Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: THoward on March 17, 2009, 09:31:40 pm

Title: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: THoward on March 17, 2009, 09:31:40 pm

Hello bowyers.  I am building a bow for a cousin, to show him thanks for giving me a number of elk antler sheds to use as trade goods.  The bow is a Hazelnut stave I roughed out last fall.  I would like to use some of the antler for overlays.  My thoughts are to use just an overlay on the lower limb and the tip of an antler on the upper (extending beyond the end of the stave for cool effect).  This is where I need HELP.   ???  Please post pics or ideas on how to make this happen.  Anything will help.
Thanks

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Hillbilly on March 19, 2009, 04:56:59 pm

Keenan is the master of the antler tips, maybe he'll be along shortly. I "Keenanized" one recently. I just ground the tips of the bow off at a long angle, ground a matching angle on the antler tips, and glued them up. Works good.

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Christophero on March 19, 2009, 06:08:36 pm

Does this help?

(http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt167/WoodenBows/RecurveandTip.jpg)

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Keenan on March 19, 2009, 07:38:14 pm

Here are a few.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: ozarkcherrybow on March 19, 2009, 08:37:38 pm

Those are some beautiful overlays, Keenan!  What kind of glue do you use on them?  I usually use gel super glue.  Don't you have to be real careful about setting the bow down on those tips for fear of them popping off? I would really like to do some like that!....Terry

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Keenan on March 19, 2009, 09:35:58 pm

Thanks Terry. i use 5 minute epoxy most of the time but have used super glue as well with good results. I always score the wood and the antler. You do have to be cautious stringing. I generaly step through with the antler tips bows.

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Timo on March 19, 2009, 11:41:37 pm

Very nice tip work! 2 thumbs

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: adb on March 20, 2009, 12:30:54 am

Here is one of mine...

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: GregB on March 20, 2009, 08:22:27 am

Here is a combination of an osage and buffalo overlay on a hickory bow for Sarah...

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: bigcountry on March 20, 2009, 01:14:20 pm

I like the looks of the antler near the bases with nice figure thru it.  Here is what I did on a osage.

But I don'tlike them this thick.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/OsageBuildalong/Copy1ofIMG_0002.jpg)

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Pat B on March 20, 2009, 10:56:04 pm

here are a few of the ones I've done...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/DSC00525.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forPA090.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forPA004.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forDon004-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: El Destructo on March 20, 2009, 11:04:08 pm

Beautiful Tips Pat....I don't see how you can taper them so nicely without getting into the Bow Limbs.....I could never make them that sleek......... :-[

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Pat B on March 20, 2009, 11:09:04 pm

Mike, I do most of that tapering before they go on the bow then after I glue them down I blend them into the tip on the sides and the tip.  Fortunately with my photo skills lots is hidden! ;D

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: Keenan on March 21, 2009, 12:06:35 pm

Very nice tips everyone.  Here are some pics of one that I just finished.  Elk overlays on juniper

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Need Antler Overlay Ideas
Post by: THoward on March 23, 2009, 03:06:22 pm

Thanks everyone and Hello Keenan.
What great pics.  I glad I asked.  It seems the most common feature is the tips are sanded at a low angle and the strings are still deep in wood.  I will experiment on my Frankenstein Hickory board bow.  I think I'll back it with a pair of wild silk neck ties as well.  I'll have it done by May so I can bring it to the Central Oregon Primitive gathering.  I am sure Keenan will have some tips before I begin work on my cousins Hazelnut bow.  Everyone here is awsome.
Thanks again.
Todd