locust boards for bow?

[chuprinko]

Hi all,
A local mill in NJ had these two locust boards that I may use for another bow. I have read mixed reviews on locust. these are nice boards (about 2x4 size) and the grain runs even throughout. One board has a even bow. It has been drying in the garage for the summer.
Thoughts?
full locust bow?
backed with hickory?
other?
Neil

 

[Pat B]

Back the flat one with hickory, maple or elm. 1/8" thick backing will do. Locust is one of the strongest North American woods in compression but is brittle and thus susceptible to fretting(compression fractures). Tim Baker said that locust is a good bow wood but it will separate the good bowyers from the bad bowers. Your tillering will have to be good or the wood will tell you.

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

I have built self bows from black locust using almost identical practices that I have used for osage.  Worked well.  Shot good too.  I would back a board bow with hickory because of the violated rings.


pete

[dutchwarbow]

BL is supposed to be incredibly TENSION strong, but crysals easily. So, it might be more backing material than stuff that needs to be backed. If you really want to back it, don't go with hickory or boo. They will crush the belly. Rather pick a nice piece of maple, ash, or, indeed, straight-grained BL.

Nick

[George Tsoukalas]

I learned on BL back in the days. The trouble with locust boards is locust functions best with a heartwood back. I did make some with sapwood backs too but you take your chances. Looks like those boards are all sapwood. But I can't tell for sure. Leave it a little longer may be an inch or 2. BL heartwood is very strong in tension but not so string in compression. I might back it with burlap, silk or linen. I don't really do wooden backings.    Jawge

[dutchwarbow]

jawge, the reflexed stave looks like 80% sapwood. The straight stave looks like 75% heartwood.

Nick

[frank bullitt]

I've had pretty good luck with locust. My only thoughts are, I want to know where it came from. I will only use it, if I cut it!From Start to finish. That being said, You have them so get after it, and learn! Might suprise you. Good         , Steve

[chuprinko]

Thanks for all the replies. Since I could probably eek out 4 attempts out of these, I will just start trying. I think one with I'll try a simple linen backing, and a friend gave me a thin piece of maple I can taper for a backing.
Wish me luck.
Neil

[talkingcabbage]

Neil.  I made a honey locust board bow last year with 1/8" hickory backing.  Took a deer with it last year, and it's still a decent shooter.  My tiller was a little off, but i can still punch 'em in the target, so I'm using it.  You'll do fine.  We want pics when you're done!