One for the Bowyers

[Man of Tanith]

Any of our bowyers used Silver Birch as a bow material?
its such an abundant tree and has oh so many uses i was wondering if its just me who has considered it as a bow wood?
interested to hear if anyone has
if you have how was it? did it work or was it a fail?
got any pics of the bow

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Any of our bowyers used Silver Birch as a bow material?
its such an abundant tree and has oh so many uses i was wondering if its just me who has considered it as a bow wood?
interested to hear if anyone has
if you have how was it? did it work or was it a fail?
got any pics of the bow

No personal experience using as a bow but it is my mainstay for carving and I have twanged an arrow or two in the past.

I would imagine it would be prone to breakage under stress but if suitably backed (sinew or linen maybe) it may be strong enough.

Anyway enough of my waffle I will bow down to the actual bowyers of this parish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stew]

I'm pretty sure I've seen it mentioned as a possible bow wood somewhere! I can't remember where though - I'll try dig out the source!

 

[dwardo]

It does indeed make a bow. Although it has to be super clean and a decent specimen. You also want to toast the belly as it will fail in compression. Smells lovely when doing so.

 

[bobnewboy]

If you go ahead, make the bow longer and/or wider to compensate for the possible shortcomings of the wood. It may make the bow a bit overbuilt but it would last longer. Worth a go if you can get a pristine piece though. Naturally, post pix when done

Cheers, Bob