Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: formerbutcher on September 15, 2009, 10:57:00 AM

Title: black walnut
Post by: formerbutcher on September 15, 2009, 10:57:00 AM
Just wondering who has made self bows from it, and if they have any advice.

Thanks John
Title: Re: black walnut
Post by: Diamondback59 on September 15, 2009, 11:55:00 AM
JOHN  IV MADE A COUPLE  MAKES VERY NICE BOWS BUT THIS STUFF TENDS TO CHRYSEL OR SPLINTER BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE U  IS  GO WIDE IN UR LIMBS   BROCK
Title: Re: black walnut
Post by: formerbutcher on September 15, 2009, 12:04:00 PM
Thanks Brock !
Title: Re: black walnut
Post by: limbcracker on September 16, 2009, 10:17:00 PM
I've made several self bows of walnut, it makes a nice fast, beautiful bow if left long and wide. I seems a bit brittle, inclined to break suddenly with no warning. The lighter colored sapwood makes a much superior backing, the darker inner wood seems to hold up better in compression. Stay away from kiln dried boards of walnut, I've broken a half dozen nice straight ones on the tillering stick before getting to full draw. Try to find a whole log, or an air dried board of half light, half dark wood and it will give you the best chance of making a good, durable bow. I recommend starting out at 70" and 2" wide for a 28" draw Good luck. Kirk
Title: Re: black walnut
Post by: formerbutcher on September 17, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
Thanks Kirk !
Title: Re: black walnut
Post by: Roy Steele on September 27, 2009, 08:54:00 AM
I also have built a couple bows out of it.Out of saves only.Like linebasker said keep it long and wide.And no real high poundage say over 60 would be to much.