Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Slackbunny on February 03, 2013, 08:27:45 pm

Title: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: Slackbunny on February 03, 2013, 08:27:45 pm

I managed to salvage an apple branch that was blown out of a tree this weekend in my grandfather-in law's house.  He said I could take whatever I wanted if I dragged the waste off his lawn and into the woods. I was happy to to do it, but only managed to get about a 4 foot section of branch. On the bright side it is quite straight and is about 4 inches in diameter on the narrow end, so I have some material to work with. I haven't debarked it yet but it appears to be in pretty good shape, so as long as there isn't some really bad internal twist I figure I can do something with it, definitely not a heavy hunting bow, but at least a kids bow, or target bow.

But I do have one question. Is the sapwood any good on apple? Should I make a sapwood backed bow? Or should I chase a ring all the way down to the heartwood?

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on February 04, 2013, 04:37:44 am

As far as I know, which may not be correct ;0, you'd treat apple like a white wood which would make a sapwood backed bow.  That's awesome I've been wanting to try apple for some time, but can't seem to find anyone willing to sacrifice their apples :)  Good luck, post your progress!

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: turtle on February 04, 2013, 08:30:19 am

I have no experience with apple but at 4 inches diameter i would think you could slit it in half and splice it into a full length stave. If i remember right from posts i have read on here apple can be hard to keep from twisting and splitting if your not real carefull and try yo dry to fast.

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: Slackbunny on February 04, 2013, 09:16:31 am

Quote from: turtle on February 04, 2013, 08:30:19 am

I have no experience with apple but at 4 inches diameter i would think you could slit it in half and splice it into a full length stave. If i remember right from posts i have read on here apple can be hard to keep from twisting and splitting if your not real carefull and try yo dry to fast.

You know I never even thought of that. That is some good thinking and something I'm definitely gonna consider.

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: Pat B on February 04, 2013, 10:05:47 am

Just remove the bark and make a bow.

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: simson on February 04, 2013, 02:35:34 pm

Yes, as Pat said - sap is good. Apple is very good bow wood, I like it very much. But it is hard to get good staves. Very nice wood easy to work on and very dense.

good luck with your billets

Title: Re: Apple branch sapwood question.
Post by: Slackbunny on February 04, 2013, 04:42:08 pm

Thanks for the help guys, and I got more good news today too. Apparently he needs to trim back a big portion of a different apple tree on his property to make room for a little garage he is building onto his house.  I spotted a couple straight sections in the part that is going to get trimmed, so hopefully they aren't all twisted inside.