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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Jlinson on January 21, 2026, 01:35:06 PM

Title: Cores wood?
Post by: Jlinson on January 21, 2026, 01:35:06 PM
Haven't been here in a while and finally got some breathing room after a new home build and ready for some me time lol.
Last glass build was in 2014 and I kept it pretty conservative on materials, bamboo cores, black glass and rose wood  recurve. Getting ready to do a takedown recurve and want to use everything that I have milled off my place and sawmill.
Need opinions on core wood, done have my veneers that will go under clear glass. But need opinions on core wood? I have Red elm, hickory and sasafrass cut dried a d ready to grind, I have some walnut but not really pleased with it, grain has some run out. I have backed hickory with bamboo on a couple long bows and fire hardened an elm bow last year that were good shooters but not used them under glass.
Has anyone used these and have any opinions on them?
Title: Re: Cores wood?
Post by: kennym on January 21, 2026, 04:55:38 PM
Red elm, hickory are great, I like red elm a bit better. Sassafras I'm not sure about, I know folks use it, but I cut some lams and superglue wouldn't stick them together at bow center so it's off my list...

Superglue sticks to almost everything so I didn't want to try it! :)
Title: Re: Cores wood?
Post by: Jlinson on January 21, 2026, 07:06:43 PM
Quote from: kennym on Today at 04:55:38 PMRed elm, hickory are great, I like red elm a bit better. Sassafras I'm not sure about, I know folks use it, but I cut some lams and superglue wouldn't stick them together at bow center so it's off my list...

Superglue sticks to almost everything so I didn't want to try it! :)
Thank you, I wasn't sure about the sasafrass just read someone talking about using it. I'm just blessed with it here, firewood and interior wall covering is about all I have found it's good for.
I hate I waited to build a new bow just in time to read your retirement notification lol