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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: The Gopher on September 19, 2008, 10:15:00 PM

Title: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: The Gopher on September 19, 2008, 10:15:00 PM

has anyone ever tried this for a bow? i was at the university of minnesota arboretum last weekend and saw a few of these, i guess they are native to minnesota. i would be curious to know more about the wood, but i don't think the arboretum would appreciate it if i brought a chainsaw with me next time. thanks,

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: mike mcguire on September 20, 2008, 10:32:00 AM

I have , its not very good for bow wood its about like black walnut

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: The Gopher on September 20, 2008, 01:08:00 PM

thanks mike, that's what i needed to hear.

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: Holm-Made on September 20, 2008, 10:44:00 PM

Would it make pretty vaneers?  Chad

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: Springbuck on October 09, 2008, 12:10:00 AM

Some call black walnut darn good bow wood.

  I have seen and heard of functional bows made from it, and I've seen staves for sale.  If you can get some for sweat equity, I'd try it.

  Think longish, sorta wide-limbed pyramid with skinny tips.  That is where I always start experimenting..

Title: Re: Kentucky Coffee Tree
Post by: The Gopher on October 11, 2008, 11:22:00 PM

I haven't seen any of the cut up wood only the trees. i actually bought some seeds when i was at the landscape arboretum for a quarter. Chad in 50 years i'll donate the trees to you if you make me a bow from them  :)