Western Red Cedar

[Kindo]

I stumbled into a large rough sawn 4x4 and (3) 10’ 1.25x5” rough sawn boards from the mantle I made 8 years ago. I’m wondering what these may be best used for? The wood is beautiful and id really like to use some of it if I can. I’m thinking of making some kids bows for my 5 and 7 yr olds so I could maybe use it for the riser on those?

Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks!

[Flem]

Make a picnic bench or a raised garden bed for your wife. Actually I have seen where a few bowyers have made laminated bows from Western Red. I can't imagine having success without a fiberglass sandwich

[Kindo]

Thanks for the input Flem. Could some of this be used for a kids laminate?

[KenH]

Why not?  Clear glass on the back, black glass on the belly, a thin WRC lam on the back and any good core wood.

[Flem]

Thanks for the input Flem. Could some of this be used for a kids laminate?

Honestly, unless you are trying to prove it can be done, it's probably not worth the effort you will put into making it work and the potential for failure. I agree with you, it's beautiful wood. There is a lot of it around here where I live, but I would not consider it suitable for a bow. You live in hardwood country, would be worth the effort to source some proven species for the task.
 On the other hand, it might be fine for a kids bow and if you have time to kill, could be an interesting learning experience. Just don't tell the kids before you know its going to work!

[Pat B]

I think WRC is too light to go between glass or backed with glass. A selfbow with a silk or linen backing would be a better option. IMO. These will be very light draw weight bows and a simple backing should be sufficient. Also, you can get old neck ties at a thrift store for a buck or 2 which will make a good, decorative backing.

[Kindo]

Thanks for the input Flem. Could some of this be used for a kids laminate?

Honestly, unless you are trying to prove it can be done, it's probably not worth the effort you will put into making it work and the potential for failure. I agree with you, it's beautiful wood. There is a lot of it around here where I live, but I would not consider it suitable for a bow. You live in hardwood country, would be worth the effort to source some proven species for the task.
 On the other hand, it might be fine for a kids bow and if you have time to kill, could be an interesting learning experience. Just don't tell the kids before you know its going to work!

Haha! I appreciate the honesty and input. I’m currently about a week out from gluing up my first lam ever. I’m just hoping I don’t bugger it up too bad and I’m trying to do it right the first time. I won’t hold my breath though and hopefully I learn something in the process.

[Kindo]

Thanks for the input everyone. Maybe I’ll just save these for some bow racks!

My father in law is about to cut down a nice large/straight black walnut tree. It’s just too bad I’ve got to wait so long before I can use it.

[Flem]

Thats not always the case. If you can get a stave cut out and shaped close to bow dimensions, it will dry very fast. Traditional Bowyers Bible one or two gives some guidelines on the process.

[Pat B]

With black walnut you want to use the wood right under the bark, sapwood, for a selfbow and cutting this time of year you can peel the bark right off leaving a pristine back not needing a backing.