Whether you’re new to archery or a seasoned veteran, one of the most important aspects of your bow is its wood. There are a variety of different species that are suitable for the purpose. Some of the most common include red oak, ebony, pernambuco, and hickory.
Pernambuco
Pernambuco wood is a type of Brazilian wood that comes from the paubrasilia tree. It was used to make the earliest bows in the 19th century, but it is now becoming increasingly rare.
The pernambuco tree only grows in the Mata Atlantica rainforest of Brazil. It is considered endangered due to its shrinking habitat. This has led to the destruction of the tree.
The International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative, a non-profit organization, works to preserve the species. It has also established Trees of Music, a program that empowers local farmers to regenerate the pernambuco.
In the past, it was considered the best wood for bows. It has a fine texture and excellent working properties. The wood is also very dense and can resist bending. This makes it the perfect material for the traditional violin bow.
Ebony
Ebony is one of the most popular and rare woods in the world. This is due to its fine grain and textured appearance. It is a hard dense material that can be found in tropical forests.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, ebony is also an excellent source of nutrition for wildlife. In fact, most classical bows contain ebony frogs. As a result, ebony is becoming scarce. The illegal logging of ebony has severely limited the global supply.
In recent years, a new alternative has emerged, namely Corene. This material is made from a combination of sustainable wood and resin. It is durable and does not react to perspiration acid, unlike ebony. It is more resistant to string movement, making it a viable choice for your next bow.
Hickory
Hickory is a popular wood for making bows, axe handles, and baseball bats. It is a tough, durable wood with a high density. However, it isn’t ideal for use in damp environments.
Depending on the type of hickory you’re using, you may have to cut the wood into smaller pieces to make your bow. For example, when you are using American hickory to make a bow, you need to be sure to use very thin pieces. The reason is that hickory absorbs a lot of moisture and it can start to split.
This doesn’t mean you can’t use hickory to make a good bow. If you’re new to bow making, then you’ll find that hickory is a great choice for your first bow. It’s a very strong and sturdy wood, but it doesn’t look as pretty as some other options.
Dogwood
One of the hardest and most popular woods used in bows, dogwood is often imported from Europe. It is also sometimes harvested locally.
Dogwood is an expensive wood to work with. It has high compression strength and is dense. However, it is not always easy to find. It can be hard to cut or bend without cracking.
Dogwood is commonly used to make bows, spoons and arrows. It is strong and able to be painted or oiled. It is not known to cause health problems. But it is prone to insect attack.
Compared to other domestic hardwoods, dogwood is less available in the United States. The best sources for this wood are a local supplier or a wood supplier. The price can vary depending on the type.
Red Oak
Red Oak is an inexpensive wood that is a good choice for bows. It is durable and has a very good bending resistance.
You can find red oak boards in most hardware stores. The most important thing to look for when buying a board is edge grain. If the grain is straight, you won’t have to worry about it breaking.
Another important factor is moisture. If the moisture is too low, you will have to deal with brittle bows that will explode. Make sure that you choose a wood that has an ideal moisture content.
It’s important to use a wood with a thick growth ring. This will help you to compress your bow. The outer sap wood is best for this.
Another common wood used for bows is ash. It is a dense hardwood that is great for archery. It also has a nice grained texture. The downside is that it is prone to compression cracks.
