Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: LivingElemental on June 18, 2012, 07:25:19 pm

Title: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: LivingElemental on June 18, 2012, 07:25:19 pm
I cut down a small tree back in January to make it into a walking stick. Wasn't really sure what it was, but it had kind of a natural handle shape with it, so I cut it down. The more I look at it, Im beginning to think it's winged elm. You guys know? Is it possible to make one this small into a decent bow? It's about 5 1/2 ft long. I cut a small portion off because i wanted to split it and make them into nock tips, but it was impossible to split with my little wood wedge and hammer. Here are some pics.

 (http://i46.tinypic.com/23t01zs.jpg)
 (http://i46.tinypic.com/dgl5xu.jpg)
 (http://i47.tinypic.com/v8kcja.jpg)
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: LivingElemental on June 19, 2012, 10:25:28 am
Anyone?
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: H Rhodes on June 19, 2012, 10:30:41 am
Winged elm is great bow wood, but I couldn't do anything with that piece.   I would have to use something bigger. 
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: DarkSoul on June 19, 2012, 10:40:36 am
Looks like a perfect candidate for a walking stick :)

But a bow...? Why? Don't you have anything better? It's short, crooked, highly crowned, unknown wood, knotty...you're not making it easy on yourself. For what reason?
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: Pappy on June 19, 2012, 10:47:39 am
Looks like winged elm to me,as far as a bow,I have seen some pretty nasty stuff turn into a usable bow,you never know. You just have to jump in and see how it bends as you move along,I will give you one piece of advice I tell a lot of folks on any bow for that matter,it's just a piece of wood so don't fall in love with it until it is a shooting bow,cause it can and will lots of times ,especially on that kind of wood break your heart.  ;) :) :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: blackhawk on June 19, 2012, 10:53:38 am
Ive played with my fair share of nasty wood,and still do on occassion just for the fun of it,the challenge,and to learn something. If thats what ya wanna do i wont say no,but in my opinion and if it was mine i prob wouldnt mess with that piece for bow wood...now a walking stick?..well now were talking
Title: Re: Elm? Opinions.
Post by: LivingElemental on June 19, 2012, 11:47:16 am
Only asking because good seasoned wood is so rare in these parts. I drool over anything that's not evergreen.

I'll just set it aside for later.