Hi guys. I have a branch from a lombardy poplar that I cut down at least 5 years ago. i stripped the bark as soon as I cut it and it dried without any checking. I have been using branches like this as well as saplings to make walking sticks and I have found them to be feather light, but strong and hard to break. This particular branch is about 65" long by 1 5/8" at the wide end by about 1 1/4" at the narrow end. It also has several knots and branches along it's length. I was wondering if it would be feasable to split it longways to make a bow, or should I just save it for a walking stick.
Dave.
Number one its too small to split....number two i dont think its wide enough for that length with poplar(not really a bow wood)...you wood nee at least 3" width for that wood and lenght for a hunting weight bow.....you might be able to get a low poundage bend thru the handle bow that has a shorter draw lenght(like a youth or womans bow)....but i wouldnt waaste my time with it and just use it for a walking stick in my opinion