Elder sapling 20#/26” (No. 121)

[simson]

A little boy came to me asking for making a bow out of his “spear”. It was an elder sapling just one inch in diameter at the thicker end. I split in halves and on the belly you can see pith channel. I didn’t hollow out anything – it is the natural furrow.
The bow got wedge shoulders from rawhide strips wrapped with hemp as nocks.
Holds nicely the shape.

ntn:    51”
bh:    4½”

mass: 170 grams
symmetrical
bendy handle
species: sambucus nigra


08”:    03,8
10”:    05,6   (+ 1,8)
12”:    07,1   (+ 1,5)
14”:   08,7   (+ 1,6)
16”:    10,3   (+ 1,6)
18”:    11,9   (+ 1,6)
20”:    13,6   (+ 1,7)
22”:    15,5   (+ 1,9)
24”:    17,5   (+ 2,0)
26”:     19,5   (+ 2,0)

[bjrogg]

Hope that little boy gets a lifetime of fun from that stick. I’m 60 and I’d love to fling a arrow with it. Much better than the spear I’m guessing.
Bjrogg

[Russ]

WOW! That hollow belly is really cool! I haven’t seen one that deep before!

[TimBo]

Nice!  I'm sure you could still use it as a spear in a pinch, but that sapling has definitely taken a step up in the world.  The tie-on nocks look great.

[simson]

Nice!  I'm sure you could still use it as a spear in a pinch, but that sapling has definitely taken a step up in the world.  The tie-on nocks look great.

Ha, I see what you means - maybe I was inspired by a spear when I shaped these tips ...

BtW: The new and formerly owner is happy with it.

[Don W]

Very cool