gemsbok horn filled with black locust in progress

[Ryano]

couldn't you just glue a piece of wood on the belly side of the handle to fix that weak spot? 

[welch2]

The horn is about  1/8" thick ,and takes about all the compression of both limbs. A very dense wood like ipe might work ,but if it failed ,because I cut out 1/2" or more , the whole bow could fly apart.

I could cut another piece of horn to go in the hole I guess . It's traditional to use ivory .Not sure why. It may be stronger than horn in compression ?

Ralph

[jeduffey]

Thanks for including us on this instructive journey. I also have some gemsbok horn that got a poor start as a bow and needs a lot of help getting finished. I'm looking forward to seeing how yours is going. Let us know if you have an update.

[tpoof]

Now there's a bow project you won't soon forget!

I hope you bring that beast to bay!

[welch2]

I cut a spacer out of a boars tusk today ,and fit it . Now gotta glue it in.






And here it is after fitting .I will file it down even with the horn after it's glued in.



Ralph

[Hillbilly]

Keep us updated, Ralph. This is quite an interesting project- I'm looking forward to seeing the final product.

[welch2]

Well it's glued in ,hide glue ,then an ace bandage to hold it from slipping and one C clamp to pull it down snug . Steve , If I get it done ,you can shoot it at the Classic. 

Ralph

[Hillbilly]

You've got yourself a deal.