Red Cedar Board Bow

[wpflbow]

I have some red cedar, previously employed as baseboard trim.  A quick look showed most of it to be unusable, but a couple of pieces might have acceptable grain.

Somewhere I heard it might be acceptable bow wood. Is this worth pursuing, or should I send it to the scrap wood pile?

[Aznboi3644]

I'd save it for sinew backing

[b.glass]

Give it shot! Why not! But, sinew back it.

[Pat B]

Is it Eastern Red Cedar oe Western Red Cedar. Big difference!

[wpflbow]

Originally posted by Pat B:
Is it Eastern Red Cedar oe Western Red Cedar. Big difference!

I am not sure, all I know is that it is cedar and a medium to dark red color.  Any tips on how to distinguish?

[Living_waters]

Smell it! cut into it or sand it and smell, eastern red  or aromatic has a very pungent sweet smell. Western doesn't have the smell.

[Brently]

Western red cedar is a very soft wood, it splits real easy and follows the grain.  They use this wood for cedar siding and for cedar shake roofs. If that is what you have it is not a bow wood.

[Sal]

With as much trouble as sinewing a bow is, I wouldn't spend the efforts on an iffy piece of wood.  A hickory or ash backing is more economical time and effort wise.

[wpflbow]

Thanks to all for the replies and advice.  I will pass on putting any effort into this questionable wood.  I have a red oak board that I will probably tackle next instead.

[okie64]

ERC is kind of a purplish red color and western cedar is just kind of dark brown. The right ERC board will make a great bow if backed properly.