Printable View
Hi everyone,
Just wishing to rack your brains on the most flexible and strongest timber.
I've been told about Osage orange,that it's been used to make longbows, and would be right for what I'm looking for.
I'm looking for a timber that comes in lengths close to 6 foot and has minimal knots.
Does anyone know of any other species which are very flexible, yet still strong.
Thanks
Osage or Yew was traditionally used to make long bows. A good Australian equivalent is Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata
Strips of giant bamboo are much more flexible than wood and very tough. How about telling us what you have in mind?
spotted gum comes to mind.
Jitta ( Halfordia scleroxyla). Local Aboriginals used it for spears, now finds use in bearing blocks, pool cues, sledge hammer handles and bows. I'm happy enough to give a piece away if I've got the right size so long as you pay the freight.
:2tsup::2tsup: Kudos to you. That's why I like this forum. :2tsup::2tsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by John.G
Spotted gum with straight can be tough to find, and straight grain is necessary for a bow.
I have been making longbows from silver ash for many years, with good success. As Len mentioned, large bamboo sections are also a good alternative.
Saw a bow a few years ago that had straight-grained timber (forget the species) as the heart and bamboo laminates on either side, and it worked a treat.
But we can't really offer much advice until we know what you want to use the timber for.