Lilac; tension or compression strong

[DuBois]

Just wondering if anybody knows if lilac is stronger in tension or compression? Thinking on trapping the belly on a bow but not sure if that is the right thing to do.

Thanks in advance.

Doobs

[wizardgoat]

I think lilac would be classified as a white wood so it will be tension strong.
On tension strong sapling bows it's better to aim for a flatter belly, or very very slightly crowned.
On compression strong woods like yew, I like to crown my belly a lot more, to take some strain off the back.  Depending on how crowned the back is.
Just do a little experimenting, I hear it's great bow wood

[jandersson]

I often hear " I hear lilac is a good bow wood" but I don't think I've seen a lilac bow or see anyone that actually made one. We might be pioneers here Doobs!

[DuBois]

Well JA, we sure got a lot of the twisty stuff growing around here.

Thanks WizG, it has a fairly low crown for lilac (from a big bush). I will try to keep it rectangular I think then. It is a curvy grnarly sucker for sure.  And that 5 curve trade bow is %&##*N nice!!

[PatM]

"sumpitan" loves this stuff. I have made a few small scrap bows to test it. It is a very balanced wood in tension and compression.

[turtle]

I have no idea but have been wanting to try some out. Wife keeps aclose eye on hers and won't let me near it.

[DuBois]

Ok, cool. Thanks Pat