My #1 bow blew up this morning.

[Alaric]

Since I got back into archery recently I have been shooting 2 rounds of 15 arrows every morning before leaving for work to build my arms up. I have been using an Ash bow with Yew belly laminations, Seen here: http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,33450.msg441179.html#msg441179.
This morning on my 3rd or 4th shot 6 inches of the lower limb broke off at about half draw, it looks like the lamination must have separated allowing the yew to buckle.

Lousy way to start the day,

Richard

[toomanyknots]

That sucks. It happens though. It doesn't look like it was any issue with your tiller? Tiller looks good to me. It was a very cool bow though. I'm sorry that it broke. 

[Alaric]

It’s not the first I’ve had brake and it was by far the least spectacular, The most spectacular so far have been Yew ELBs, I’ve had 2 let go when first shooting them in, both at full draw, that will wake you up, lots of shrapnel. This one just felt like I pulled the end off, what suck most it this was the first bow I made.

I’ll post pictures tomorrow.

Richard

[Alaric]

Here are the Pictures:

[soy]

     bummer

[UserNameTaken]

I'd give it a viking funeral or something. Send it off in a little boat and shoot burning arrows at it. Just don't let parks and recreation catch you. They don't like viking funerals.

[mikekeswick]

I don't think it was the glueline that went.
That was the ash failing in tension.
Always a shame when a bow blows.

[DarkSoul]

I agree that the glueline wasn't the fault probably; the ash was. Although it appears straight grained, there's a clear tension break.

Could be caused by the backing, which is (in my opinion) too thick for the very thin belly. I strive to get a belly that is at least as thick as the backing at all times, preferably thicker.

[Alaric]

I don't think it was the glueline that went.
That was the ash failing in tension.
Always a shame when a bow blows.

I came to the same conclusion once i found the missing  piece and had time to really look at it, I didn't have much time yesterday morning and I wanted to get the rest of my shooting in before I had to leave.

Richard

[Alaric]

Could be caused by the backing, which is (in my opinion) too thick for the very thin belly. I strive to get a belly that is at least as thick as the backing at all times, preferably thicker.

the ash isn't the backing so much as the yew is the belly, It started life as an ash self bow that turned out to light so as an experiment I added yew to the belly and retillered. I worked out pretty well until now, I made the bow in 92.

Richard

[H Rhodes]

Well, I hate that it blew up, but it sounds like it gave you a lot of years of service.  First bows are special. Maybe you can salvage some parts for handles or  tip overlays - keep it in the game somehow.  

[lesken2011]

Too bad. That one lasted a while. I know it probably meant a lot to you. Sorry you lost her.

[smoke]

Join the club Alaric!  My first one did too after about 100 shots.  I thought bow making was easy with that bow . . . then I got humble the hard way!  keep at it and you'll be surprised how fast you improve. 

[Newindian]

My first died a few weeks back.... But it probably deserved it . Still a shame for yours

[dwardo]

Viking burial and remember the good times.