Concerns regarding a walnut riser?

[gobblegrunter]

I've done a little bit of research and have read about some concerns regarding walnut as a riser. (i.e. it's light, not as strong/durable as denser exotics, shouldnt be used on heavier weight bows, etc). I guess I wonder...would you guys use it? Would it be suitable to use on a 50# bow? Should I just find another riser option?

[koger]

I have had several bows, from #50-#60 with walnut risers, Martins, Shakespeares, and some customs, with no problems, whatsoever as regards to structural problems with the wood. I do like denser woods, slight more mass weight, but that is why I shoot mostly alum. risers now.

I can't imagine why anyone would have "concerns" with Walnut.  I'm curious..what concerns did you find?  

Walnut is an excellent all-around wood.  Some bowyers will tell you it makes for decent limb material.

There are many natural and man-made materials out there that will give you a greater mass weight if that is what you want.

[anchorman]

If you laminate your riser I can't see that you would have any concerns..

[jsweka]

I built myself a Hill style longbow a couple years ago with a walnut riser - 54# @28".  I didn't laminate it.  I shoot just about everyday the weather is decent, so I've shot the heck out of that bow and no problems.

If it's a takedown or a heavy poundage bow, I would at least laminate it.

[Crooked Stic]

You will be fine using it in a one piece. I would still laminate it.Now a TD riser is a whole nuther deal. You nwill want some extra strength thru the shelf and sight window area. So at least put some accent stripes running thru the middle of the shelf.Something like this.
 

[JamesV]

I use a lot of walnut in risers but I do laminate all my risers and have never had a problem. I also use a lot of walnut for limb cores(lams) and it performs right up there with the best.

James..............

[Bow man]

as koger said walnut is great for bow my personal bow has a walnut riser we also laminate it up with other woods and yes the Walnut limbs are pretty good but look great

[Lamey]

All woods have a degree of variation in density/strength etc. within there own species,  Walnut even more so than most.   There are also more species variations of Walnut then about any wood I know of.

I have seen/used some Walnut that I would not trust structurally in ANYTHING,  and I have had other batches of Walnut that were as good structurally then ANY other wood.

As with alot of questions,  depends on the specifics.

[Crooked Stic]

Lamey I think you got it about right there. You might say all walnut is not created equal. And yes light colored edge grain walnut is a very good limb core wood.

[maineac]

The riser you PMed me about is nice and heavy (at least for me).  I t is mixed with cocobola which helps add some weight.

[gobblegrunter]

Thanks  for the feedback everyone. Tony, the "concerns" that I was referencing are all spelled out in the parentheses portion of the original post.

[7 Lakes]

Ask the Shotgun guys.  Black Walnut can be as dense as you can ask for.  Not all Black Walnut is the same.  There are huge variations.

Originally posted by gobblegrunter:
Thanks  for the feedback everyone. Tony, the "concerns" that I was referencing are all spelled out in the parentheses portion of the original post.

Oh...gobble,
How did I miss that?? Gotta slow down a bit, I guess.