Self-Bow Question
06-26-2009, 10:00 AM
#1
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Location: Portage WI/Racine WI
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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?
) 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?
06-26-2009, 10:22 AM
#3
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RE: Self-Bow Question
ORIGINAL: BobCo19-65
It makes good laminates or riser wood, but I don't believe it will be very easy to make a selfbow from it.
It makes good laminates or riser wood, but I don't believe it will be very easy to make a selfbow from it.
ORIGINAL: BobCo19-65
Congrats on a great semester!
Congrats on a great semester!
06-26-2009, 11:34 AM
#4
Giant Nontypical
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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.
06-26-2009, 11:46 AM
#5
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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!
06-26-2009, 12:06 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
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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.
06-26-2009, 12:11 PM
#7
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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!
06-26-2009, 02:25 PM
#8
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: baraboo, wisconsin
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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.
06-26-2009, 07:13 PM
#10
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RE: Self-Bow Question
ORIGINAL: Kanga
Congrats on the semister Austin.
Hackberry would be another wood to try.
Congrats on the semister Austin.
Hackberry would be another wood to try.