Iron Maiden HHB Mollegabet 65# @ 26"

[half eye]

Needed to get away from "logging" for a bit so decided to build me a bow. This is dead standing Ironwood with a big list of defects. The finished bow is a very hard shooter at 59"ntn, 65# @ 26" (my max weight and draw). One of the members stopped by and seem very impressed after shooting it some....anyway enjoy the pics, and while your checking them here are some stats to look for.

HHB with red heartwood and really thin sapwood (very rare around here) so it looks sort of like Yew

The lower limb sets 5/8" ahead of the upper limb (messes with your tillering eye). The upper limb lever had a severe deflex at mid-lever (steam corrected) otherwise there were no corrections.

the following defects:
1. 9 knots
2. 6 checks
3. 18 bug track defects
4. 5 powder post beetle holes or cavities.

The only thing on the bow is some melted in bees wax.
rich

[half eye]

close-up pics

[half eye]

few more

[bow101]

Great work on a shorty bow with that many defects, and a Mollegabet  at that........

[George Tsoukalas]

Awesome bow! I am in awe!
Also, you are able to draw a 65#er.
Good for you.
Jawge

[half eye]

Thanks 101
George, ya notice it says "max". Takes a better man than me to hunt with it or do a 3-D course....about 4-5 at time is all I can muster  (then I get to pay for it ) thank you for your words ....means a lot.
rich

[alwayslookin]

Nice work brother that is amazing with all the defects. I have never seen any hhb with that color scheme looks amazing.

[bushboy]

Awesome indeed!

[Drewster]

Hey Rich, looks like you made yourself a "silk purse out of a sows ear"......sweet!  And thanks for sharing.  I've definitely got to try another one.

[JonW]

So what's the ratio on that one Rich? Looks like about two refreshments / full draw to me

[IdahoMatt]

Nice work Rich
 

[burchett.donald]

 Rich,
           Damn fine job on that piece of wood, dead standing iron, knots, beetle tracks and checks! That takes talent bud ...You had better have a good back stop if you plan on launching some Wild Rose from that monster...Beautiful character ridden bow man
                                                                                                                     Don


P.S. by the way, shoot'n 65lb bows ain't what I call taking a break from logging bud...

[simson]

Strong bow out of a beautiful wood, I like the grain patterns of the heart wood. You did a fine job on that non perfect stave.
Would like to see the front profile, esp. the transition from limb to lever. I'm currently working on a lever bow too - I will try to kink the levers a bit in reflex.
Congrats on that bow, Rich!

[half eye]

Thank you fellas, appreciate the comments.
Always....The area I'm cutting ironwood seems to have a few of these. I dont know why they are colored this way. The wood seems even more dense than normal and if it has the red heart wood it is usually not this far out toward the cambium. It was just too pretty to not try it.

Bushboy, Drewster....thank you gentlemen

Idaho, means a lot, thank you

Jon....ya hit the nail right on the head bud...except it takes 2 just to get stupid enough for the old man to think that jerkin it back is fun...and whole bunch more to keep doin it  this one may need a home

Don, you got no room to talk mister !!!! I seen that monster you created and you would have to scrape on it for a year just to get DOWN to 65#

Simon, thank you for the nice words....I will get those pictures posted later today sir.

[ajooter]

I like that bow rich....like the name even better.  It looks like you could lighten those tips up a bit.