Choosing trees?

[Newindian]

I would like to make either a self bow or possibly a composite bow out of the local trees. I have mesquite, live oak ( Quercus fusiformis), and Ashe junifer ( this is extreamly common I could gather  a hundred trunks in 3-4 days). I've heard of all of these used in bows, just want to know which would work best epesialy as a composite.

[criveraville]

Mesquite? Where do you live? Just curious.

Cipriano

[Newindian]

I live in central Texas south of San Antonio. It's not extreamly common this side of SA but I could probably get hold of some with out to much trouble.

[Weylin]

I'd start with a simple self bow design and work your way up to a composite bow. I'm a relative beginner, I've got a handful of shooters under my belt but there's no way I'd tackle a composite bow yet.

[JackCrafty]

Cut a bunch and let them all dry over the summer.  Make sure you seal the ends with paint or something similar so the ends won't crack.  Ashe juniper is the best bow wood in Texas other than osage, in my opinion.  The juniper will make an excellent sinew backed bow, cable backed, or self bow.  No doubt that it will be fine as the core for a composite as well.

[Newindian]

Thanks for the info. My neighbor has a few dozen 3 year old juniper trunks that may yield a bow

[Bryce]

Juniper makes an excellent bow. I recommend backing with rawhide. Or something. As far as a composite bow. How many bows have you built?

[Newindian]

Not enough, thinking of future projects. Just finished my first sinew backing, 58# at 26" osage.

[Bryce]

Not enough, thinking of future projects. Just finished my first sinew backing, 58# at 26" osage.

Let's see it!

[criveraville]

Oh. Ok. I live in Stephenville. Welcome 

Cipriano

[Newindian]

Not enough, thinking of future projects. Just finished my first sinew backing, 58# at 26" osage.

Let's see it!

Posted it about a week ago titled first 2 bows ( page five ).Cruddy pictures though. My intrest in composites comes from hearing about mesquite used as a belli wood.

[Newindian]

Also what would be a good design for ashe juniper, how much reflex can it take, and sould I use heart wood or sapwood?

[JackCrafty]

Best design for ashe juniper:  sapwood only, simple D-bow profile, belly more narrow than the back.  Think English longbow.

Ashe juniper can handle any amount of reflex as long as it's backed with plenty of sinew or similar.

[Justin Snyder]

Not enough, thinking of future projects. Just finished my first sinew backing, 58# at 26" osage.

I'd start with a simple self bow design and work your way up to a composite bow. I'm a relative beginner, I've got a handful of shooters under my belt but there's no way I'd tackle a composite bow yet.

This is funny to me, I cut my teeth on composite bows. We have little (none) good bow wood here so I had built several composites before I even saw my first stave. Consequently, I think composite bows are easier. Never mind if it is composite or a self bow, just keep building.