Hickory Longbow 64" ntn 42#@27"

[ajooter]

I found this stave with the bark still on it in the bottom of my woodshed.  I dont know how I let this one sit there so long but I did.  Its 1 5/8" out to midlimb tapering to half inch tips.  I used some deer antler from a small buck I shot this past year for tip overlays.  Handle in wrapped in vegetable tanned leather dyed with Fiebings tan dye.  I used various color leather dyes on the back to get the camo effect I wanted.  It holds 1 1/2" of reflex after resting.  I had heat treated it after tillering it on a caul.  Next time I will do the heat treatment prior to tillering.  A buddy of mine gave me a muskrat hide that I softened up and cut a couple strips for silencers.  Im hoping this bow can join me in the fall.  Heres some pics!

[Muskyman]

Looking good. I like the back of it, nice camo looking pattern. That turned out to be a great find for you.

[superdav95]

sharp looking bow there!  really like the stain job on the back too

[Wallski]

Fantastic job, love the tiller and stain job.   It looks like it’s cut to center.

[ajooter]

Thanks guys.  Im all out of hickory now.  Gonna have to cut a bunch in the next month.

[bjrogg]

Looks great. I like everything about it. From the stained back to the burnt belly. From the tips to the handle. From unbraced to full draw.

Nicely done.

Bjrogg

[Will B]

Beautiful bow!  I love the stain job on the back. Good luck with it this fall. I’ve made a number of fire-hardened hickory bows that held their profile and were great shooting bows. Great job!

[Pappy]

Beautiful bow, love the color and bend looks dead on, a little to much window cut up the limb for my liking but should hold up well if it don't bend down into that area.
 Pappy

[ajooter]

I know Pappy...im terrible at tuning arrows.  Thats why I cut em so deep.  Its actually radiused to center so theres only a small portion that the arrow is actually in contact with.  The portion the arrow is in contact with isnt quite at center.

[Pappy]

The depth doesn't bother me, it's the window up the limb, it's where you cut up the limb and violated the longitude grain, if it bends there at the fad it will likely pop at some point, I always make sure it doesn't bend down into the fads where the window is cut in. A lighter weight bow it will probably be fine , just bothers me a bit when they are cut up that far. Not criticizing your work just tell you what can happen, ask me how I know.
 Pappy

[ajooter]

Ahhh yes i see.  I have found out the hard way in many other instances.  Hopefully it holds together.  Ive got a couple in the works right now iĺl try something less aggressive.  Criticism always welcome Pappy...especially from you.