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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: ocd on March 14, 2009, 11:39:00 PM

Title: cedar
Post by: ocd on March 14, 2009, 11:39:00 PM

I have access to some red aromatic cedar. This cedar is from an antique chiffarobe? It is    probably 100 yrs. old the wood is still in good shape, not dried out. my question is this a good wood to make laminations from. Does anyone actually have any experience using aromatic cedar for bow limbs? AAny special procedure for glue up?

Title: Re: cedar
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2009, 12:04:00 AM

Lots of bowyers use ERC for bow lams. Marty is making one here on this thread. Why would you tear up a piece of antique furniture to make a bow. You should be able to find ERC in Maryland.

Title: Re: cedar
Post by: Apex Predator on March 15, 2009, 07:18:00 AM

From what I understand there are many varieties of cedar.  The eastern red cedar makes good bow lams.  Some have complained about the shear strength.  I use it in straight longbows, but try to keep the lams fairly thin.  I want a thicker core doing most of the work.  I know of some who use it in recurves.  It is very beautiful, that's for sure.

Title: Re: cedar
Post by: ocd on March 15, 2009, 09:54:00 AM

thanks for responding.

Title: Re: cedar
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2009, 10:53:00 AM

I know Mike Treadway uses ERC in some of his bows and they are highly stressed, short R/D  bows. I don't know if he is using them as lams or just veneers under the top glass.

Title: Re: cedar
Post by: kennym on March 15, 2009, 01:07:00 PM

I know of a 56" rc with cedar lams,not sure on the core. If used ,use thin veneers and let the core do most of the work. JMO