Poplar for the tiller?

by Stonedog Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:50 pm

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Post n°1

Poplar for the tiller?

by Stonedog Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:50 pm

Has anyone ever used poplar for the tiller?

I was thinking about it, but it may be a bit too soft...

Thoughts?

by **Geezer** Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:52 pm

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Post n°2

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Geezer Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:52 pm

Geezer here: The question concerns poplar-wood for a crossbow stock. I have made a few medieval-type stocks of poplar. It's easy to work, and if reinforced around the roller-lock with bits of bone or staghorn, it should work out allright, but if you can get a stronger wood, do so. I've very fond of cherry, myself. It's harder, stronger, yet easy to work and doesn't do weird, crumbly-splitty things like walnut.

by Stonedog Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:00 pm

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Post n°3

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Stonedog Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:00 pm

Thanks Geezer!

I plan on using oak. I want to keep it as simple as possible!

by **Geezer** Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:33 pm

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Post n°4

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Geezer Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:33 pm

Oak will do just fine. Geezer

by **mac** Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:06 pm

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Post n°5

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by mac Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:06 pm

My default wood is maple. It is strong, and smooth against the cheek.

Pear wood is very nice if you can get it.

Mac

by olrono Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:35 am

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Post n°6

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by olrono Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:35 am

Geezer wrote:Geezer here: The question concerns poplar-wood for a crossbow stock. I have made a few medieval-type stocks of poplar. It's easy to work, and if reinforced around the roller-lock with bits of bone or staghorn, it should work out allright, but if you can get a stronger wood, do so. I've very fond of cherry, myself. It's harder, stronger, yet easy to work and doesn't do weird, crumbly-splitty things like walnut.

OH NO...My beautiful crossbow you made me is walnut!!! What can I expect to happen to it??? Please tell me I have nothing to fear!

by **Geezer** Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:31 am

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Post n°7

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Geezer Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:31 am

Oh, well after 37 years, the whole thing will explode into a fine powder, leaving nothing but memories.
Lots of rifle stocks are made of walnut, no doubt you've heard the horror stories about old Mauser 98's doing that? It was a constant problem during later stages of WWII on the Eastern Front. Smile

Said with an absolutely straight face (specious detail being one of the hallmarks of a good lie)
Nothing will happen. Walnut is a perfectly good wood for crossbow stocks, it's just a little bit more trouble in the building process. Geezer

by olrono Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:08 pm

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Post n°8

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by olrono Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:08 pm

Thanks Geez, I needed that. I did consider "old rifle stocks" You mention "crumbly" and I remember the bow and lock hold about 170 lb.s of force with the string, some thing of coarse a 'rifle' dose not encounter. "I could just see my rolling nut go flying away someday...!" OK, I got the point, you where talking about in manufacture not in use. Good that's exactly what I wanted to hear! .
P.S. I enjoy reading about every ones experiences making crossbows, but I would like to say if you get one of 'Geezer's first and copy it, it could save a lot of frustration...

by **Geezer** Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:35 pm

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Post n°9

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Geezer Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:35 pm

Well Ron, I can tell people how to do it my way, which is usually close to authentic, but that only helps if you want to make medieval crossbows. We've got a huge wealth of people making modern bows and balistas and dragon-crossbows and critters made of bones... not to mention the awesome slingshot guy. The breadth of knowledge and inventiveness here is only matched by the helpful, polite attitudes expressed by the members.
I salute you all, guys and gals for everything you're doing here. Geezer.

by Clinker Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:54 pm

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Post n°10

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Clinker Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:54 pm

Besides the well-known tendency for walnut gunstocks to crumble in use...(wow, THAT is a good one...).

Walnut wood stains my hands brown when working it, so I avoid it when stocking muzzleloaders and crossbows. Does anyone else have that problem?

There are many stronger woods than poplar at similar cost. Why limit yourself unneccesarily? Poplar does make nice bowls and plates if you like wooden ware, easy to work.

by Guest Sun Sep 02, 2012 3:19 am

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Post n°11

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Guest Sun Sep 02, 2012 3:19 am

deletion

Last edited by Gui on Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

by chaz Sun Sep 02, 2012 4:20 am

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Post n°12

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by chaz Sun Sep 02, 2012 4:20 am

Stonedog,

A great thing about this place is that open creativeness concerning crossbows is quite acceptable and it is nice that there are purests and the gamot can run to the extreme. Everyone is is very helpful with opinions on the subject, with a smattering of often dry humour............. close akin to being jabbed in the eye with a carrot.

Chaz

by Guest Sun Sep 02, 2012 5:04 am

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Post n°13

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by Guest Sun Sep 02, 2012 5:04 am

deletion

Last edited by Gui on Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

by kenh Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:35 am

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Post n°14

Re: Poplar for the tiller?

by kenh Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:35 am

We have unscruplulous loggers like that here in the States too. Until they get caught, then they go to prison and make license plates.

Poplar is a very good wood for lots of things, and inexpensive. I make musical instruments from it. But it's not going to stand up to much stress in the lock area, and where the prod attaches. If you have to buy your wood from a Big Box store, I'd choose Oak or Maple for the tiller. If you've got access to a good lumberyard, then Walnut, Elm, Birch or Cherry would be good choices.

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