Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tiredtim on January 03, 2013, 01:47:06 pm
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Well, I have learned that I am the best worst bow maker around here. The sinew backing that was ugly turned out, well, uglier. Then I must not have tillered it correctly because it cracked. So, I have to start over. Does any one know if cherry will make a good bow? I have about 8 staves from a cherry tree. And do you need to go to the heartwood or use the sap wood as the backing? I want this one to work! Thanks
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Anything can make "a" bow, only a handful of woods make good/great bows in my mind. My own opinion is cherry is nowhere near good bow wood.
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Thanks. I needed to hear that...didn't want to but I needed to. I'll cut me a hickory and work on that. The oak that I used didn't fair well but it could have been me.
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Hickory, white oak, elm, ash, hackberry, Hop Hornbeam, any of those are decent/good woods in my opinion.
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I've seen plenty of outstanding bows in various types of Cherry. I think you would have to consider it a great bow wood in the right hands.
Even more so when it's in combination with an appropriate backing that complements it. Maple, Silk and rawhide match it well.
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Thanks Pat. I'm going to try it because it's close to the right moisture content. I have to cut a new hickory and that will take a while to cure. How you ever used a hotbox or heat box to help the curing process along?