Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BrokenArrow on April 02, 2015, 11:39:18 am

Title: Elm Wood Question
Post by: BrokenArrow on April 02, 2015, 11:39:18 am

I have read in the bowyers bible that the traditional gang preferred elm to any other wood.
Is this the view of others on this site and if so where does red elm stand in relation to other types of elm trees?
Thanks

Title: Re: Elm Wood Question
Post by: PatM on April 02, 2015, 11:41:49 am

It is for me. Red Elm however is not thought of as one of the best types it seems.

Title: Re: Elm Wood Question
Post by: half eye on April 02, 2015, 12:15:41 pm

I personally like the elms here in Michigan. We have Gery Elm (American) and Red Elm (slippery elm) I've built a lot of bows from both. It is excellent bow wood in my opinion. My favorite bow woods from around here are......(no particular order).......slippery elm, grey elm, hard maple, ironwood. The elms seem to have more differences tree to tree than either maple or ironwood, but all make excellent bows.
rich

Title: Re: Elm Wood Question
Post by: Jim Davis on April 02, 2015, 12:35:31 pm

Pretty hard to break an elm bow, but not hard to come in under weight.

Title: Re: Elm Wood Question
Post by: Pat B on April 02, 2015, 01:53:13 pm

I've only made a few elm bows(red and winged) and I was very impressed with elm as a bow wood.