bow making costs.

[bigbob]

If any one wanted to know why custom bows might seem expensive these couple sticks wood cost $130! Same place had Gidgee blocks around 14'' x 6'' x 6'' for $85 + GST.

[daniel m]

what woods are the 3 there in that picture mate?

seems like a lot of buck for not that much wood!

[bigbob]

Top one is an unknown type to me that is purported to be an Acacia called doololia. However wikipedia doesn't list it as such, it is quite dense and heavy and will probably be good riser material.The bottom one is an import known to many, and is Bubinga. The centre one I'm keeping close to my chest until I've used it as it meets the 'heft' factor but needs some investigating.

[Gringa Bows]

mate the middle one is a wood i havent used yet but i've got a plank of it under the house that ive had for years,but forget about it,i'll get a bit to you if you want...and i'll have to give it go as well

[bigbob]

Very generous of you Rod, I might be able to reciprocate with some thing I might have. It certainly seems heavy enough and quite dense. I have to get back on to my relative with the chainsaw mill. up north!

[Gringa Bows]

no worries dude

[GrahameA]

Morning.

If any one wanted to know why custom bows might seem expensive these couple sticks wood cost $130! Same place had Gidgee blocks around 14'' x 6'' x 6'' for $85 + GST.

In the overall scheme of things the cost of timber generally pales into insignificance compared to the cost of the labour that goes into it. If you are getting paid $0:00 per hour that is a different story.

You should try getting some Dymondwood from the US.

The other month Daryl and I got some cabinet timbers. The timber was a very good price but if you were costing out the time and the mileage to collect and transport it then it would be different story.

[bigbob]

Totally agree Grahame! When I get bamboo it involves a 70KM round trip and couple hours in time and for you and Daryl you could double the hours and travel .Labour costs don't even come into the equation for me 'cause it would make the cost of the finished bow totally prohibitive.Still ,some timber I have to find alternative sources for as the specialist outlets are getting beyond the pale! Gidgee is one case in point.

[longbow steve]

Hi Bob, I have stopped spending money at the local timber supplier due to ridiculous expense. I reckon you should go and get some Brigalow, Blackwood and other good looking timbers and season them your self.
Is the middle timber palm? Steve

[Fanto]

the only "fancy timbers" supplier in South Australia quoted me $125 for a hickory bow stave.

its a lot of money if you just want to "have a crack!"

[GrahameA]

the only "fancy timbers" supplier in South Australia quoted me $125 for a hickory bow stave.

its a lot of money if you just want to "have a crack!"

If all you want is to "have a go"

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12975

[bigbob]

Hi Bob, I have stopped spending money at the local timber supplier due to ridiculous expense. I reckon you should go and get some Brigalow, Blackwood and other good looking timbers and season them your self.
Is the middle timber palm? Steve

got it in one Steve.
Thats exactly what I am doing Steve, as in black wattle, gidgee, png walnut, brush box, etc. Trouble is as you know its a lengthy process and I need interim measures, hence the few purchased bits.

[longbow steve]

Hi Bob, get onto the wood workers forum and get amongst other woodworkers in your area for a source of budget timber. Steve

[dan76]

I have been getting all my timber from the USA, the shipping is a bit harsh but the service is much better than i have received in Aus and the sizes here are just mad they can't seem to help you if you want something bigger than a pen blank or small turning blank. I had one guy nearly choke over the phone when i told him i wanted a 30" long 2" by 4" of quarter sawn zebrano. I just paid $90 for a block of black walnut from the US and if i am careful I will get 2 risers and some accent bits and limb tips out of it.

Dan

[bigbob]

Dan for stuff like that then Lazarides at Banyo in Brisbane sells plenty of timber like Zebrano, bubinga cocobolo, Brazilian Bloodwood etc. I paid about $45 for a stick of zebrano last year about 38'' x 2 x 2'' which is not absolutely terrible. Its more the price on our desert timbers that make my hair stand on end.I want to use more of our native timbers and have found a few sources which are not outragously expensive. It also helps to have a relative up north with a chainsaw mill!

[bigbob]

Hi Bob, get onto the wood workers forum and get amongst other woodworkers in your area for a source of budget timber. Steve

Thanks Steve. As I mentioned in the above post I may be getting the situation under control.

[Fanto]

bob
there is a timber merchant called Karl in Nairne, south oz. business is called bush timbers

he may have something you can use.
he is grumpy but means well. won't sell timber to anyone who threatens to paint it!!

[mac1]

Hey Bob
Ive got a small chainsaw mill if u come a cross some logs on the coast and a selection of timbers u might be interested in, talk to u about it at the next club meet
Mac

[bigbob]

thanks you Fanto and Mac.I will have a look at bush timbers, he sounds a bit like a guy I 've bought some gidgee from!! Mac that sound excellent and will see you at the club after Easter . Don't suppose you are going to North Albert too over Easter?

[mac1]

To Busy at the moment so north albert is a no go
Mac