Recurve Bow wood selection

Anthony M

Hi there, i am planning on making a recurve bow with fiberglass and wood. I have been given a piece of 4inch dia euculypcus seasoned for 6 months. Can anyone tell me if this would work, thanks

Wabbit Ears

I have a large eucalyptus log drying and looked into is if it was suitable for a selfbow or similar. Apparently it's not a good wood for bowmaking and I read that traditionally there is little or no history of bows in oceanic areas where its the main type of wood. I can't remember sources now but I abandoned it as a project.

greysides

Osage, an American tree, is a good wood to make a selfbow from as it tolerates both compression and tension. I think I've heard of Oak and Ash being used but I'd suggest checking them out more before committing time and expense.

Zxthinger

Oak and ash will make a serviceable bow but not great. Yew is what you want if it's home grown. Osage will have to be imported. Rowan and box wood work too. Rowan is best with if only small tree trunks are available.

Kloe_Kat

Aaron Moat wrote: »

Hi there, i am planning on making a recurve bow with fiberglass and wood. I have been given a piece of 4inch dia euculypcus seasoned for 6 months. Can anyone tell me if this would work, thanks

If there is fibreglass how much does the wood performance matter. Elm and ash would be the safest Irish bets.

greysides

Probably not a lot. I think most performance comes from glass. The wood could provide little more than the core.

Prouser

i was also thinking about it i have read and learnt allot about recurve bow making I will share here soon