Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Marks on March 26, 2013, 11:42:45 am
-
I was looking for a reason to thin my crepe myrtle so I could get a stave or 2 out of it. Turns out it was starting to grow into the power line. Can't have that >:D. I haven't even split it yet but I was searching around a little on the site and heard suggestions of roughing out crepe myrtle while it is still green. I don't know anything about how to treat this wood. Does anyone know of a crepe myrtle build along? I doubt there is one. I've seen several people ask about the wood and others post finished bows on here. If there isnt one what wood could I more closely compare it too so I can follow a build along or at least get some better advice. I'm new and have only worked osage. Looking to branch out while the rest of my osage seasons a little more.
-
I have limited experience with it. What I did is just treat it like any white wood. I cut it down, split it, and sealed the ends. A few months later I started working on it. The only think I'm curious about is how to get the bark off. I left mine on. Try peeling it off. I cut mine in December so that may be the reason I couldn't peel the bark off. Best thing to do is start with your worst stave and learn from it.
-
go thru ken75 Post's he made several crepe myrtle bows and you should get some ideas there, reduce the stave down to where it just bends a touch and clamp it to a board this will speed up the drying process
-
Split my crepe last night. Not sure if this is typical but the wood is ribbed like a Wavy Lays tater chip. One half has a lot of built in reflex and the other of course is deflexed a good bit so I'm practicing getting the bark off the deflexed one because it sure ain't peeling off easy. I'm scraping with my draw knife and making good progress. I noticed all the ripples as I was scraping and thought my knife was just bouncing but its like that inside the split too
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/marks1018/IMAG0190_zps06db4af2.jpg)
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/marks1018/IMAG0191_zpsa0dd8094.jpg)
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/marks1018/IMAG0192_zps73955f1b.jpg)