Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: snag on May 24, 2011, 12:29:07 pm

Title: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: snag on May 24, 2011, 12:29:07 pm
So, I've tillered this osage bow. Then shot it in for around 60-80 arrows. Then sanded, steel wooled, and burnished it. Then rechecked tiller. It has 1/4" positive tiller and looks good to me. But there is quite a bit of string set....the limbs are curved as in "bowed" when not strung. Should I just go with this or should I go back to heat treating and straightening the limbs again? Or is this just normal? When I set the tips (belly facing table) on a table top and measure up to the belly side of the handle it is 1.25" and 2.5" to the back or front of the handle.
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on May 24, 2011, 12:34:07 pm
IMO...Finish it off David. That is from compressed wood on the belly and its there for good. An 1 1/4" follow isnt bad at all.
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: Kegan on May 24, 2011, 12:38:31 pm
IMO...Finish it off David. That is from compressed wood on the belly and its there for good. An 1 1/4" follow isnt bad at all.

It's 1 1/4" from the belly side of the handle, 2 1/2" overall.

If you like it finish it off. If you'd like a little more speed pike it, sinew/temper it, and retiller. That's about all I can think of?
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: snag on May 24, 2011, 02:36:08 pm
Thanks guys. Having already heat treated the limbs to straighten them I think I'll finish this one. I an happy with it's speed and cast.
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on May 24, 2011, 02:50:45 pm
Once those wood fibers are compressed on the belly it cant be un-done. Enjoy your bow and shoot alot David!
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 24, 2011, 05:31:39 pm
Finish and enjoy your new bow. :)Jawge
Title: Re: Corrections before putting on finish?
Post by: snag on May 24, 2011, 06:06:03 pm
Will do! I've been loving it so far. It is quite a shooter! I'll put some layers of Tru-oil on and then wrap the handle. I'm thinking that the back of the handle, being it is flat, would benefit from a handle like John Strunk makes. Are there tutorials on how to make these?  Thanks, David