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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Shakes.602 on October 31, 2009, 11:37:00 AM

Title: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 31, 2009, 11:37:00 AM
If Memory Serves, (dont bet any money ok?  :help:    :archer:
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Pat B on October 31, 2009, 12:21:00 PM
I've seen them done but never done one myself. I'd think there are better sources for bow materials. The last time I looked for a shovel or ax handle, I had trouble finding a decent one with good grain for it's intended use much less a bow.
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: JimB on October 31, 2009, 12:49:00 PM
I think more are made from ash,or at least,used to be.I'm sure hickory would make great handles though.I remember watching my grandfather make pick and axe handles from ash.
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: hickstick on October 31, 2009, 03:31:00 PM
like JimB said..more are made from ash around here.   either way ash is good bow wood too.  although most tool handles are way too short for bow staves even if backed.
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: 2treks on October 31, 2009, 04:58:00 PM
Primitive Archer had a story on that years ago. check out the archives and see what it says. pretty sure they used Ash pick ax handles.
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: JEFF B on October 31, 2009, 08:42:00 PM
hey brother i would leave the  hick handles alone they wont make good bows trust me i know been there done that thats when i started to buy american white ash boards at $80 a pop.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: NoCams on October 31, 2009, 09:31:00 PM
I live 3 miles from one of the largest tool handle mills in the US. Handles are made from ash and hickory. Just bought a set of large wheelbarrow handles for $10, should last 10 times longer than the chinese junk Lowes sells.


nocams  :readit:
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Soilarch on November 01, 2009, 01:25:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Pat B:
I've seen them done but never done one myself. I'd think there are better sources for bow materials. The last time I looked for a shovel or ax handle, I had trouble finding a decent one with good grain for it's intended use much less a bow.
Ditto on the quality.  You won't find anything worth your money in any local hardware store (even the mom 'n pop joints) for a axe/maul/mattoon handle so I'd doubt they'd be good for a bow...I've looked far and wide.  Ended up going to fiberglass handles for that sole reason alone.
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: John Scifres on November 01, 2009, 12:34:00 PM
I had a friend make a takedown from some hickory handles.  It worked fine.  Properly chosen, they are a viable option.  Cheaper options are available though.  But for $15 or so, you should be able to get some bow wood.