Hello Tradgang.com . New to bowhunting last year after 20 years without owning a bow. Last year I went out and spent big bucks on a compound and all the hyped up accessories. Not what I wanted at all, have always wanted to build my own which is what I intend to do. I have 10 nice white oak staves drying out and some American beech. Tomorrow I will be getting a big old elm log and a chery log as well to make staves. Built a shave hoarse have some hand tools just waiting for the wood to dry and winter to set in so I will have time for some carving. I like this website, very informative, thanks for all the awesome posts.
Welcome Thomas . :)
Welcome to trad gang..
You're off to a good start with all that bow wood.
Welcome!
Keep your eyes peeled for some black locust and hickory too! I know once you get into it you will want some different types of wood.. I know i did!
Welcome to the Gang! Be careful, it's addictive.
Bring some of your staves in side the house and weight them
they will dry faster in the house especially if you rough them down
I weight mine every week and write down how much they weight
If you get in a hurry with wet wood (not seasoned)
you will get string follow
not good :knothead:
what part of Mass are you in? i might would trade you a stave for a nice elm stave, haven't been able to get any.
With the woods you've mentioned above I would say read up on all the materials used for backing bows to insure they can handle the tension.