Black Ash and hop Hornbeam Staves on the way.

[Pete W]

I just sent myself 4 nice clean Black Ash staves from my trip down East , and they should arrive in a day or 2 along with 4 straight, and clean Hop Hornbeam staves that should make 6 more bows when they dry.For good luck I picked up an Osage stave that has at least 2 bows in it, possibly 3.
 I have never done a bow with the Black Ash or Hornbeam , but I think they should be fine if I build them like Hickory. Any commets?
 None will be over 50-55# at 28, and lengths will be 64 to 66". I am thinking a piramid style starting at 1 3/4" at the fades  and a flat bow with 1 3/4" for 2/3 of the limb for the Ash, both with a non bending handle and steaming about 1 1/2 to 2" of reflex into the limbs. For another Ash I want to try a Holmgard style with 2" wide limbs. The ash staves are dry and ready for the knife, but the bus is taking a long time to get them here.   :confused:  

It will be months before the Hornbeam can be worked as it was just cut and split.I am hoping / planing to make a MiqMak style and a Holmgard from these if they dry good and don't check.Next winter will be a full of chips if all works out. It is nice to have some staves in stock, as Alberta is not the greatest place to find staves.

 Pete

[Pat B]

Pete, I think you will be disappointed in the black ash. Not a good bow wood. The HHB on the other hand is an excellent bow wood so maybe that will make up for the ash. Neither green and black ash are good bow woods. Black ash was used to make baskets by pounding on the log and the growth rings would separate and could be pulled apart.

[Pete W]

Thanks Pat, The package just arrived so I will soon find out. LOL
 I was told that the Black ash was used by the native tribes in New Brunswick for their bows, so I guess making a bow is going to be the only way to find out if it is any good first hand. It did split very easy, so that may be a preview of what is to come.
Pete

[formerbutcher]

My first bow i tried to make was from Black Ash, it turned out to be a light bow 25# and took lots of set...I'd go long and wide 2 1/2 inches if you can on the fades maybe 70" long. Good luck !

You will love the HHB !