Self-Bow Question
 

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?

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

It makes good laminates or riser wood, but I don't believe it will be very easy to make a selfbow from it.

Congrats on a great semester!

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

What type of problems do you think I may encounter with it?


Thanks a lot!

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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.

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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!

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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.

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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!

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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.

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

Congrats on the semister Austin.

Hackberry would be another wood to try.

RE: Self-Bow Question
 

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 [>:]