Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: alwayslookin on January 16, 2015, 02:05:22 pm

Title: Cherry laurel
Post by: alwayslookin on January 16, 2015, 02:05:22 pm
Has any one made a bow out of cherry laurel? I have a lot at my house. I cut a piece down to dry it and it seemed really flexible when wet and now still flexible when dry just much stiffer. The wood is tough as nails I was trying to bring it down to a floor tiller and my machete was doing nothing.
Title: Re: Cherry laurel
Post by: Parnell on January 16, 2015, 03:26:44 pm
As a rule of thumb, trees which produce fruits typically make for bow wood.  Don't know for sure, though...
I did a lot of "experimental" bow woods when starting.  Many worked, some didn't.
Title: Re: Cherry laurel
Post by: Pat B on January 16, 2015, 04:16:29 pm
Cherry laurel is a large multi stemmed shrub, Steve.
Always, the best way to tell is to try it and report back with the results.
Title: Re: Cherry laurel
Post by: duke3192 on January 16, 2015, 09:34:18 pm
In Fl. Cherry laurel is often called wild cherry, as saplings it is also often mistaken for Dogwood, it looks very like it as it flowers in the spring, never worked any.
Title: Re: Cherry laurel
Post by: 21st century archer on January 17, 2015, 12:42:34 am
I have tried to make bows with this wood but every single piece of cherry laurel that I have cut had a severe propeller twist to it.
Title: Re: Cherry laurel
Post by: alwayslookin on January 17, 2015, 01:54:36 pm
Was that after drying or before?