Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Swampman on February 06, 2016, 07:50:46 pm

Title: Dead Black Locust- pictures added
Post by: Swampman on February 06, 2016, 07:50:46 pm

Has anyone had good luck making bows from dead black locust?  I have relatives that just bought some land covered in black locust.  There is one large tree that looks like it blew down last summer.  There is a very nice straight log laying down off the ground.  I know white woods would be ruined but I think black locust would still be good.  Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks, Mike

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: JonW on February 06, 2016, 08:20:41 pm

I have used it with good results. Just look out for borers.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: Swampman on February 06, 2016, 09:11:32 pm

Thanks JonW.  This log looks pretty solid, however some of the living trees show evidence of borers. 

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: hunterbob on February 06, 2016, 09:25:44 pm

Yes me and blackhawk cut some standing dead and one that was on the ground for what looked like years. And I made some bows as did chris.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: Ryan C on February 06, 2016, 09:34:39 pm

I'm working on one right now from a dead piece the wood seems fine.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: Swampman on February 06, 2016, 09:56:07 pm

Thanks everyone.  Now I am excited about that log.  It is about a 20 inch log so it should make a lot of bows.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: wizardgoat on February 07, 2016, 01:08:11 am

Yup, black locust is one of the few that can be dead standing or on the ground, and still have good wood.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust
Post by: DuBois on February 07, 2016, 02:06:35 am

I had permission to cut BL in the Carlos Avery wildlife preserve since it is considered an invasive species up here. Most of it had some bug damage and I used it for posts and stuff and just left it outside.
I later cut up most of those for firewood and it sure seemed solid and pretty. I just didn't trust the wood for the bugs but I did get a few good staves.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust-pictures added
Post by: Swampman on May 03, 2016, 09:10:43 pm

I finally made it out to cut up the dead black locust tree.  I ended up with a lot of good looking stave.  I think I will get at 24 bows from all of this.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t475/Mrpdap/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/F7409675-A4A9-4381-B1BA-F8496A1CD7BA_zps4jm2hzfn.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/Mrpdap/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/F7409675-A4A9-4381-B1BA-F8496A1CD7BA_zps4jm2hzfn.jpg.html)

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t475/Mrpdap/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/5CECF618-51D2-45F1-AA1A-453F79235F4C_zpsq4dxj7sb.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/Mrpdap/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/5CECF618-51D2-45F1-AA1A-453F79235F4C_zpsq4dxj7sb.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust- pictures added
Post by: Hrothgar on May 03, 2016, 09:17:14 pm

Black locust is great to work with; from here I can't see any of those dreaded tunnels.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust- pictures added
Post by: Stixnstones on May 03, 2016, 09:21:42 pm

Nice haul

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust- pictures added
Post by: Swampman on May 03, 2016, 09:37:28 pm

Quote from: Hrothgar on May 03, 2016, 09:17:14 pm

Black locust is great to work with; from here I can't see any of those dreaded tunnels.

No tunnels.  This is all solid wood.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Title: Re: Dead Black Locust- pictures added
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 03, 2016, 10:24:34 pm

Good find! Jawge