Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BigWapiti on January 11, 2009, 02:43:10 am

Title: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: BigWapiti on January 11, 2009, 02:43:10 am
Mtn Maple (Douglas Maple)
Snoqualmie Pass, WA
65.5" NtN - 40# @ 28"

Not a great tiller, but it sure is a smooth draw.  I had this one built earlier in the year, but just put finishing touches on it the other day.  I was making it for a turkey bow, decided instead to give it to my step-dad.  I have never given a bow away yet - I was surprised how good a feeling that was.  I really liked this bow, the way the tree had raised ridges really gave it character - and the knot below the handled was a fun touch.  It also had a few minor knots to deal w/ on the limbs. 

A lot of firsts here - this was my first attempt at tip overlays (antler).  The string is my first home made string.  The handle lacing I've done before, but I stacked leather scrap for the arrow rest (a first).  Its a pretty bow, I couldn't get the pictures to do much justice.   And, oooooh, I liked this one... cherry bark strike plate.

I sure love my new hobby - trying to make a bow look like Gordon's will keep me striving and off the streets for at least one lifetime.  :)



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Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: BigWapiti on January 11, 2009, 02:47:17 am
I'm working to get my bend further out toward the tips - as you can see, I'm still having a tough time making that happen.  Inch by inch... I'll get there. :)

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Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: El Destructo on January 11, 2009, 03:02:57 am
                         Very Nice Bow Mike....I love maple....Makes a nice Bow....Love the Dye Job too.........

                                                   Excellent work with a Gnarly Piece of Wood!!
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: DanaM on January 11, 2009, 06:00:27 am
Great looking bow and I'm sure your step dad will love it, personally I love to give bows away, always hoping
to get someone else addicted ;) Your tiller looks fine to me, I don't think its necessary for the limbs to bend
right to the tips, depends on the design. There is more than one perfect tiller, it all depends on the design.
Well done :)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: OldBow on January 11, 2009, 12:12:14 pm
Excellent! Very nicely tillered and bookmarked for Jan Self Bow of the Month
Is Douglas Maple the same as big maple which is common on the coast side of Snoqualmie? (Got the avalanches resolved on I-90...I've got to get to Seattle sometime this winter?)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: FlintWalker on January 11, 2009, 12:18:59 pm
Nothing wrong with the tiller on that bow...or the finish...or the grip...or the tips ;D You get the picture ;)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: bootboy on January 11, 2009, 12:25:25 pm
Ohhh! I really like the cherry bark strike plate, and the way you have tied the rawhide at the ends of the handle lacing. And the colour job is deep and ritch good work. ALso that knot by the handle is really pretty.  Man I love coming here!
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: BigWapiti on January 11, 2009, 01:09:41 pm
Thanks guys - bootboy, yeah, I was just messing around with the cherry bark and had an aha moment. Thanks Saw Filer! Thank you too Oldbow, I don't think its Big Maple, they're much smaller trunk size, but bigger leaved than VM; DanaM, thanks for the comments - glad to know on tiller; El Destructo, Thank you for the nice comment.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: John B. on January 11, 2009, 01:34:02 pm
Tiller's great and the finish is really eye-catching.

Nice work!
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: brownhillboy on January 11, 2009, 02:13:50 pm
Great looking bow!  I really like the colors and the character too.  Like the others said, I don't see anything wrong with the tiller either.  Good job. :)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Gordon on January 11, 2009, 04:14:16 pm
Really nice Mike. The knot gives the bow an extra measure of character. Your step-dad will be proud to own it.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Jesse on January 11, 2009, 04:40:27 pm
That looks great. I like the knot below the handle :)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: venisonburger on January 11, 2009, 05:40:36 pm
Great looking bow, I love maple, it's my wood of choice. I too like the cherry bark strike plate.
VB
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: sulphur on January 11, 2009, 09:01:54 pm
artists dont make art to keep for themselves.  giving them away is a good feeling, and a good way to promote the sport.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: BigWapiti on January 11, 2009, 10:20:13 pm
Thanks again guys -every once in a while, a bow I bring out of my messy shop turns out pretty nice.  This was one of them; I have to say its so far my favorite.  It is super light to carry too.  It took me forever to finish it - I didn't think it would ever get done.

But yeah, I'll be using more this cherry bark.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Shooter_G22 on January 11, 2009, 10:43:43 pm
thats a great looking bow...!   i really like the knot it gives the bow alot of character...  good job ;)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Okie on January 11, 2009, 10:50:44 pm
Great bow. Love the color.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: GregB on January 12, 2009, 08:18:37 am
Really a nice looking bow! Especially like the finish job you did on it... ;)
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Pappy on January 12, 2009, 08:37:29 am
Very nice job,looks good to me,great looking finish. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: David Long on January 12, 2009, 01:11:07 pm
Very fine bow Mike, I really like it. Oldbow, Douglas maple is Acer glabrum (Rocky Mtn Maple) Dave
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Barrage on January 13, 2009, 11:14:31 am
I have to agree, I love the color and finish you did on this.  Very, very sharp looking.
Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: BigWapiti on January 14, 2009, 05:28:59 pm
Thanks again everybody.  I appreciate the nice comments.

David Long - thanks for posting the sci name for Douglas maple - I've been meaning to do that for Oldbow but its in my tree book thats in my truck (right next to my gloves, glue and hand saw!  >:D )

I haven't been checking the site and missed some of your latest posts.  Again, I appreciate the kind words!

Mike

Title: Re: Bow -Mtn (Douglas) Maple
Post by: Hillbilly on January 15, 2009, 09:42:09 am
Good looking bow. I love that big knot at the bottom fade.