crape myrtle

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Has anyone made a bow from a crape myrtle? I have a few of them in the yard and would like to know if this could be used? I'm planning on trying it, but would like to know if others have done it.

[Pat B]

Sal, I've seen a few crepe myrtle bows on PA and they were all heavy(80#+) bows so I imaging it would work well for lighter bows.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Kool, this winter I'll be cutting them down and I'll see what I can do with them.

[Pat B]

If they are multi stemmed cut only half of the trunks so you will have flowers next year. If they work out as good bow wood, cultivate them so you have a readily available and perpetual supply of bow wood.

[Trad Toolmaker]

Do they make good arrows?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have enuff for like 10 bows. I'm going to cut down the big one and split it. I'll see how many I can get from it. I should even have some for walking sticks too.

[Pat B]

TTM, give it a try. I haven't tried crepe myrtle for arrows but if it will work for bows it should work for arrows. Let us know how it works.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'll try that too. This winter I'll be cut bows & arrows and see how they work ... I'll keep Y'all posted.

[Chuck M]

I'm working on a Crape Myrtle now got it ruff tillered and I mean ruff tillered. It's a strong wood going to be a charcter self bow. Do you  need to chase the rings mine has alot of knots on it's back.

[Pat B]

You need to chase a back ring on any wood bow or back it.