Action Wood

[dcolavito]

I see this stuff advertised for risers and core material all the time.  Anyone know what "action wood" is, and how it stacks up to other wood?

tx, Dave

[Chris Wilson]

Basically, it's laminated maple or birch for the most part.  I'm sure other woods have been used as well.  Due to it being a laminate product, it has better enviromental stability than a nonlaminated piece of wood.  It's been used by a lot bowyers for many years in limb laminations and risers.  That should tell you there's something good about it.  It can be dyed a variaty of colors and can make quite a handsome riser.

[30coupe]

Yup, Actionwood is laminated. Dymondwood is laminated under extreme pressure. Both are used in risers. Dymondwood makes a denser riser (heavier), but both work well. Obviously Dymondwood would not work for limb laminations.  

Here is an actionwood limb veneer (camo):
   

Actionwood riser

   

More limb veneers (vertical)

   

And a Dymondwood riser