Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Don Case on September 02, 2013, 03:44:23 pm

Title: Holly
Post by: Don Case on September 02, 2013, 03:44:23 pm

I've got a Holly tree in the backyard >:D Does it work? I did try Google but guess what happens when you put "holly" and "bow" in Google?
Don

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on September 02, 2013, 03:48:43 pm

Is it American Holly?  If so yes it will make a bow.  .56 SG

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: Don Case on September 02, 2013, 04:49:15 pm

No, it's English Holly. It's an invasive species here. Wikipedia says that it's SG is .60 so it's heavier than American. Maybe an Englishman can help? I think I'll give it a try.
Don

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on September 02, 2013, 05:10:39 pm

Yeah try it and let us know hoe it goes........can't hurt.

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: huisme on September 02, 2013, 05:42:38 pm

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/51504/Rabbit-Gun-the-successor-to-Skeef#.UiT0hn_wap1

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on September 05, 2013, 01:23:23 pm

it carves nicely also. 

should make a bow if not quarter saw it into backing for Osage and Ipe.

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: Don Case on September 05, 2013, 01:56:46 pm

I tried to split it and it broke out about two feet into the split. I gave up on that and ripped it in half with the bandsaw. The knots are real funny. On the top side the bark stays on the branch almost to the center. All the knots are like this and there is quite a few of them. I don't think there is a bow in there but the the wood should be good for tips and  decorative laminations.

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on November 15, 2013, 07:20:49 pm

If you wanted to work a bit there is a bow in there. 

There is a fella on the elb posts that makes yew bows in the uk from some pretty marginal wood.
he has a blog on how he deals with all those issues.

Title: Re: Holly
Post by: mikekeswick on November 16, 2013, 04:00:04 am

My advice is don't bother with holly. It appears dense when you cut it but that's because it holds lots of moisture. Its bow making properties aren't great and it very plain jane looking when done.