say give it time to dry then do a bend test. 

Title: Re: Devils walking stick???
Post by: sweeney3 on March 27, 2011, 07:21:53 pm

It's pretty low.  I dunno what exactly it is, but my "Trees of Arkansas" book lists it as "...light, brittle wood."  I have wondered the same thing as I have seen a couple of specemines that MIGHT make a bow.  I'd say try and make it as long and wide as you can and see what happens.  It's a cool lookin' little tree for sure.  See if you can find a way to leave a bunch of those spines on the back.   >:D >:D