Author Topic: question about iron wood for a selfbow  (Read 373 times)

Offline michigan bill

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question about iron wood for a selfbow
« on: July 27, 2012, 10:25:00 PM »
What do you guys think about using iron wood as the only wood in a selfbow?
I have a selfbow made from osage and another made from hickory - both of which I like.
But iron wood?  Nothin' else, no backing.
Thanks.

Bill
I'm just happy to be here!

Online Pat B

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2012, 11:19:00 PM »
If you mean hophornbeam, it makes a very good bow. Treat it like hickory. If you cut it now the bark will peel right off but study the bark closely to be sure the tree isn't growing with a twist.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!
TGMM Family of the Bow

Offline Pete W

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2012, 11:45:00 PM »
I made a couple with Hop Hornbeam and am very happy with how they turned out.
Share your knowledge and ideas.

Offline scrub-buster

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2012, 12:19:00 AM »
I really like HHB for selfbows.  It is hard stuff.
AKA Osage Outlaw

Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2012, 08:31:00 AM »
HHB can be made to the same specs osage bows are if you temper it. 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 wide is perfect. Excellent bow wood in my book.

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2012, 08:42:00 AM »
Good stuff...hop hornbeam Not as moisture absorbent as hickory. Jawge

Offline michigan bill

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Re: question about iron wood for a selfbow
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2012, 05:54:00 PM »
thank you, gents.  i appreciate it.
bill
I'm just happy to be here!

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