using cedar as a belly wood

[don s]

i have yet to make a ELB and want to try. has anyone used cedar as a belly wood? i've read that it is a good choice for compression strength. the bow i want to make will be 70" and 40# to 45#. i also would prefer the belly to be deep and narrow. i have not decided on a back. any thoughts/suggestions. don

[Pat B]

Cedar(I'm assuming ERC) should make a very nice ELB with a backing and especially that long. Hickory, elm or hard maple should work fine for a backing.
 I saw and shot an all sapwood ERC ELB style bow a few yeasr ago and was pleasantly surprised how well it shot and held no set after resting a bit. I believe it was about 45#.

[don s]

thanks pat. all sapwood huh? i can get 1"x2"x6'. i can also get 4"x4"s not sure of the length on those though. i'm supposed to go and check out what is in stock tomorrow. don

[Pat B]

Be sure it is Eastern Red Cedar and not Western Red Cedar!

[don s]

thanks pat. why not western red cedar? don

[Pat B]

Not the same bow making qualities as ERC. Does make good arrows though.

[karrow]

and how does one tell the difference?

[okie64]

ERC has purple-reddish heartwood and white sapwood. Western cedar is kind of a light brown color, its the stuff you find at lowes and home depot that people use for fascia on houses.

[don s]

thats about right. this is western that i found, so for now i'm going to do a linen backed red oak ELB. anyone know of a source for ERC? don