If you are looking for the best wood to make a bow, there are several different factors that you need to consider. These include how you plan to use the bow, the size of the bow, and the weight you will be putting on the bow.
Osage orange
Osage orange wood is a highly prized wood for making a bow. Its strength, density and flexibility makes it a great material for compound and recurve bows. Unlike many other types of wood, it is not prone to decay.
The Osage Orange tree is a member of the mulberry family. It has been planted as a windbreak in the Great Plains and as natural fencing for cattle.
Although it is difficult to find, Osage orange is popular among archery enthusiasts. It is available in four or eight-inch thicknesses. Compared to other domestic hardwoods, it produces more BTUs. Besides, it is relatively cheap.
Another reason that this wood is a good choice for a bow is its high tensile strength. This is important for a recurve bow because it must be very flexible.
Birch
Birch is a great wood for making a bow. It’s versatile, light and strong. This makes it an ideal choice for a short stocky recurve or a wide limbed flatbow.
For a bow that can’t be made of birch, you can make your own from rawhide. However, you will want to use this material carefully. Otherwise, you will end up with a sluggish bow.
The best way to make a bow from this material is to use a recurve bow. You can also use a narrow limb to increase your flexibility.
Other than birch, you can also use black locust, plum or ash. Some of these can be found in the US. Nevertheless, the best ones are probably the European species.
Another good wood for making a bow is ipe. It’s a native wood of South America, and it’s durable and water resistant. Aside from bows, ipe is used in construction and for hand tools.
Hickory
There are many types of wood to choose from when it comes to making a bow. However, one of the most common is Hickory. It is sturdy and can be made into an incredibly strong bow.
When selecting the best bow wood for your needs, consider the following factors: flexibility, durability, water resistance, and weight. You’ll also want to find a bow that is easy to carry. For instance, hickory is very lightweight.
Traditionally, ash was the most common wood for bows. However, ash is difficult to source and requires more care. Another wood to consider is ipe. This is a wood native to South America.
Pecan is another popular wood for bows. It has some similarities to hickory, including a low MOE (Modulus of Elasticity) value.
Black locust
Black Locust is a strong and durable wood. It is also rot-resistant. This makes it a great material for fencing posts and other outdoor building projects.
Besides fencing, the heartwood of Black Locust trees is used for outdoor furniture. In addition, it is a good source of fuel.
The dense structure of Black Locust wood provides a solid structure for bows. Bows made out of black locust can hold an 80-pound draw weight.
In addition, the wood is very resistant to insect infestation. Unlike other hardwoods, black locust does not rot. Another benefit is that it’s not prone to knots.
One of the reasons why Black Locust is often used for fence posts is because it is a hard, stable wood. However, its thorns can cause minor injury.
European Spindle
It can be quite hard to find a good bow-making wood, and there aren’t many options. If you’re looking for a hardy and versatile wood for your next bow, though, you’ll want to consider the European Spindle.
The spindle tree is a large shrub or small tree that is found throughout the northern hemisphere. Its dense branches add colour to fences and walls, and it can also make excellent privacy screens.
The spindle tree grows in nutrient-rich soil. They are winter-hardy, and can grow up to five metres high. The leaves are dark green, and usually turn red in autumn.
The Japanese spindle is an evergreen variety. It has leaves that are around five centimetres long. In winter, it produces colourful fruits. However, the fruits can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and death.
