There are plenty of different types of bow wood out there to choose from. However, it’s important to know what to look for to find the best one for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of wood and some of their key characteristics.
Red oak
Red oak is a big name in timber and is a staple of the midwestern United States. It is known for its durability and strength. However, red oak is not the cheapest wood in the world. If you are shopping around for a new bow, consider checking out poplar or birch.
One of the better woods to use for a bow is hickory. Hickory is cheap, durable, and resistant to decay. Plus, it is not too heavy. This makes it a good choice for axe handles and bows.
Another great bow wood is the dogwood. Dogwood is a common import from Europe. The best part is it is not hard to find. You can even buy it at Lowe’s.
Birch
A traditional hunting bow can be made from a variety of different woods. Birch is a common option for most people. However, there are several other great options for bows. Among them are Hickory, Cherry, Ash, Yew, and Osage Orange.
Hickory is a dense and durable wood. It has good compression strength and tensile strength. Also, it is resistant to water. This makes it an ideal choice for hunting in wet or dry climates.
Cherry is also a strong and resilient wood. Its color is attractive and it has a smooth finish. cherry wood is not very easy to find.
Vinemaple
Vinemaple is a local wood in the Pacific Northwest. It is an easy wood to work with and grows fast. John Strunk was able to cut vine maple in one hour. However, if you’re a serious bow maker you may want to consider another wood.
The best bow wood is one that can be bent without breaking. To accomplish this, it should be relatively dense. A bow made of an ash tree might be prone to compression cracks on the belly. This can be corrected by sanding the belly flat.
Mulberry
If you’re looking to build a bow, you may want to consider a variety of different woods. One of the best options is mulberry. Mulberry is not only a good bow wood, but it’s also relatively easy to work with.
Mulberry can be used for composite bows. This wood can be treated with a sealant, which will make it resistant to moisture. Another option is to paint it.
Hickory is another popular bow wood. It’s also hard, but it’s relatively easy to work with. Unlike maple, hickory does not require backing.
Popular
Poplar is not the best bow wood, but it does work well for bows. It is an inexpensive, soft wood that is durable and strong. You can also use poplar to make a nice bed frame.
Hickory is another excellent choice for a bow. The hardness of hickory makes it strong and rot-resistant. However, it is not very suitable for use in damp conditions. If you want to use hickory in a bow, it is best to choose a thinner ring.
Oak is a good bow wood because it is easy to find and cheap. However, it is not as dense or flexible as other woods.
Goncolo alves
Goncalo alves wood is a tropical hardwood species from Central and South America. It has an alternating pattern of hard and softwood. The heartwood is a medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown.
When sanded, Goncalo Alves wood has a good natural luster. It has a unique look that is reminiscent of rosewood. With age, the wood tends to darken.
There are two main varieties of Goncalo Alves: Astronium fraxinifolium and Astronium graveolens. Astronium fraxinifolium is the more commonly encountered type. This tree is native to Brazil and Costa Rica. However, some specimens have been discovered in Bolivia.
Laburnum
Laburnum is a very unusual wood to use in bow-making. It is known as the “Golden Chain” for its vertical rows of yellowish-gold flowers in the spring. This type of tree has a fine and even grain pattern.
It is dense, hardwood. The sapwood is pale yellow. There are several different species of Laburnum, ranging from orangish brown to violet brown.
It is an ideal substitute for ebony. Although it has some poisonous stuff in it, it is not as toxic as yew wood.
It is also a good choice for carving. It has good resistance to water and insects.
