using a tree

[Billy]

I have a small 6-8", 20'+ ASH (not sure of the sub-species)
Anyway, it needs to go, can't let it grow past this fall.
Might be a stave or two in the trunk?? Are the branches suitable for arrows...
Any hints or help...???? Don't wanna waste bow materials, if I can help it.

[Osagetree]

I believe some ash was used by eastern natives as a bow wood. I would give it a try, maybe a 68" flat bow 2" wide at t he fades and 1/2" at the tips??? Sounds interesting to me!

On the other hand I also know black ash was used for making baskets due to the growth rings easily seprating when dried and pounded with a hammer or rock. I don't think black ash would make a good bow!

[hit or miss]

If nothing else, you'd have free staves to practice on.

[Billy]

Osage , long time no see...
both ideas sound good.
free staves or baskets...hmm.

[tippit]

The Sudbury Bow:  "Wampanoag original of this bow is in the Peabody Museum, collected in 1660 in Sudbury, Massachusetts"  It was taken when a Sudbury farmer shot a Wampanog indian in his house.  This is one of the very few Eastern Woodland Indian bows intact.  It was made from Ash.  I have a made a couple of these and they are a lot of fun to shoot...Doc

[Danny Roberts]

I've made several that Osage is talking about 66" long. They turned out great shooters !

[Billy]

OK. So , just cut the tree and save as many branches as I can....
Should I leave the bark on and paint the ends of the "arrow" sized stuff, or peel and bundle?

[Pat B]

Tippet, I thought that the Sudbury bow was hickory.  
    Many Native American cultures used ash for bows. Wm. Vonderhey's book, "The Secrets of The Omaha Bow" gives detail instructions on the making of the Omaha bow, from cutting the ash sapling through sinew backing and everything in between.
  Green ash(Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and black ash(Fraxinus nigra) are the two that aren't necessarily good bow wood.    Pat

[tippit]

Pat, I maybe wrong...at least my Sudbury bows are Ash    tippit

[Jim now in Kentucky]

The branches aren't the best part from which to make arrows. You could probably glean scraps from the staves though.

I have made several ash bows. Just be sure to get the wood dry enough before tillering.