Question for the bowyers

[PaganArcher]

If there are any other posts like this, I apologize as I did not find any whilst searching.

In the last year or so, I was given a few logs cut from an elm tree that a friend of mine had decided to cut down. Now that my health has returned to me, I was actually considering trying a self bow.

My question is this: is elm a fairly forgiving wood to learn the basics on?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Pappy]

Yes, it's a lot like Hickory,very tough wood, Keep it dry and it will make a good bow.
   Pappy

[George Tsoukalas]

This may help you. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[JW_Halverson]

When it comes to splitting wood, that elm may make you wish you were sick again!  Elm can be bloody stringy and resistant to splitting wedges and the biggest of mauls.  But that is just perfect for bows because the grain interlocks and adds a measure of protection against failure.  Yup, elm can be a bowyers friend!

Best of luck to you on this project, post pics!

John

[Dane]

Elm is a great wood. I think that Tim Baker has stated it is his favorite. It was a premier bow wood before yew, as well, during the Mesolithic period.

Splitting can be challenging. Getting a froe will make your life far easier. I've never had any issues using my froe to split saplings and small logs.

Dane

[medicinewheel]

...
 It was a premier bow wood before yew, as well, during the Mesolithic period.
...

The bow of bows, the Holmegaard, was made of Elm

[PaganArcher]

Hey, thanks for all the input guys.

Big thing I forgot to consider is backing. Does elm need it for a self bow is it fairly workable on it's own?

Aedian

[JW_Halverson]

CAREFULLY peel your bark and you are on a growth ring, ta-DA!

No backing necessary.

[PaganArcher]

Thanks JW. That saves me a lot of nightmares.

[JW_Halverson]

You are out of excuses now, go to work and make the bow!

[JackCrafty]

Split elm as soon as possible.  Not all elms are created equal.  Good elm is gold.