I'm new to the trad bow scene and am lucky to have a few excellent mentors. I have some fresh hewn staves in the drying box waiting the next step. I have kind of a special attachment to the wood I'm using (where it grew, how I got it, etc...) I thought it was elm and just by looking at the trunk when it was still alive I thought it might make a decent bow. A tree guy told me it was Chinese elm. It looked even better when I exposed the grain, white sapwood with reddish brown heartwood/center. Nice big rings, really looks like the photos I see of osage. I'm getting help from an experienced bowyer and he thinks it looks great. My question to you: Has anyone ever used Chinese elm? I saw a reference somewhere to "red elm" ... same thing?
An aside: this bow building is going to be great! I mentioned the tree when it was still "alive"... I feel like I'm keeping it alive by turning it into a bow, kind of spiritual eh? I can't wait for the tillering!
I've heard from Rich Saffold that Chinese elm is really good for bows. I've never worked it, but my street is planted full of them. When and if one of them falls over, I'll be on top of it in an instant. Its a beautiful tree.
Man I hope so they are infesting us here in S.La.I have millions come get some no limit heck I will cook and supply beer but you got to kill 10 for every one you take.I have big and little ones.Kip
I was expecting a white wood when Chisler said he was bringing some Chinese elm over to the shop. It reminded me of osage when it was wet with light sapwood and a dark heartwood.
Chisler roughed some billets to one growth ring and later I reduced them, steamed, straightened and put into the drying box. Been in there since Sunday night. Now that they're drying, they are starting to look like mulberry billets, which is related to hedge and isn't bad bow wood. We'll keep you posted.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Thanks for your encouragement Sal. I hope Chinese elm from PA is the same as Chinese elm in CA, or LA (Kip) for that matter. I know it will be a good experience building this bow, just have to see what happens when we bend it with the string. I've always wanted to visit Louisiana - Brian and I might have to plan a combo trip for gators and Chinese elm.
I'll bet you a dime to a donut hole that your Chinese Elm is really Siberian Elm. Yes it is a bow wood. There is a good deal of variance between specimens-Some S. Elm works great and some is more brittle less good.
I'm surprised hearing that Chinese elm is a good bow wood. I've had them in my yard my whole life and they are very brittle. Can't stand up an ice storm worth a darn. I'll be watching this to see how it comes out.
I'll keep you posted on the progress with the "Chinese" elm. We'll see what happens.