I hapened to receive some boxes of 72" flooring that have some boards in them with good grain for a selfbow. Hickory should be no problem, but what about the Alder and Acatia? Anyone try these woods and have success?
Pete
Acacia is used in cutting boards so I would imagine its pretty hard. Its pretty too.
No idea about alder. Best way to learn is to try it! Lol.
I'd say no on the alder.
guys have tried the alder here- it grows like a weed here- makes great furniture- but the bows have to be wide and long- and they are sluggish and take lots of set.
i spoke to some bowyers in south africa( from whence i come!) and they all say that acacia is great- it was always kinda hard to find good straigh pieces though- and lots of pin knots- but it is a specie that grows all over the world- so maybe yours is a different sub specie.