Cedar Laminations

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

I saw the other thread about cedar and it brought a question to my mind.  I didn't want to change thread topic so here it is.  Can I use the Eastern Cedar that home centers sell in 3' lengths for lining cedar closets to make limb laminations? Has anyone done that?  

pete

[kennym]

Hi Pete, I would say so.

Eastern Red Cedar is a true juniper according to MO Conservation Dept.

Some folks think cedar is too soft for bow wood,but I have built several bows with it,mostly on belly under glass.

No probs yet, Trux Turning built a 56"(I think)  recurve with back and belly lams of cedar with no probs also.

You might want to keep the veneers thin and use a better core wood for the most of the limb.

JMHO

[Holm-Made]

I've used it alot for veneers under clear glass.  Works good.  I grind it to about .025.  I have had it split under pressure from the firehose a couple times.  That is the only down fall.  Chad

[pditto613]

i just finished a bow with red elm core and cedar veneers under clear glass.  works fine so far.  Although the cedar veneers darkened a lot.  It looks like the smooth-on soaked all the way through. Probably a good thing in the long run, but not the same look as the raw cedar.  not even close.