Black walnut bow? yes or no?

[ffdiggs]

So I have some black walnut been drying for a year and a half in my garage. When I split it, it took one heck of a twist. ( it was growing on the side of a creek bank). So anyways I think I can get some good pieces out of it. It has about one inch of sap wood. Can I use it or do I have to use the heart wood? Gonna try to make a take down with it. If I can't get a good stave from it I might try to make a tri-lam. Hickory/Black walnut/Osage. Thoughts and opinions.

[Pat B]

Black walnut will make a selfbow. Use the wood right under the bark for your bow. If you are going to use the heartwood, back it with hickory or other appropriate backing.

[ffdiggs]

Thanks Pat, I'm thinking I should probably go wider and longer than normal
Maybe 2" from fades to mid-limb than narrow to 1/2" tips

[LittleBen]

Thats probably about where I'd start for a 50# bow, and adjust length based on your draw ... probably 66" for 28" draw assuming a stiff handle and fades of 8" total.

[Pat B]

Sounds good, FF. Overbuilt is the way to go with black walnut. If you find the limbs are getting too thin you can take some off the sides while you are tillering.

[ffdiggs]

I think its on this week end, will post some pics when I get it going