a marine team mate asked about using zebra wood as a bow. we have an exotic wood store near n.a.s.-j.r.b. in fort worth tx. could zebra wood, be used? not going to build one cause i have no time, but to me it made for a good question. i know 3rivers carries it as backing. so, im thinking its possible, just want to be sure before i answer, his question.

I've heard it had better characteristics than boo when used as a core.for lam bows..its light and fast, But don't know about a board bow... But it'd be an expensive mess up if it don't work

I think the reason the board bows are so popular you can pick up a piece of red oak for 12-15$ American, The need to be very straight grained and quarter sawn to work best, (repeat no run offs or flat sawn stuff with puddles (grain circles on the back)

If I bought z wood it would be cost prohibitive especially if it broke prematurely.

my 2 cents

Not to hijack the thread but.....
Which wood store are you talking about?  I live right outside of Ft. Worth and am always looking for good wood/lumber sources.

Bill W

One of the earliest laminated wood bows that I built was made from zebra with a hickory backing.  That was over ten years ago, and it's still holding together.