dixieangler
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 72
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Reply with quote | #1 |
John,
Would Pop Ash (Carolina Ash) be good wood for a bow? I read somewhere that it was the weakest of all the Ash trees but not sure if that translates into weak wood for a bow. I ask because Ash is a preferred wood and Pop Ash can be found here in swampy water filled areas. Thanks.
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Robert M. |
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prariewolf
Moderator
Registered: 11/28/06
Posts: 105
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Reply with quote | #2 |
Pop ash huh? My first inclination is that Ash is a fine bow wood.
2nd is that if it grows in swamp areas that it's a relatively fast grower which does not make for the best of bow woods.
3rd, well, if you know the rules a bow can be made from just about any wood.
I have made bows from both cottonwood and willow, other wetland fast growers with brittle tendencies. Not powerful mind you, but lightweight small game (think rabbit) shooters.
Advice? Try it. You can get several staves, make bows quickly whilst green to within about 25% of finished (DO NOT BEND BEYOND WHAT LITTLE IS NECESSARY TO SEE/FEEL BENDING - WHICH IS ALMOST NO BEND AT ALL - MOSTLY FEEL). At this stage you can feel and see how the limb is progressing. Purpose here is to take it to almost done to allow quick drying w/no checking. Place the almost finished stave in hot, dry area for a week or so and then go to work. I personally take the staves and tie them (fence rail or 2x4) so that I can somewhat shape them and help keep them from twisting.
Make more than one so you can afford to play around for power and breakage won't be such a heartbreak. Go lightweight first and then progress upwards.
Another time tested technique is to locate someone who has experience with such woods and gain from their experiences.
Keep us posted please.
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Prairiewolf.net |
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dixieangler
Registered: 06/11/09
Posts: 72
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Reply with quote | #3 |
Haven't found it yet. Still looking for Pop Ash in this area. I will try it if and when I find it. Thanks.
Right now I can't even get into the woods when I have time. I like the rain we get but it would be nice if there would be a break in the rain when I have time off. So far there has been no break in the rain when I can get to the woods lately. Every time I go to the woods it pours down. I will try to get to the woods in the early morning sometimes when there is no rain and when I can I guess. I have been looking for Wood Nettle to use for cordage but haven't found any yet. I have seen it before in the woods but not in this area so I know what it looks like and what it is.
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Robert M. |
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