Snakewood veneers

Izzy · May 12, 2010, 10:04:00 AM

Hi all, Ive been thinking of getting an upcoming bow with a snakewood back and overlays.Been looking high and low and posted in bowbuilder supplies but no response yet.Do any of you have a source that regularly has some? I know theyll cost me but still got a bug for some.

Thanks,Izzy

Apex Predator · May 12, 2010, 10:28:00 AM

Gilmer woods has some, but it's real pricey. It's tough to find a piece large enough to cut veneers from sometimes.

hayslope · May 12, 2010, 10:32:00 AM

Izzy,

You may have a hard time finding thin stock or veneer with nice figure. Check out the Oregon wood shop Gilmerwood. They usually have logs, but always cut nice stock and quite often they have longer smaller pieces that could be bandsawn into thin pieces. Be advised that MANY woodworkers/turners use these folks and there is usually a feeding frenzy when they post something nice! They carry a lot of nice woods, but they usually end up with some serious snakewood logs!

Ragnarok Forge · May 12, 2010, 10:57:00 AM

Izzy,

I live near Gilmer and can testify they have fabulous wood. I am picking up a piece of snakewood this weekend for a tomahawk handle for a presentation hawk. The piece of wood is going to cost me $100. Your right, it is going to cost you to get one long enough to make veneers. Search on PowWow there we a post a while back with folks putting up pictures of their bows with snakewood, and a specific bowyer who uses it a lot was mentioned.

Izzy · May 12, 2010, 11:52:00 AM

On researching it further I hear it will oxidize and turn a solid color after a while.That would be a bummer.

robtattoo · May 12, 2010, 01:22:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Izzy:
On researching it further I hear it will oxidize and turn a solid color after a while.That would be a bummer.

Hmm. I've got a couple of knives that I built with Snakewood that are still, well, snakewood clored after 3 years. I don't use any finish on it either. It has darkened ever so slightly, but you can still see the figure.

Danny Rowan · May 12, 2010, 02:20:00 PM

Izzy,

Get a in touch with Norm Johnson of Blacktail Bows. He may be able to help you. As far as turning a solid color, I have seen his Snakebit bows that are several years old and still look as good as the day they were built. Also contact Kenny M on here. He makes laminations, he might be able to help you.

Danny

Ragnarok Forge · May 12, 2010, 02:35:00 PM

Izzy,

If the bow is finished with any modern coatings it shouldn't oxidise at all. The oxygen cannot get to the wood. A selfbow made out of it might oxidize. Or were you thinking of a similar effect to what happens to osage as it changes color in sunlight? I have never heard of snakewood changing color, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. I would be interested to hear any facts you have on it. I might have to change the finish I put on that tomahawk handle.

Apex Predator · May 12, 2010, 03:18:00 PM

I know many woods change color after finishing. I've always heard it referred to as oxidation, but you would think it would need oxygen for that. Go figure!

Izzy · May 12, 2010, 06:14:00 PM

Lowell, I tried looking back for the website that I read that on but cant find it.It was only one website that I read it on so it may or may not be accurate.The osage effect is exactly what I envisioned happening to it.Danny,thanks for the info I have been thinking of contacting Norm.

WESTBROOK · May 12, 2010, 09:22:00 PM

Check this site Izzy

http://www.bellforestproducts.com/hand-picked/4219/

Eric

Bivyhunter · May 14, 2010, 08:41:00 AM

I bought about $7K worth of snakewood logs last year. I still am sitting on most of my sizeable stash (feel like a king hoarding my gold). If you need a little, I might be persuaded into parting with some if you draw a blank elsewhere. I'm leaving for a week-long backpacking trip in a few hours. PM me and I'll get back with you when I return.