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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Blaino on January 26, 2015, 03:47:00 PM

Title: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Blaino on January 26, 2015, 03:47:00 PM
I saw a fellow cutting some crepe myrtles down in his yard so I stoped and asked if he care if I got a few "poles" to try my hand at a bow.... he didn't!

I know I have seen something about crepe myrtle making a good bow..... the "serch" function isn't giving me anything    :knothead:   though I think it should have.


Will I have to chase a ring like osage? Any info would be great, thanks!
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2015, 11:07:00 PM
From what I've heard crepe myrtle makes very good bows. The wood right under the bark will be the bows back so no need to chase a ring.
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Blaino on January 27, 2015, 08:18:00 AM
Thanks Pat. I figured you would have made a few out of it before.  Maybe ya'll don't have as many up in the mountains as we do. Literally every yard has one.
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Pat B on January 27, 2015, 12:12:00 PM
We do have it here but I have so much bow wood I rarely cut any more fresh.
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Blaino on January 27, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
Understandable. I'm in the process of stocking up - This stuff is fun!!
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 27, 2015, 04:20:00 PM
I have few close friends that have made nice bows from it. I have a very seasoned piece Kenny (lesken) gave me at the Classic 2013. Still haven't got to it Kenny!
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: LESKEN2011 on January 27, 2015, 05:30:00 PM
Don't sweat it, Chris. Mine is still only half done. I haven't tackled the dogleg in the limb anymore. Maybe this summer, though. That stuff sure is dense. I have some more pretty well seasoned I am going to cut into lams for a tri-lam belly. It is also straighter.
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: highpoint forge on January 27, 2015, 10:22:00 PM
We have zillions here in TX........
Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle self bow
Post by: Blaino on January 28, 2015, 09:22:00 AM
Yes-I'm not pushing it with "every yard has one" heck; a lot of our interstate medians are planted with them.

Dense is right. I was really surprised at how heavy it is

Now the long wait....