I've been given walnut and osage boards by a friend who was "going to make some bows" (likely Hill style longbows). The boards are approx. 1.5" x 1" x 6' long. I'm not sure how they were cut - they certainly aren't cut for a self bow - as the grain is not so that one could get to a single grain line - it's quite random on both wood types. My questions are: would these be useful in making bows? Would a bowyer WANT to use them? I would love to "make some bows" or have bows made from each for sentimental reasons, but wonder if it is worth pursuing? Your experience would be appreciated!
As well, has anyone ever utilized mahogany in bows (even glassed laminated bows)?
The Osage for sure will make some Bamboo backed bows.
I haven't used walnut yet.
How many slats of Osage are there?
That walnut will make lots of nice core laminations for a bamboo backed osage.
Bamboo back, walnut core (tapered), and an osage belly slat. Get to reading up one some bamboo backed tri-lam bows, and then start some cutting.
Hickory backed osage and/or black walnut works fine and is a simpler process than bamboo backing. Both will make good bows if backed.
I'm curious too how many osage boards are there??