Im frustrated guys,,Im looking for Hickory or any other hardwood that I can use for backing or bow building.All we have locally is red oak at the big box stores. Even cabinet shops here have no clue about hardwood,most of them have never even heard of osage,,Being is I like to look at anything I buy before hand does anyone know of a source anywhere remotely close to the Pensacola Florida area?

Menards carries hickory up here. Dont know about Fla?

Whats Menards?  Not being sassy,just never heard of it

Its a lumber chain store up here. You may not have them in Fla.

Oh, All we have is Lowes and Home Depot,neither carries anything except red oak,poor quality on what they do have

Same here. Thats why I hit Menards on occassion.

Try builders supply or a cabinate supply...  usually they have a good hard wood supply/selection

Ricky, I've had good luck with hickory backing from 3rivers. You'll need to order more than one backing to make the postage worthwhile, though.
Stan

Just looked at it,,Wow! pricey for a poor man!  That will be my last resort if I cant find it any where else.I know,I know,you get what you pay for! Im sure its good stuff    

"Backing strips" cost a small fortune anywhere you look. If you can find hickory strips, your in there! If I had any laying around I would send you some.

I was sort of hoping to find some 1x or 2x boards,I got a tablesaw and planer,just have to keep huntin......

You could always use white oak or bamboo.

Ricky, If hickory grow in your area, you might find some at a local saw mill......Dan

It grows here but theres not much,nothing to big anyway,we sufferd a few hurricaines in the past few years that got some of it and the land folks are trying to develop the entire state,couple of mills we have here specialize in cypress,cedar and pine.

Do you want a pc. of osage? Slight twist and a fair amont of reflex in the handle area...a few pin knots to deal with and some knots on the edge that will dissapear?

QuoteOriginally posted by Blkbird:
Do you want a pc. of osage? Slight twist and a fair amont of reflex in the handle area...a few pin knots to deal with and some knots on the edge that will dissapear?

Thats on my list of wood to try one day,Ive watched some of you all build fine bows with it.Id love to try it.  thanks!

Like PD said, check the cabinet supply shops. Thats where I get mine. You can buy quite a bit of hickory and cut it and plane it yourself for the price you'll pay for backing strips.

Guess what the mail girl brought me today?  A pretty peice of Osage from Blkbird!!  I read more than I post on here and I have never came across such generous folks!! Thank you Blkbird!  As it is over 100 deg in my shop right now Im going to admire it until sundown,then ill get started!!  

 Very nice BB! Ricky, nothing better to practice on, than osage! It's very forgiving, in so many ways. And it will talk to ya, when chasing a ring!

I personally prefer chasing a ring in good ole Sunlight!

As for hickory backing, look at tool handles like pick handles. Also if there is a pallet maker in the area, might be a shot there,too!