Types of ash?

[Don Armstrong]

I talked to a guy about some hickory logs for staves today. I also mentioned I would like to try couple of ash bows. I really like the look of the bow, dutchwarbow, made. He ask what kind of ash was I looking for. He said he might have some white ash. Stupid me, I didn't realize there was different kinds. Is the white ash good for bows. Thanks, Don

[Jesse Peltan]

White ash is awesome. Black ash is ok but you need a little wider and longer bow.

[Moen]

I use lot of American white ash in my all wood laminate bows. But Norwegian ash is 50 times better. Simular to your hickory...
Nick use European ash, i think.

[dutchwarbow]

white ash should be superior to black ash. So guess you're lucky!

glad you like my bow. I used european ash indeed, pretty low quality (too much earlywood).  Ash is a great wood to work with, and with some scorching you can really make the rings come out.

the 'scorching' is actually close-range tempering for a very short time. put the heatgun very close to the wood and keep it moving, with strokes of , say 4". As soon as the rings start to darken, and the latewood get's a goldish colour, you move on. I've finished such a bow with linseed oil and it came out great. the back was pretty white, but the belly had a gorgeous golden colour. Especially the dark rings in the fades gave the bow it's great looks.

Nick

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks for the info guys. The guy said he would have white ash so I guess I'm lucky for a change.Nick, you have made some great bows. I liked the grain in that ash. What were the specs on that bow. I want to hit about 50@28" to. Thanks, Don

[Osagetree]

I don't think black ash would work. I know they used to dry logs of it split'em down the middle or in half and then beat them with a large stone or hammer. The black ash would come apart at the growth rings along the length of the log. They would then cut the ring seperations in long strips to make baskets and weaved containers.

I believe since it comes apart so easily then a good bow wood it would not make??

[greyhawk39]

Here is a bow with white ash in it,hope this help's you.