RED CEDAR, does it make good bows?

[1oldbowguy]

:confused:       Wanting to know if RED CEDAR would make a good bow?     Anyone ever tried it and if so what was the results of you hard work?
We have lots of it in our area and wondered if it was worth the effort.  Thanks for any advice.

[Axes bows n knives]

Yes red cedar sap wood makes a good bow. Its a type of juniper... I think but I know it makes a good bow.

[Pat B]

ERC can make a very good bow. I think it is smart to back it either with rawhide, linen, silk or a wood backing. Try to get it as knot free as possible. I saw a cool all sapwood ERC ELB style bow a few years ago and was pleased with the cast from that 45# bow.
  I have made a few ERC bows with mixed results...one exploded into a thousand pieces and was quite a rush and on a boo backed ERC bow I built both the top and bottom limbs folder softly about mid limb all at once. I would try ERC again if I had a nice piece. When successful ERC bows can be light in hand and very fast.

[Silent Bear]

It makes very good sinew backed shortbows

[Diamondback59]

it makes real nice bows  using most of the sap and some heart wood  very colorful marc st louis bulit a erc long bow i think it was 120 # a while back  brock

[fujimo]

western red cedar- too brittle, i geuss.

[Diamondback59]

yes too brittle id try it as a mid lam in a tri lam but not for belly wood brock

[1oldbowguy]

Thanks all for your help.  I will see what I can find.