A question about lams

[robA72]

hey guys.
A local DIY store in my area has boxes of nice flooring at a crazy reduced price. I don't need to redo my floors but I was wondering if this stuff makes for decent bow limbs.
I'm still struggling to make a shootable board bow with a heavier draw weight than 35lbs., so I know that I am not yet to the level of using lams but I thought about grabbing a box of the black walnut or cherry and holding on to it until my bowyer skills grow.
What do you guys think?

[SportHunter]

Call Kenny and order some lams ready to go and build a bow.

[Trux Turning]

If they are solid boards- either could be made into lams.

[robA72]

Thanks trux.
And SportHunter. I know, I know. I emailed him today to ask some questions. I just want to make the most of my first attempt without spending a whole lot (the missus already thinks I'm spending too much cash on all this.)

[jess stuart]

If you have a hardwoods store near you that would be an option as well.  Should be able to get a hardrock maple, or hickory board pretty cheap and make some lams.  I am not terribly impressed by the lams from flooring but that is just me and one of my crazy ideas.

[Linwood Hines]

Just similar to a question I have.  Someone gave me osage and walnut boards, about 1.5" wide x 1" thick x ~ 72" long.  the osage is quarter sawn, the walnut somewhat straight cut.  Could these be cut into lams to use?  Who could do that (I'm new here, plz forgive my ignorance)?  Sounds like "Kenny" can - who is Kenny?
OR should I save these until I want to make a bow, THEN have one cut?  I'm hoping to make straight longbows - Howard Hill style.

[Robertfishes]

Rob, I have 3 Hard maple boards in my shop. I think they are 2+"x8"x8' rough sawn..I bought them over 3 years ago directly from a saw mill in Adams County Ohio,they are dry and ready to be used..I am moving my shop and am reducing my inventory.

[robA72]

Originally posted by Robertfishes:
Rob, I have 3 Hard maple boards in my shop. I think they are 2+"x8"x8' rough sawn..I bought them over 3 years ago directly from a saw mill in Adams County Ohio,they are dry and ready to be used..I am moving my shop and am reducing my inventory.

Hey Robert,
I sent you an email. Thank you!

[Robertfishes]

rob, sent you a pm. I am in the middle of moving into my house now. I hope to move my shop over here soon..

[wandering monk]

any clear hardwood can be made into lams...moisture under 8-9% is best...flooring is for sure in that category...its usually FAS...thats 6% and below

with the quality of glass nowadays wood species does not have the effect it did many years ago...most times its more about how it looks under clear glass than anything else.There are exceptions...but with FF strings and all the carbon inserts its not like it was a while back...

problem is unless you have a small drum sander tapers will be a bit difficult.parrallels can be done OK on a table saw then sanded with 36...100 thousandths can be done on a good sharp blade on a table saw...with no hesitations in the flow of pushing it through the machine...

its not easy...but for sure can be done with some calipers and patience(tapers)...good luck...

IMHO I would purchase tapers from someone that grinds tapers etc...there is enough work even if you buy raw materials...

[Bowjunkie]

Linwood, lams can be rough sawn and then kept that way almost indefinitely as long as they're stored properly, but it's probably best not to grind them to final dimension until shortly before you plan to use them. That way there's less chance of them being damaged or contaminated prior to glue-up.