Wood for bows

[1956_4x4]

Well I figured I'd better get on the ball and cut the wood for the bows before my new top gets here. I have been to the wood suppliers in three towns to find some oak without any success. Actually, I haven't been able to find any type of hardwood. I went ahead and grabbed some pine and figure if I cut enough slats I might be able to come up with enough knot free pieces to do the M101 trailer.

Are people that make their own bows using hardwood or is pine able to stand up to the wind pressure when the trailer is on the road?

Smitty

 

[hippiedude]

I would think pine is ok for a trailer.... I would worry about using it for troop seats because of the span between bracket's ... Hard wood ism`t cheep , I`ve been looking at home depot and lowes ... Good luck !!

 

[1956_4x4]

I would think pine is ok for a trailer.... I would worry about using it for troop seats because of the span between bracket's ... Hard wood ism`t cheep , I`ve been looking at home depot and lowes ... Good luck !!

The only hardwood I found at Home Depot or Lowes was the thin stuff like one would use in furniture. It was also furniture grade and like you said, very expensive.

Smitty

 

[2027Deuce]

Oak would be the best. White oak if you can because it doesn't absorb water as fast as red oak does. I have a reliable source for both but it is kind-of pricy. You might try to find a local sawmill, he would probably have the best price. You could also use ash if you can find it but stay away from cottonwood becasue it gets really snaky. Scott

 

[1956_4x4]

Oak would be the best. White oak if you can because it doesn't absorb water as fast as red oak does. I have a reliable source for both but it is kind-of pricy. You might try to find a local sawmill, he would probably have the best price. You could also use ash if you can find it but stay away from cottonwood becasue it gets really snaky. Scott

If I can find a place that cuts it, does it need to be kiln dried or anything along those lines? I don't want this stuff warping after I get everything installed. As you might guess, I am at a loss when it comes to woodworking.

Smitty

 

[2027Deuce]

Kiln dried is best or air dry for one year for every one inch in thickness.

 

[papercu]

bows

The top bows? try a sheet metal shop and make some metal ones or you might just find some square tubing that will fit. Wayne

 

[KaiserM109]

What would 3 bows still in the factory wrapping be worth? These came extra with my M105A2. The other bows have 2 sets of holes to mount the top part on, so I think that they will fit either an M101 or an M105.

 

[1956_4x4]

What would 3 bows still in the factory wrapping be worth? These came extra with my M105A2. The other bows have 2 sets of holes to mount the top part on, so I think that they will fit either an M101 or an M105.

I'm not too sure what they're worth, but I bet the shipping isn't too cheap.

Smitty