Hi guys, Got a line on some  American black walnut. Thinking for veneers. What's the best way to handle this stuff. Might be three or four 8-10" trees. How does this stuff work for self bows?? Might have to try one. Thks Jim G   :confused:

Jim,

Unless the wood has some real character in the grain, veneers wouldn't be the best way to use it.

I've seen several backed bows that were really sharp looking.

Troy

Self bows have been made out of it.

I remember reading about a well performing mid weight (45lb or so) selfbow made fom a decrowned stave. Probably in one of the TBB volumes.

I say give it a try. At least a stave or two.

sounds like you might get a good piece for a rifle stock .... hmmmmm

I just did a you tube search for black walnut bows;  http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=walnut+bow&oq=walnut+bow&gs_l=youtube.3..0l2j0i5.10857.15238.0.15902.10.8.0.2.2.0.90.528.8.8.0...0.0...1ac.1.3A32_rYi4Ig  

Might give you an idea if it is worth your time and effort. If it was my walnut I would give it a fair attempt.

I have used Black Walnut veneer in a couple of bows, this un finished bow has "curley" walnut veneers  

Check out RangerB's YouTube video "walnut wonder selfbow"

I got these walnut veneers from KennyM about 4 years ago..  

Have a lot on the plate right now, will be getting to them in a bit. Thanks for the info. Will give some pics when it happens. Thks Jim g