Suitable for making a bow?

I'm sure Del could weigh in on this one.

Seems to be some difference of opinion on Cherry wood for bow making...but it seems doable...

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=40263.0

https://medicinebowwoods.com/yew-bow-staves-billets

Need to talk to our resident Bowyer…. He’ll give you some pointers… imho…. as a layman, the material you’re using your bow may also be… ‘ornamental’…

Use the cherry wood for ornamental items. Use the Bois d'arc (Osage orange) wood for bows. Believe it or not, the early French trappers taught the Indians (Native Americans) how to make better bows using this wood. That's how it got it's name, Bois d'arc (bow wood).

What is the best way to prevent cracking?Should the bark be left on,and the ends sealed,or stripped of bark and seal it all?What is the recommended sealer for this application--latex paint,poly,enamel?

Since it has a natural curve,I may turn it into an ornamental recurve bow.

You'll have to research how to make it. An old Indian from Minnesota could probably tell you how to make it. And why make an ornamental one when you can make an original? Use the cherry for something like a shelf or staff. There's a large ugly Bois d'arc tree with rotten limbs on my corner that the City is going to cut down in a few weeks. If I had the hankering, I'd make a bow out of a piece of it. My brother was the bow maker, not me. Incidentally, have you noticed the lack original Indian bows and arrows on display?

https://truewestmagazine.com/indian-bows/

https://www.etsy.com/market/native_american_bow

I am also about to cut a red maple tree,and it looks like it may have some good material to- work with.

I may try to make a Native American flute from the cherry.

After reading all the valuable feedback,it sounds like my best option.

Thanks Everyone for the help.

THANKS! I love it! Gotta make one!

Use it in your smoker.

Fruitwoods make for great barbecue. Harvest the whole tree, cut it up into "storage" lengths, and then take some to cut and split for a ready to use supply. Renew the ready to use as necessary; From what you describe you have, unless you are an ardent or competitive BBQer, a 2-3 year supply of superior flavor from the pit, smoker or grill.

Good idea!

I may make some charcoal from the wood.

Easy to do,and it is much better than the briquets at the store.

I am having a pecan tree taken down also,and that makes good charcoal,very similar to hickory in aroma and flavor.

And hickory nuts are a something else.

Put a pile of hickory nuts in your charcoal grill,add a little starter fluid,and wait for them to turn to red coals.It is the best flavor you can get from hickory charcoal.

Oh Del the cat!

We need your opinion on this. (",)

I messaged the old puss. I hope he shows up.

Now I'm getting a bit worried:-

Although he "visited" in the middle of March, he hasn't posted since last year, and, before that his rate of posting had really dropped off. Hope he and his family are OK.

He's posting to his Blog ....

http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2022/04/

Busy with a folding bow project I guess.

Probably got tire of the crying and people getting offended here….

I'm so pleased to hear you're still active.

All of my other CR4 pals have gone silent during the Corona and ever since.

I miss you guys.

Love from troubled Israel,

Yuval