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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: oldandslow on December 20, 2020, 09:46:01 AM

Title: Grain direction
Post by: oldandslow on December 20, 2020, 09:46:01 AM

So which way does the lam grain direction face?

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: mmattockx on December 20, 2020, 11:48:59 AM

I am curious to hear the answer to this from the experienced makers as well. IMO, it shouldn't matter much. Quarter sawn or bias is probably best but flat should also work with a fine grained non-porous wood like maple.


Mark

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: Pat B on December 20, 2020, 12:18:32 PM

I assume you are referring to a selfbow or all wood backed bow. Like Mark said all three grain orientations work but I think bias grain is probably the most effective for selfbows and backed bows.

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: Flem on December 20, 2020, 12:44:28 PM

A safe bet is to look at your wood from a self bow perspective, like Pat said. Sandwiched between fiberglass, grain orientation is not as critical. But if oriented correctly, you are bound to get the maximum potential from the material. It might be hard to discern the difference, but if you know it exists why not use that to your advantage.

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: oldandslow on December 20, 2020, 01:22:12 PM

Which orientation lends itself to being the best performing?

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: Mad Max on December 20, 2020, 01:23:37 PM

Quote from: oldandslow on December 20, 2020, 01:22:12 PM

Which orientation lends itself to being the best performing?

What kind of bow are you making, It makes a difference

Title: Re: Grain direction
Post by: Crooked Stic on December 20, 2020, 04:29:04 PM

Grain oreintation on glass bows in the core will be much better and more consistent in hitting weight. Grain runout in curves can be bad.