There are many types of wood suitable for bow making, but Red oak, Pernambuco, and Hickory are among the most durable. Red oak is porous and is difficult to cut. Look for growth rings, which indicate any imperfections in the wood. Read on to learn more about these types of wood and which one is best for bow making. Once you have a good selection of wood, you're ready to start building your own bow.

Red oak

When it comes to choosing the best wood for a bow, red oak is the most preferred option. The strength of red oak is unmatched by any other wood, making it an excellent choice for bows that are used in hunting. This wood can also be easily sourced and is cheaper than alternatives. However, it must be treated to keep it from rotting and is difficult to find in the US. Its low-tensile strength and low-bending resistance make it a poor choice in humid climates.

Pernambuco

If you're looking for the best wood for bow making, Pernambuco is it. This Brazilian wood comes from the coastal mountains, and is considered the finest in the world. It's extremely rare, as it's harvested from old, salvaged trees over 75 years old. While you can still find quality Pernambuco bows, it's not as common as you might think. In fact, you won't be able to find a bow made of Pernambuco in the middle price range.

Hickory

Hickory is one of the most durable types of wood. The wood grows in dashed lines, much like condensation on a soda can. Because it grows in such a random fashion, you can't easily tell how old a tree is. Hickory is a great wood for making bows because you don't have to follow one growth ring from top to bottom. If you're new to bow making, Hickory is a great wood to start with. Split log bows are better than board bows.

Hickory is a durable wood

You can find hickory all over, but if you're not sure if it's right for your project, you may want to consider elm, maple, or ash. All three woods are sturdy, but they differ in their hardness and density. Fortunately, hickory is fairly easy to find, so you can build a bow that works perfectly for your needs.

Red cedar is light and brittle

Several other woods are suitable for bow making, but none are quite as durable as cedar. It is a hard wood with a light density and would be difficult to sculpt into a bow. However, if you are determined to create the ultimate bow, you should try red cedar. While it is a member of the cedar genus, this species is actually a juniper. The color of the heartwood is what gives this species its name.

Hickory is more affordable than Osage

Although hickory is much more expensive than Osage, it still produces good results for bow making. Its tensile strength is comparable to that of yew. In addition, it's light, easy to cut, and exceptionally durable. Depending on your skill level, hickory or osage wood may be the better choice for your bow making project.

Pine is a durable wood

In the case of longbows, a variety of woods are used, including pine and cedar. Norway pine is often the preferred wood for target arrows, while cedar is preferred for large game hunting. However, most hardwoods can be used for making a bow, and any type will work for a standard bow. The main consideration for wood selection is its specific bending strength and modulus of elasticity. The higher the number, the stiffer the wood will be.

Hickory is a good wood for a recurve bow

When it comes to choosing the best wood for a recurve bow, hickory is the wood of choice for many archers. This wood is tough and stiff, and needs to be thin and light to build a quality bow. This is why it is a popular choice for beginners, since it provides inherent strength and durability while delivering slower performance than other first string woods.

Check out the best trail cam recorders on Amazon