This is sort of a repeat performance, my first self-bow bow was also an unbacked flat-bow from the same hackberry tree I had cut down in my backyard. I wanted to see if I could do it again, but better. Using simple hand tools (hatchet, rasp, scraper, and sandpaper) this, my second self-bow from a fairly straight stave with a few knots with a slightly crowned back. It ended up 70 ntn, 45# @ 28, with mass weight of 24 oz. It has a 5 grip and 2 fades to 1 ½ wide limbs tapered the last 16 to 3/8 zebra wood reinforced nocks. Like the first one, I decided to heat treat it to reduce set. Did it twice, actually. The last time after I had tillered to approximate weight. Then fine-tuned it by reducing the sides only. Stained it with a leather dye and finished it with four coats of Tru-oil. The top limb has slightly more bend than the bottom limb and a stiffer handle. I liked the way this one turned out. It shoots accurately with little handshock, and its a little narrower than the first bow.
George
