Hey Everyone,

I am pretty new to the sport of Traditional hunting. I started shooting about 3 years ago. I currently have a Hoyt Dorado and Hoyt Gamemaster. I have gotten pretty decent, but more importantly I love the sport and expect to stay in it for a long time. I have begun looking into getting a custom bow made and had questions about the best wood types to use for the riser and limbs, more specifically I wanted to try and use English Oak and American Elm in some aspect (They have sentimental value.) I am just unsure if these woods are even viable options. I was wondering if any of you have experience with these?  - Thanks.

The elm has a good reputation as Core lams and it can look good under clear glass.  I don't know anything about English oak.  I've seen red oak used in a riser. Not dramatic but strong.

Red elm is commonly used for limbs. I'm not sure about American elm though.

Both of those woods will be fine in any part of the bow. No problem.

american elm is extremely tough but lighter than hard maple---and english oak is similar in density to maple --i'd say its a go in the right design

you can get the specs for most woods here---

http://www.wood-database.com/english-oak/

Most elm lams are red (slippery) elm and not american elm. I personally think red elm looks better than american elm under clear glass but the am elm will funtion just fine. I have no experience with the english oak.