Cherry Self Bow

[fireball31]

Well I've decided to pop my cherry (pun intended) and start working on my first self bow.  Its a beautiful piece of cherry.  No twist, very straight grain.  I would love to see some pics of some cherry bows that anybody might have and any advice would be appreciated.  i'll post pics as I work on it.  I'll probably rawhide or linen back it.

[wildcat hunter]

I also have a "green" cherry log, its about 9" in diameter. I plan to try a cherry self bow for myself and 1 for the guy that gave me the log. Do you think it will have to be backed??

[razorback]

I want to see this one. I live on a poperty with lots of cherry and have been thinking of harvesting some for staves.

[fireball31]

I'm backing mine because I don't trust myself on my first.

[sulphur]

guys cherry is weak in tension, very weak.  i'm not saying it can't be done but i don't remember seeing an unbacked cherry bow.  rawhide will work great.  i recently made one with a qtr sawn ash backing.  it was from a cherry board.  its now one of my favorites.  be careful an don't over stress the limbs early as cherry will fret in a heartbeat.  Some guys call it the heartbreaker wood.  Once made however, you'll be very pleased.  its light in the hand and packs a punch that will surprise you.  here is a pick of my latest.




sorry to hijack this thread with so many pics.  good luck on yours, can't wait to see it.

[fireball31]

That looks sharp man.