A question on self bows

[nd chickenman]

OK, my question is ,can a bow be made from a large limb from an american elm tree? I have a chance to get a limb from a tree planted by my Great Grandfather on the farm that he homesteaded back in the mid 1800s. The tree is healthy but part of it is hanging over the house and needs to be trimmed, I am going to keep the wood anyway and use it for something, but thought the coolest thing would be a BOW!

[mwosborn]

Yep self bows can be made from a limb.  For me, I would want it fairly straight for at least 60" or more and the fewer branches the better - size could vary, but I would prefer 4" diameter or more.  Sounds like a cool plan to me.  We don't see too many american elms around here anymore.

[nd chickenman]

I was there collecting seeds from this one, got a bunch started for my own place. All the other elm trees on the farmstead died from dutch elm disease 20 yrs ago but this one is still going strong. Hoping that it has a natural immunity to DED.

[Pat B]

Limbs should probably be split parrallel to the ground, ie top half(tension side) and bottom half(compression side). I believe the top of hardwood limbs(tension side) is what you want to use.

[nd chickenman]

Thanks for the info, I'm gonna get the cutting lined up and look for a good limb and get it drying.

[David Flanrey]

Seal it up real good and spray it for bugs!