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Author Topic: What would you make from this stave.  (Read 4035 times)

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Offline IrishJay

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What would you make from this stave.
« on: November 16, 2019, 10:01:05 am »
This stave was cut from the same piece of sassafras as the bow from my "1st shortbow" thread.

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,66799.0.html

Its 2 1/4" wide by 1 1/4" thick, over 8' long. I'm considering either a paddle bow or a mollegabet. With either choice I'd be looking to achieve a mid 40's draw weight at 31" draw. Either design would be linen or rawhide backed.

What would you do with it?



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Offline sleek

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2019, 11:32:43 am »
Waaaaay to narrow for a paddle bow. however it will make a good American long bow.
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Offline IrishJay

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2019, 11:56:05 am »
Whats a good width for a paddle bow?
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Offline Eric Garza

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2019, 12:21:52 pm »
I have never been a fan of sassafras. I do not consider it to be a useful bow wood.
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Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2019, 12:58:47 pm »
I would make it wide ,,, parallel,, then narrow tips,, 72 inches,,,74 inches
just a simple bow that shoots,,
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Offline bassman

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #5 on: November 16, 2019, 01:07:47 pm »
76 inch long ELB. The length, and rounded belly can make up for the  weak back to get a bow out of it. I have't tried one yet, but guys that have, and were sucessful claim it makes a pretty snappy, and durable bow.  Even at that length I would still back it with linen. I made  backed shorter bows from it , but they ended up way sub par compared to some other woods.
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Offline bassman

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #6 on: November 16, 2019, 02:07:08 pm »
Brad we posted at the same time. I didn't get a chance to look at your post. Not trying to contradict your opinion. Just some things I have read about this wood.
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Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #7 on: November 16, 2019, 03:00:50 pm »
I thought your idea was great,, just different approach,, :)
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Offline dylanholderman

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #8 on: November 16, 2019, 05:12:19 pm »
I’d make a ELB out of it too, but I’m on a ELB kick right now  (lol) got three in the works none of them moving very fast.
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Offline IrishJay

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #9 on: November 16, 2019, 05:39:08 pm »
I've done a few ELB's, I find that design works well for staves with uneven thickness from edge to edge of the limb or skinny staves that split out with a triangular cross section.

I'm not sure that its the best design for this wood though. Based on my torture test of a short bow (see link above), that I made from this same tree back strength isn't the issue as much as belly crush is.

Isn't wider and flatter typically better for woods that don't do well with compression? 
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"The best camouflage pattern is called, 'Sit down and be quiet!' Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat, think about that for a second." - Fred Bear

Offline bassman

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #10 on: November 16, 2019, 05:58:57 pm »
It is a balancing act for sure. Either the back can break, or the belly can crush. Since I haven't been able to get a good bow from Sass. or the soft Maples I will say no more. The advice I gave was just some thing that I had read some were. Good luck.
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Offline IrishJay

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #11 on: November 16, 2019, 06:08:22 pm »
Bass, I'm not criticizing anyones suggestions. I'm obiviously no expert and all ideas and input are welcome.
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"The best camouflage pattern is called, 'Sit down and be quiet!' Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat, think about that for a second." - Fred Bear

Offline IrishJay

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2019, 07:08:27 pm »
I also considered something along the lines of a Meare Heath. Long and wide, although I probably add a conservative amount of reflex to the outer third or so of the limbs.
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"The best camouflage pattern is called, 'Sit down and be quiet!' Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat, think about that for a second." - Fred Bear

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2019, 07:28:13 am »
I think the Thompsons liked sassafras and enjoyed making longbows from it. Check it out. I don't have access to my copy of the Witchery  of Archery  at the moment.
Jawge
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Offline Jim Davis

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Re: What would you make from this stave.
« Reply #14 on: November 17, 2019, 05:56:01 pm »
My view is that sassafras is too weak to even make an arrow. I like it for small boxes, but wouldn't spend a minute trying to make  a bow from it.
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Jim Davis

Kentucky--formerly Maine
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