Does anyone have any experience with building one out of western serviceberry.
Zero experience. But it seems any fruit/nut bearing tree will work fine. And it seems that any tree with the word "berry" in it works even better. One way to find out for certain is to build a bow!
seviceberry is a great bow wood..from what i know is that keep the belly flat...i know indians used it alot in the western states..i have done a bend trough handle area..but you might be able to do a stiff handle..john
Hi Doc,
I got one in the making its still in a rough stave stage. It was to green when I roughed it out, so it really went south on me, but it took dry heat well after a few more months drying. Still holding good and straight. Hard finding any of size I lucked out got two small tree size 7'x 8" Its a lot easier finding sapling size but then you have all the branches to work around. I also spliced one at the handle was really liking it. I had a visit from a friend one day and he talked me into to high of brace way to soon, it busted. Even tho I dont have one that shoots yet I haven't given up on SB. Have to say its one of my favorites also like Mock Orange aka Syringa you might have it around if you have SB.
Here in Canada they call it Saskatoon I still call it Serviceberry but I'm from Oregon only live in Canada
Good luck, Chuck
well i hope it works out for you sound like it is good wood to deal with. hey pearl drums to bad your not any closer to kansas i got a whole garage full of hackberry i cut this winter ready to make bows outa