Laburnum short bow

[keef]

 I have a laburnum stave here which is  too short to make a longbow from.. It has about 48 - 50" of workable length.

What I wondered is whether I could makle a sinew backed short bow from it, perhaps using the heartwood only..

Is this project worth undertaking?

Many thanks

keith

[Josh]

You could make a short draw bow or just save that piece until you come across another to make a spliced bow or a takedown.   That is what I would do. 

[Dauntless]

Short bows are always fun to make.  I find them easier to tiller, especially if they're D bows.

[KenH]

You don't need sinew - lots of short 48-50" designs that don't call for it - unless of course you want a 30" draw

[makenzie71]

...t - unless of course you want a 30" draw

Bamboo can get you that.

[keef]

 Thanks for your comments guys..Good info

i did really want to try another sinew backed bow, as i am delighted with a little sinew backed privet bow that i am just finishing at the moment.

With the laburnum apparently being a very dense wood, could I go narrow and deep with it, as opposed to a wide flat design?

Cheers

keith

[Badger]

  I don't think I would go narrow and deep on any short bow, I would stay with the flat bow design. Steve

[KenH]

Read the Short Bows and Sinew thread currently on this page... 

[keef]

 Thanks Ken ... it has some good info as well

Thanks to all for your comments

[nathan elliot]

I would also stay wide. You can easily get away with unbacked at that length. But im thinking a layer or two of sinew would be a great idea, let us know how it turns out.

Nat