Persimmon and Honey Locust Question

[Woodland Roamer]

I have a persimmon and honey locust tree that I can cut but I've never tried either of these. Both trees are about 8-9 inches diamater. I usually make stiff handle flatbows and was wondering if anyone here had any tips for making 50-55# @ 26" bows from either of these woods such as what length and width?

Alan

[Pappy]

I have made several from Persimmon and seen some made from the sap wood on Honey locust
with Persimmon I would go about 66 n-n and 1 5/8 from the fades to mid limb and the tapper to 3/8 at the tips.That should make a bow 50+.1 thing make sure it is good and dry,it takes a while for it to season and if you cut it in the spring the bark will peel right off like Hickory but you need to seal it all over to keep it from checking and don't split it to small or it will twist.
   Pappy

[Woodland Roamer]

Thanks for the info Pappy. I did forget to ask about the sap/heartwood on honey locust. I've used plenty of black locust and was wondering if the sap/heart ratio was similar between the two or if the honey locust is more similar to a whitewood?

Alan

[Badger]

Honey locust I would go wider than I do with black locust. It's quite a bit lighter, makes quick bows if they don't chrysal, just keep a lot of limb working,  Steve

[akila]

I have made several from Persimmon and seen some made from the sap wood on Honey locust
with Persimmon I would go about 66 n-n and 1 5/8 from the fades to mid limb and the tapper to 3/8 at the tips.That should make a bow 50+.1 thing make sure it is good and dry,it takes a while for it to season and if you cut it in the spring the bark will peel right off like Hickory but you need to seal it all over to keep it from checking and don't split it to small or it will twist.
   Pappy

HY ...i have some stave reduce to near bow dimension,from honey locust,and i wass wondering how long it takes to dry??? i have one piece that its 2 mounth old and it sounds pretty dry to me( it sounds like a bell,like an instrument whenn you knok him with my finger,and i have one piece that its 1 mounth old, and she also make that nice sound.How long do you think i have to let themm to dry? the wood wass store in the house, where its 25,28 degrese celsius.

[Pappy]

It dries pretty quick,if you don't have a moisture meter you can usually tell when you start to bend it,it will feel spongy.I would probably give it another month or 2 anyway.
   Pappy
   Pappy

[snedeker]

I thought one used the heartwood of honey locust?  I've never tried one, although I keep eying up a couple in the yard of demolished moved car dealership.

Dave