I've got a opportunity to make a one peice hickory bow from a downed tree. Where is a good source of how to information?
Thanks for your replies
Hi! Blvr- went through same concern recently and went to Primitive Archer site to start - haven't started my project yet but the hickory is awaiting. Also getting great assistance from Bowyer's Bible #1 and, of course, likely some real good assistance right here from experienced self bowyers.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000043
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?PHPSESSID=jhdp8vs5vcfb0f3lel30e12s25&
Can't beat Primitive Archer for the sheer amount of experienced bowyers there.
Has the tree been down long? If its been down more than a coupla weeks I might pass on it. It doesn't take long for the whitewoods to start to deteriorate.
If its still standin' you might wanna wait til the leaves are on to cut it. Then the bark will peel right off no problem. You cut it now and the bark will fight you somethin' fierce. Cut it, split it and seal the ends of the staves with wood glue , spray polyurethane or something like that to keep them from checking and then set it somewhere warm.
And go check out the bows on the PA site!
Chris
I split up a beautiful storm downed hickory that had been on the ground for 6 months a few years ago. The wood had already taken on a chalky, soft texture, I used it for smoking deer in my charcoal grill, not bows.
The stuff does degrade pretty quickly. I understand it is because of the high sugar content in the wood.
Most white woods will deteriorate quickly once down. It is the fungi's job to break wood down and they are very good at what they do. At this time of year the fungi are slower working on wood. How long has the tree been down and was it sound when it fell? I'd say try a stave and see what you get. Pat Pat