Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: coaster500 on November 24, 2011, 12:11:15 am

Title: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: coaster500 on November 24, 2011, 12:11:15 am

I've been off work for a week so I've been playing at bow building. I have a Hackberry that is rehydrating so I decided to chew on a Sassafras stave today. Man talk about instant gratification!!! This stuff slices like butter. I and almost finished with a 71" ELB but have enough wood left for a second bow but it's all heart. The Elb is about 50@27 and seem plenty strong (I shot about 30 arrows thru it today)? I've heard that Sassafras needs to be backed but it feels ok? Can I make another bow with just the heartwood left?

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Sassafras%20ELB/SassafrasELB003.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Sassafras%20ELB/SassafrasELB002.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Sassafras%20ELB/SassafrasELB001.jpg)

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: Pat B on November 24, 2011, 01:11:41 am

Give it a try and let us know. I made a sass bow years ago but it was before I knew how.  ;D

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: coaster500 on November 24, 2011, 01:25:54 am

I still don't know how,  just sorta happens  :o

Should I back the ELB?

Sure has some pretty wood, hate to cover it?

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: Pat B on November 24, 2011, 11:08:19 am

If the back is clean I'd say let it be.  Sassafras was one of the woods the Thompson Bros used while hunting in the Southeast in "The Witchery of Archery".

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: Dazv on November 24, 2011, 12:59:07 pm

that bow looks great any chance of a full draw pic?

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: crooketarrow on November 24, 2011, 01:38:57 pm

  I've made sassafras bows and never backed mine. I've only made one bow from heart wood but it worked out fine.

Title: Re: Sassafras stave one or two bows?
Post by: coaster500 on November 24, 2011, 03:16:12 pm

I just got done shooting it a bit more. It took about 1" of set but it started with about 1/2 of natural deflex. The tiller came out pretty good but as I was shooting it settled into a bit of a hinge on the bottom limb. It's not huge but you can se it. It shoots well and I don't want it any weaker. Maybe it's just me but these bend thru the handle bows, short or long shoot very well for me. It's un-backed and giving no sign that it may blow so it is staying that way...

I'll keep the other piece of Sass in the wings to keep me off a bow that needs rest....  Seems I need some butter to whittle to stave off my impatience :)

I'll post a shooter video after the finish is dry...