How do you work the horn?

[Papa Matt]

Good day to all my brothers in the bow.     Any of ya's that could tell me how a Hornbeam from Indiana get's done up? I have a nice little log, about 7 feet long, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Are these done from white would only or do you try to get down into the heart? How about shape, should I de-crown the 'ol boy or leave the back slightly round?

I appreciate any of your advice.


-Ol Matt

[Ryano]

Matt, whatcha got hophornbeam or american hornbeam? Either way it's good bow wood. Just remove the bark and use the first ring like any other white wood.

[david w.]

im working a hornbeam(at least i am pretty sure its hornbeam) hatchet bow for my friend.  Im just treating it like i would any other whitewood.
i am very impressed wit it. I think it will make a great shooter

[Papa Matt]

Thanks Ryano and David.  Honestly I am not sure but I believe it is of the Hop variety. It has very thin strips of bark that readily peel off and are very flimsy. Also, I cut it toward the end of May and the entire outer bark peels off very easily revealing the 1st layer of white wood underneath.


Should I de-crown it to make the back flat, or just not even touch it?

[Hillbilly]

Sounds like hophornbeam if it's got the peely bark. I wouldn't decrown it, I'd just use the first ring as-is.

[Papa Matt]

Sounds good to me, Hillbilly (not to mention easier). Now, if I leave the back as is, would I shape the belly flat and give the bow a D cross-section--- or round it out too and have an oval cross-section?

I appreciate the advice.

[Ryano]

I make all my bows regardless of the type of wood with a slightly rounded oval type cross section. They are still pretty flatt on the belly if you know what I mean. Are you Matt from hawkeye?

[radius]

david w.!  you are making a bow!  Why aren't you doing your homework?!

[Papa Matt]

Nope, don't know anything about Hawkeye. Just plain ol Matt from Indiana. This is the first time I have signed up to PA.

I very much appreciate the advice about the Horn.

[Ryano]

Oops sorry. I thought you were a guy I know. Welcome anyhow !

[Papa Matt]

No problem, thanks for the advice. 

[david w.]

david w.!  you are making a bow!  Why aren't you doing your homework?!

You sound like my parents , i dont need anyone else nagging me about bows>    I actually left the hornbeam stave at my friends house so he might get a feeling to work on it.  i will probably finish it up for him(i dont think hes gonna do it) next time i go over there.
I also am working on 2 other laminates im ready to glue one up.  Then im going to spit a sassafras tree, hornbeam, whatever else i find and make an elm selfbow with wood from a trade with kegan ( thanks again)  i have alot of work, one of those good problems


I am with hillbilly i wouldnt decrown it. i left the crown on the one i am working on now  and it seems just fine.  This hornbeam seems like tuff enough to take the stress