Archery Question

[helwen]

Archery friends -- opinions on Ash vs. Cedar?

I'm currently planning on ordering some Ash, a wood I'm rather fond of, but I'm curious as to the differences between the woods, if anyone knows.

Thanks :)

Comments

[rising-moon.livejournal.com]

From a woodworking standpoint, I would avoid trying to make anything out of cedar that was supposed to stand up to a lot of wrack or handling at narrow gague. It's in the pine family, and while it cures quickly (relative to other woods) it cracks and splits really easily. I've carved a few block-sculptures from it to good effect, but every time I tried for tight precision the stuff snapped.

Ash is famous for making amazingly resilient spears, too. Not that I'm biased. ;)

Ash vs. Cedar

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Yes, for some reason cedar is commonly used for arrow shafts, and in fact costs a bit more than ash as well. Maybe it works better on a lathe?

I'm a fan of ash myself -- they make excellent walking staffs too ;)

Re: Ash vs. Cedar

[rising-moon.livejournal.com]

Interesting! That seems counter-intuitive, but then I've only worked with big blocks for carving, or small disks cut from branches (runes), rather than arrow-width bits. I'm curious to hear more. :)

Re: Ash vs. Cedar

[nazrynn.livejournal.com]

Are you purchasing the shafts pre-made or making them yourself?

Re: Ash vs. Cedar

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

Purchasing pre-made.

Re: Ash vs. Cedar

[nazrynn.livejournal.com]

Where from?
The manufacturer can make a difference... I'd recommend buying more than just a couple dozen, in the event of defects.

Re: Ash vs. Cedar

[helwen.livejournal.com]

http://www.arrowwoods.com

[hengruh.livejournal.com]

ash for bows, not cedar, no way

if you were daring you could try osage orange, or even a horn bow

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Hi! Sorry I wasn't specific enough - I'm getting wood for the arrows, not for making a bow.

[gigglingwizard.livejournal.com]

Oh, okay. I was thinking both are especially poorly suited to bows, but good for arrows! I don't know about performance, but I'd think ash would be more durable. Cedar is prone to splitting.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Yes, it seems from what I've been finding out that cedar is easier to break but lighter weight. Ash is more durable but heavier. The difference is significant enough that it will affect how you shoot.

[hengruh.livejournal.com]

you know, some tribes also used cane for the shafts

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Interesting! Thanks.

[druidharper.livejournal.com]

This might help:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/ragiwarmbear/diy/arrows/wood.html

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks!