Hello All - It's been quite a while since I've been able to log on to good ole HNI (blame school - just finished the hardest semester with a 4.0 gpa though ) Anyway, one of the first projects that needed attention at home was the removal of a walnut tree from the backyard. I saved some of the larger chunks and branches for the miscellaneous projects I had and got to thinking (yes, very dangerous) about making a longbow out of one of the straighter branches.
So I guess the question is here, how do ya'll think walnut will work for a long bow? I wanted it to be a very simple bow, no backing or laminates of any kind, maybe 60" long or so. Any thoughts?
__________________ "Respect is more than knowing where the deer's brains, guts, and heart are. It's acknowledging the fact he possess all three"
Parker Buck Hunter
HHA Infringer Sight
Easton St Epic 340
Tight Point Shuttle T-Lock 125
Its tension properties are not that great. It might be OK if you back it with something. But if you are a beginner to making selfbows, I'd go with some osage with decent sized growth rings (@1/8") in a heartbeat.
__________________
"I do not Hunt animals to Kill them. I kill animals because I Hunt." Roger Rothhaar
Good to know. I'm pretty sure Osage doesn't grow in South Central Wisconsin, so that's a bit of a bummer - are there other types of woods that could work? Thanks much!
__________________ "Respect is more than knowing where the deer's brains, guts, and heart are. It's acknowledging the fact he possess all three"
Parker Buck Hunter
HHA Infringer Sight
Easton St Epic 340
Tight Point Shuttle T-Lock 125
You may want to try locust, but be careful not to overheat it. If you cut it green, there is a drying out process that you have to go through. Honestly, if you want to makea selfbowand you have notmade one yet, then I'd go to a trad shot, get an ossagestave ready to go, and get some help from an expert that can supply all the tools and expertise you'll need.
__________________
"I do not Hunt animals to Kill them. I kill animals because I Hunt." Roger Rothhaar
I'm starting to think that may be the best way to go as well. I know of a couple shops in the area that do carry some traditional stuff, I'm sure there is someone who could get me pointed in the right direction. Thanks for input!
__________________ "Respect is more than knowing where the deer's brains, guts, and heart are. It's acknowledging the fact he possess all three"
Parker Buck Hunter
HHA Infringer Sight
Easton St Epic 340
Tight Point Shuttle T-Lock 125
hickory grows around here. another way for a beginner to get started is to get a red oak board from your local lumber store. you should check out a couple other sites for this subject, like archerytalk has a trad section and paleoplanet.
Thank you Sir. Truth be told, I would much rather order a bow from you, but that private school tuituin sucks the wallet and bank account dry every time I turn around it seems [>:]
__________________ "Respect is more than knowing where the deer's brains, guts, and heart are. It's acknowledging the fact he possess all three"
Parker Buck Hunter
HHA Infringer Sight
Easton St Epic 340
Tight Point Shuttle T-Lock 125
Self-Bow Question
) Anyway, one of the first projects that needed attention at home was the removal of a walnut tree from the backyard. I saved some of the larger chunks and branches for the miscellaneous projects I had and got to thinking (yes, very dangerous) about making a longbow out of one of the straighter branches. 
