Fruit wood for long bows?

[Alexander13]

Hi Trad Gang, I'm brand new to bow making and to trad gang and this is my first post.  I've been doing a lot of reading, here and other places and I'm just about to start my first bow, based on PFB red oak build along.  I know there are lots of different types of woods to use for bows, but I was just wondering about fruit wood as I haven't read much if any on whether or not its suitable.  I have access to a fair bit of apple, pear and some cherry wood and was hoping that in the future could try one out of any of them.  I'd love to hear any and all reasons for or against using fruit wood because I'm just learning and don't know the answer.   :confused:  
Thanks for any advice!!
Joel

[Pat B]

Most fruit woods are considered good bow woods. I have a 2" diameter peach sucker that I am working on but it is my first fruitwood bow so it will be a while before I can say how well it has worked.

[7 Lakes]

Apple is my favorite but my supply dried up a few years ago.

[DavidV]

The fruit woods are some of the best bow woods out there. Pear and Apple are really good, as is plum.

[Alexander13]

Thank you all very much, that's great to know!  I'm going to make plans to go cut some staves. I'll post some photos when I do. Cheers

[Echatham]

i bet apple is pretty good, not much apple around here would be suitable though... lots of character. its a pain the rear to split i know that.

[Alexander13]

My family has a place with a small old orchard, with apple and pear so hopefully I'll be able to find something to suit me. If not ill wait and keep practicing.

[Pat B]

You might not find wood long enough from orchard trees. They are usually pruned severly to increase fruit production. Anything over 36" can be used but under 60" will have to be spliced in the handle to get a stave long enough. Trees growing wild or neglected orchard trees are your best bet for bow wood and don't forget about suckers that are 2" or bigger.

[Buemaker]

I think fruitcake for longbow guys is better       . Where I live you can sometimes find straight trees of wild Cherry, makes nice flat bows. Bue--.