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Author Topic: Black Cherry in the works  (Read 6916 times)

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Offline sleek

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Black Cherry in the works
« on: October 21, 2012, 05:47:30 am »
I am working on a Black Cherry bow at the moment. She will be 61 inches long, stiff handle, D bow, 1.5 out the fades, pyramid design with 3/8 tips, 40lbs@26 inches, heat treated belly with black silk backing. I have never attempted any Cherry before and am really hoping this comes out. If it does, I have another slightly wider stave that may become a mild re-curve pushing 45@28. I may or may not be making this for my Christmas exchange, I wanna keep ya'll guessing :).  And just to make it fun, I plan on posting the next 10 bows I build on here ( I hope to have them all started and finished within the next 30 days ( lots of orders )).  Pics up soon...
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Offline RyanY

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2012, 01:11:41 pm »
Starting so short and that narrow at the fades for a pyramid style I doubt that you'll have enough mass for your desired specs, especially being black cherry. Also I don't think heat treating is a good idea since I've heard that it tends to be a tension weak wood. The backing will definitely be necessary.
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Offline sharpend60

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2012, 01:19:16 pm »
I think Ryoon may be onto something.
Maybe ya wanna get the handle bending for some more length.

Black Cherry has a reputation for being hard to work, i.e. explosive.
But those that do get shooters report an awesome cast.
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Offline sleek

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2012, 01:27:10 pm »
Then I will tiller by trapping the belly more and more agressivly until I get the draw weight and length I want.
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Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others

Offline JonW

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2012, 02:35:20 pm »
I don't understand what a "stiff handled Pyramid design D bow" is. Fill me in.
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Offline sleek

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2012, 03:46:44 pm »
The handle doesnt bend, the front profile is pyramid, and the bow side profile when strung is D shaped. Going for elliptical tiller.
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Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others

Offline SLIMBOB

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2012, 03:54:06 pm »
I love Black Cherry.  Mainly because of the challenges it presents.  My take, 61" is short, 1.5" is narrow for this wood with a stiff handle, even at 26" draw.  At those dimensions I would rawhide back it.  I would not heat treat the belly.  The back holding together will be your challenge with this wood, not the belly taking set.  I assume you are working a stave.  If possible go longer and or wider.  Reverse trap or rounded belly. 
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Offline okie64

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2012, 06:35:30 pm »
Wear some safety glasses ;)
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Offline nativenoobowyer86

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2012, 06:44:32 pm »
Take Pictures :)
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"If it feels like ur life is about to fall apart, back it with some rawhide an hope it holds together"

Offline Ifrit617

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2012, 07:15:10 pm »
I agree with everything that has been said... I much prefer a bendy handle bow when using cherry, but have never been a fan of the wood due to its explosiveness...

Jon
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Offline Jim Davis

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #10 on: October 22, 2012, 12:01:22 am »
My first and only attempt at cherry blew up when nearly finished. I have no further interest in using it as bow wood. It makes nice cabinets.
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Jim Davis

Kentucky--formerly Maine

Offline sleek

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #11 on: October 22, 2012, 12:08:08 am »
I have almost decided to boo back it. Any thoughts? I can not make it any wider or longer, its all the length and width I have to work with.
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Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

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Offline bubby

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #12 on: October 22, 2012, 03:50:18 am »
i think that boo will overpower the belly, i'd try maple or white oak, but that's just me, Bub
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Offline sleek

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #13 on: October 22, 2012, 04:51:16 am »
Reckon hickory would work? Its all I have for a possible backing. I can crown the hickory if need be?
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Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others

Offline chamookman

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Re: Black Cherry in the works
« Reply #14 on: October 22, 2012, 08:05:34 am »
Seeing that You have access to BC staves, can You harvest some BC bark ? Fantastic backing and pretty too.
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"May the Gods give Us the strength to draw the string to the cheek, the arrow to the barb and loose the flying shaft, so long as life may last." Saxon Pope - 1923.
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