Sitka Spruce

[reddogge]

Would Sitka Spruce work as a self bow wood?  I have a couple of staves in the garage that have been there for 25 years.  Was going to make a sail kit for a canoe and lost interest.

[reddogge]

btt

[Dano]

Don't know, never heard of anyone making a selfbow with the stuff, don't mean it can't be done, I would try backing it with bamboo or hickory.

[Jim now in Kentucky]

I don't think backing it would be a good idea. It's already weak in compression. Cut a 1/2" square stick of it and try bending compared to any hardwood. It would be better to rip it into square dowels and make arrows.

[reddogge]

Thanks.  I just got the same answer elsewhere too.  Maybe arrow wood fodder.