Juniper

[David McLendon]

Is there a specific type of Juniper that is used for limb veneers? We have two huge Junipers that look like cedar trees,one on each side of the pool fence gate and they are closing off the opening. Some of the trunks are 4-6 inches in diameter and I have the word from the boss lady that they are going to need to go soon. Not being one to waste good bow wood I was wondering if they are worth keeping for future veneer material.

[GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN]

Dave if you find out its big enough for veneers and dont need it all. maybe we can work something out cuz im looking to have a bow made with juniper veneers soon. Juniper is a beautiful wood.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

They also make great selfbows. If I remember right that is the wood Ishi likes for His Bows.

[Bald Spot]

I think the juniper used for verneers is Rocky Mountian juniper and Western juniper.  Both really common (weeds) in places around the west.  I may be wrong on this but the wood you are referring to is in the cedar family.  Which is a pretty good lick in it's own right.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Ype,

Junipe makes great self bows.  If you have a couple of trees, you might think about having a local self bow member swing by and give them a look.  You might be able to get some good staves and veneers out of them.

[Shaun]

Most cedar veneers are ERC (eastern red cedar) which is actually a juniper. It can also be used for self bows but is weak in tension. Backed with sinew or hickory it makes an excellent bow. I believe Ishi's bow was made from a western cedar species like pinon or rocky mountain and he used a limb and it was sinew backed. Ishi used a very short chest draw form - check out pictures of him shooting.