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Author Topic: Birch Bow  (Read 3052 times)

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Offline IDTrapper

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Birch Bow
« on: April 14, 2017, 01:14:43 pm »
Well I think I figured out how to upload photos!  This is my very first bow build, I'm shouting for 45 lbs, at 28".   Still in the tillering process, but I think it's going fairly well.  Since it's birch, I will be backing with rawhide








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Greg

Offline bubby

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2017, 01:20:09 pm »
In my opinion if you are gonna rawhide back it ya might as well do it now
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Offline bushboy

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2017, 01:21:36 pm »
Birch(paper)is somewhat low in compressions ,follow Tim bakers mantra to a T is critical.your mid limbs have move considerably more.
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Offline IDTrapper

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2017, 01:24:31 pm »
Yep, I haven't done anymore tillering, i don't have any rawhide, but I did order some yesterday.  Tillering is at a standstill until it arrives.  I'm working in shaping and thinning the handle, and I just started shaping a vine maple stave.  That should keep me busy until the rawhide arrives.  That vine maple is some hard stuff compared to birch  ;D
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Greg

Offline aaron

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2017, 01:25:42 pm »
Consider making it a bendy handle...how long is it. ?.
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Offline IDTrapper

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2017, 01:39:24 pm »
It's 62 NTN, what would be the advantage of making it a bendy handle? I'm all ears, I'm hoping I don't screw up my first bow, but I figured I'd probably break or mess up a few before I get a solid working one.
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Greg

Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2017, 01:43:41 pm »
For a 28" draw birch bow you should be no less than 68" ntn and 2" wide at the fades.
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Offline aaron

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2017, 03:19:43 pm »
If all parts bend, the stress is more spread out.. Less likely to break
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Ilwaco, Washington, USA
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Offline turtle

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2017, 02:05:14 am »
What specie's birch is it? I haven't worked with any birch but I do have a black birch bow made by planb. I don't remember the specs off hand but it is a sweet shooter.
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Steve Bennett

Offline Del the cat

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2017, 02:45:58 am »
Don't shape a handle until a bow is finished. That way you can guarantee the string line will go through the middle of the grip.
You wouldn't sand and varnish it now would you :) ?
Del
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Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #10 on: April 15, 2017, 09:02:54 am »
If you want a stiff handle bow then I would reduce the size of it so that what you have left just fits in your hand.  That way you will add a bit more working limb to your bow

P.S. If your back is pristine then you shouldn't need a rawhide backing
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: Birch Bow
« Reply #11 on: April 15, 2017, 02:04:12 pm »
Yes, I agree with Marc. Use a 4 inch handle and 1.5 inch fades. Make sure the stave starts to bend at the end of the fades. and increases outward.
Then post another photo.
Jawge
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