Hey, y'all,
I harvested a bunch of red elm last May, which I've never worked with before. Lately, I've started playing with it to see what I can get away with. For this one, I consulted the Traditional Bowyer's Bible, the book according to Marc. His heat-treatment method does wonders for this wood! It transformed a light bow that was already taking set into a 9# heavier bow that holds its profile. I was amazed, and went back to final tillering.
This bow is for a friend who is new to archery. He makes beautiful knives so we decided to do a not-so-secret Santa trade. Unfortunately, he is missing the middle and ring fingers from his right hand from being on the receiving end of a shotgun attack years ago. I decided to attach a D-loop string and get a trigger release like I used when I shot a compound. Not exactly primitive, but I think he gets a pass under the circumstances. I had considered a thumb ring for him so he could shoot Mongolian style, but I wouldn't know how to get him started on that. I did make the bow such that it can be easily altered to shoot upside down off the right side of the bow if he decides to go that route later on. Or maybe he'll devise his own thumb & forefinger shooting technique.
Anyway, the bow is 64" NTN, draws 38# at 28". That draw length is too long for me, so I exercised it to 28" on the bench, and shot it in at my 25-ish" draw. At his request, I gave it a faded dye job, buffalo tips and a leather grip. The tiller isn't perfect, but I don't want to lose any more weight. Besides, it shoots well and holds its profile after resting.
I also made him a dozen arrows. I'm really starting to like working with elm, especially when using heat-treatment. Thanks, Marc!
...Tom
