board bows and grain orientation
Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 1:41 pm
I'm hoping some of you experienced self bow makers can help me out with a bit of a head-scratcher.
I've watched on youtube a few video tutorials from knowledgeable artisans describing the process of making a self bow from a seasoned bowstave, Osage or Locust etc. The key message is to chase a single growth ring for the back.
All makes sense, I follow the logic and am totally on board so far...
What has me confused is when I watch tutorials for selfbows (boardbows) made from a single board sourced from the hardware shop. Why no mention of ring orientation for these? No chasing a growth ring for the back, just, cut to shape and tiller.
Am I missing some eldritch law of milled timber or are these bows doomed to early failure?
I have recently had the good fortune of acquiring a collection of seasoned Osage from a hobby bow builder who is retiring. Much of the collection will be suitable for self bow creation and the rest are cut into laminates and boards. Many with growth-rings perpendicular to what would be the back of a board bow and so I'm guessing they will need to for part of a laminate.
I've watched on youtube a few video tutorials from knowledgeable artisans describing the process of making a self bow from a seasoned bowstave, Osage or Locust etc. The key message is to chase a single growth ring for the back.
All makes sense, I follow the logic and am totally on board so far...
What has me confused is when I watch tutorials for selfbows (boardbows) made from a single board sourced from the hardware shop. Why no mention of ring orientation for these? No chasing a growth ring for the back, just, cut to shape and tiller.
Am I missing some eldritch law of milled timber or are these bows doomed to early failure?
I have recently had the good fortune of acquiring a collection of seasoned Osage from a hobby bow builder who is retiring. Much of the collection will be suitable for self bow creation and the rest are cut into laminates and boards. Many with growth-rings perpendicular to what would be the back of a board bow and so I'm guessing they will need to for part of a laminate.