fixing first bow pics.

[Jesse]

The first pic is my first bow. Its a hickory selfbow. I started it about 4 1/2 years ago as you can see tiller was not good and the handle was too fat the fades are too massive the bow is too long and it had a lot of propeler twist. Despite all that it still flung an arrow ok but a little wimpy. I decided to cut it shorter down to 62" Im not sure how it will turn out but instead of backing it to get power and performance up. I  put  ipe on the belly. I dont se why it wont work but maybe you guys know better. I have not retillered it yet. I glued it in R/D form and was able to force out the twist in the process. It is still in raw form right now but its starting to look like it might be a real fast bow.                           Before
                                                                                             After

[medicinewheel]

looks to me as if you are on the right way!
good luck with that rebuild!
frank

ps: i just put 1/16" of ipe on the belly of a bamboo-backed cherry bow, which turned a 40some pounds bow into a 60some pounds bow... 

[Jesse]

good to know. my only fear is that the hickory will fail but I dont know. I will find out soon enough.

[1/2primitive]

Personally, I think the only thing I would be worried about is the glue, as my glue lines are terrible when I try gluing stuff together....but as you've got it glued well, I don't think there should be a problem.
    Sean

[DanaM]

Interesting solution, can't wait to see how it turns out.

[mullet]

   That's a nice improvement,I've been looking at some of my first ones too.

[medicinewheel]

as sean says: as long as the glueline is good - no problem!

[Pat B]

I "FIXED" 2 boo backed bows(one was yew, the other hickory) by adding an osage belly lam and both worked out to be good shooters. Most woods are weaker in compression so that is where they usually loose their zip. By adding a good compression strong wood, like ipe, you negate the old belly. If your hickory is sound and has the correct grain configuration(not all that necessary in my opinion), you should not have problems with the backing.
   Nice save. Looking forward to the results.       Pat

[Jesse]

Thanks. I grooved both mating surfaces and degreased well so I have confidence in the glue joint. The hickory is a log stave with only the bark removed and no knots so I think it will be fine that way but it is a lot thicker than the ipe.  Would this be considered a hickory backed ipe? Doesnt seem right since it was a hickory bow that I  put ipe on the belly but I guess thats what it would be. Well call it what you want its just 2 pieces of wood glued together for now I still have to build something to pull it back since I am on a 30# lifting restriction for 3 weeks from surgery.

[Pappy]

Nice fix,hope it turns out good for you.I would say the Hickory should hold it is some tuff stuff.
Don't know about Ipe.
   Pappy

[Jesse]

Hard to believe its the same bow. Its at about 50# here and getting close to full draw. It is very fast now. I cant believe how thin the ipe got. This bow is now a lot! lighter and at least twice as fast. A little tinkering with the tiller and a finish and Im done. Well I guess you dont have to back a bow you can belly it if you want
                                                           

[PK]

Looks like a survivor dude, Nice recovery.

[Wulamoc]

Nice job!  I suggest you call it "Reincarnation"!

[DanaM]

Way to go Jesse, You healing up yet?

[Jesse]

Thanks guys
 Yes Dana thanks for asking. Im all back to normal again. It feels good to pull back a bow again.
  Good suggestion Wulamoc I think that will be the name.                                                          Jesse