This past week my wife and I were up at our cabin in Restoule, Ontario, Canada. While ther I wandered around on the 50 acres and came across some dead 5-6" trees. I had no idea what they were so I took some bark and cut a cross section from one and some leaves from one that is still alive to get them identified. Turned out they are Red Elm. I'm thinking next year when we go up again I could cut some and bring them back to work on. " I know Elm carry bugs so I plan on squaring them - removing all bark etc to have just wood". Will they make a good stave or should I not bother? Anyone have experence with ELM.

Wildcat Hunter - can't help you with the questions - sorry.  Was just curious how you id them as red elm?  Was told we had some red elm around here but I don't know how to id it.

Carpenter friend of mine was real interested in it - so must be good for something!

The first selfbow I learned to shoot with when I was 8 years old was red elm. 17 years later and it still shoots just fine. It will make a bow.

We looked up trees of Ontario on the net. Compared the leaves, bark and wood. The core is red, the sapwood is of course white.

Thanks - sounds like it will make a bow!  I would try it.

Red elm makes a very good bow. I built a 60" static recurve for the TG Bow Trade last winter.

QuoteOriginally posted by mwosborn:
Wildcat Hunter - can't help you with the questions - sorry.  Was just curious how you id them as red elm?  Was told we had some red elm around here but I don't know how to id it.

Carpenter friend of mine was real interested in it - so must be good for something!

Red elm and slippery elm are the same thing. Red elm usually has bigger leaves than american elm. Also the leaves are hairy on top and bottom of red elm. Easiest way to tell is by looking at the wood. Red elm sapwood is white and only bout 1/2" thick and the heartwood is reddish-brown.

Thanks guys, I'll try a couple next year and see how they work out. I guess the trees will be ok standing there over winter.

I wouldn't cut the dead ones, White woods decay in a hurry and it will likely not make good bow wood. I would cut green ones and season them in your garage.

5-6" trees are kinda small for a self bow. Would have a round back. Would be good for laminated bows or backed bows though.


    Mark

I'd make a selfbow out of any elm that was 2" in diameter or more. If the back is rounded make the belly as flat as possible.