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Author Topic: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave (Black Locust)  (Read 4553 times)

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Offline archeronthewall

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Tell me what you guys think of this Stave (Black Locust)
« on: November 17, 2009, 08:52:27 pm »
It is black Locust.  Approx. 68 inches long.   It has been hanging up in the branches of a tree for several years. Does it look like a decent stave.  Is there any advice that you can glean from the pictures before I begin?  This will be my first self bow.

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« Last Edit: November 17, 2009, 10:31:25 pm by archeronthewall »
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2009, 08:54:12 pm »
Here are the ends.

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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2009, 08:54:52 pm »
BY the way.  This is probably one of the coolest sites on the NEt.  Thank you all.
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Offline yazoo

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2009, 09:03:06 pm »
locust not a good wood for first bow, tiller is very critical,,if not done well it will fret,,but if its what you have then go for it,, make it long , wide and keep the poundage down, for your first bow learn all you can on your first one,, and post pics on here as you build these guys are the best on tillering learn from there wisdom,, mike
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2009, 09:15:06 pm »
i have heard that Locust is best suited for a board bow.  If so, is this the type of shape I want it to take or should I keep the back slightly curved and follow a growth ring?  I guess that is what is meant by crowning?

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« Last Edit: November 17, 2009, 09:18:17 pm by archeronthewall »
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2009, 09:17:01 pm »
Quote from: yazoo on November 17, 2009, 09:03:06 pm
locust not a good wood for first bow, tiller is very critical,,if not done well it will fret,,but if its what you have then go for it,, make it long , wide and keep the poundage down, for your first bow learn all you can on your first one,, and post pics on here as you build these guys are the best on tillering learn from there wisdom,, mike
I have at least three other staves that are vitually identical so I am willing to learn and accept failure.  I REALLY WANT TO MAKE A BOW.  Some advise on the proper model for this wood would still be nice, to save from the trial and error method at least a little.
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Offline PeteC

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2009, 09:32:18 pm »
Archer,if it were mine,I'd go deep to get to the first thick ring ,and use it as the back.Use all 68",and ,like Yazoo said,keep it wide and flat(the belly) God Bless
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2009, 09:40:06 pm »
So the back will have a slight curve and the belly will be flat. Yes?
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2009, 09:43:38 pm »
Like this.

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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2009, 09:50:49 pm »
Okay, red or orange? The green would be the handle thickness?

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Offline sailordad

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #10 on: November 17, 2009, 09:57:53 pm »
i would go to the red,the ring should be good enough
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2009, 10:16:31 pm »
So the wood that should be exposed on the back will be dark in color.  That is the growth ring.  Yes?
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Offline Josh

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #12 on: November 17, 2009, 10:20:52 pm »
yes.  with black locust, you want the late growth ring as the back of your bow.  The early wood rings are lighter in color and are not suitable for a bows back.  You will be able to see why when you start to chase that ring.    Good luck man!  -josh
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Offline archeronthewall

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2009, 10:30:21 pm »
Thanks Josh.  This may turn into a nice novice build along.  I am finding out all the details that were vague or assumed in the other How-To's that I have looked at.
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Offline juniper junkie

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Re: Tell me what you guys think of this Stave
« Reply #14 on: November 17, 2009, 10:35:22 pm »
either ring should work. go slow and as josh said, you will be able to tell the difference between the early and late wood. the early wood is soft and will flake easily, use your drawknife vertical and scrape the early wood, the blade should slide smoother on the latewood which will be darker. good luck and keep us posted.
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