Well I've decided to pop my cherry (pun intended) and start working on my first self bow. Its a beautiful piece of cherry. No twist, very straight grain. I would love to see some pics of some cherry bows that anybody might have and any advice would be appreciated. i'll post pics as I work on it. I'll probably rawhide or linen back it.
I also have a "green" cherry log, its about 9" in diameter. I plan to try a cherry self bow for myself and 1 for the guy that gave me the log. Do you think it will have to be backed??
I want to see this one. I live on a poperty with lots of cherry and have been thinking of harvesting some for staves.
I'm backing mine because I don't trust myself on my first.
guys cherry is weak in tension, very weak. i'm not saying it can't be done but i don't remember seeing an unbacked cherry bow. rawhide will work great. i recently made one with a qtr sawn ash backing. it was from a cherry board. its now one of my favorites. be careful an don't over stress the limbs early as cherry will fret in a heartbeat. Some guys call it the heartbreaker wood. Once made however, you'll be very pleased. its light in the hand and packs a punch that will surprise you. here is a pick of my latest.
(http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww279/sulphur7/DSCF2741.jpg)
(http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww279/sulphur7/DSCF2746.jpg)
(http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww279/sulphur7/DSCF2745.jpg)
(http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww279/sulphur7/DSCF2743.jpg)
sorry to hijack this thread with so many pics. good luck on yours, can't wait to see it.
That looks sharp man.