Choice of woods?

[stringstretcher]

For someone just starting out to make his own bows, what would be a good choice of wood for laminations to start with, knowing there is a lot of trial and error before getting the like you want.  Without going to the high priced lumber for the first bows, what would be a good starting choice?  I have bamboo flooring for some so will not need that yet.

[kennym]

Maple, red elm, hickory are readily available and fairly inexpensive.

[stringstretcher]

Thanks Kenny.

[kennym]

I forgot to say they are very good limb woods, hickory is a bit heavier,but I've seen some fast ones with hickory!

[stringstretcher]

Thanks Kenny.  I am sure you and I will be talking soon on some lams.  

[Roy from Pa]

Charlie, Kenny even has pink wood...  

[jsweka]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Charlie, Kenny even has pink wood...      

...and Roy buys it up and uses it in his bows too.    

[Roy from Pa]

Ok John.

Yer name has been added to the thumpen list son...

[jsweka]

YES!!  Now I know I'm somebody, 'cause you ain't nobody until you get on Roy's thumpen list.  

[Bowjunkie]

Also, readily available, great performing and great looking lam woods should include cherry, sassafras, and black walnut. They're underated IMO. If you're going to go as heavy as hickory, you might as well throw in black locust, ash, osage, etc. They may lose a few fps to the less dense woods, but they still make a handsome bow with sufficient cast.