Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: swamp monkey on December 23, 2011, 09:35:49 pm
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This was a simple D bow with a twist. The scalloped edges pose a challenge that can be easily navigated if a bowyer keeps one thing in mind. Ensure the bottom of each scallop is in line with the others. (See the diagram) It seems each scallop would violate the grain begging to break in any of a dozen spots. The reason it does not had to do with the triangular sections formed between the scallops. Each triangle does not carry any strain as the bow back is stretched. Making sure scallops are precisely lined up becomes vital. If on scallop dips too far into the limb then fibers that do take the strain will be violated and lead to a break. I broke one of these initially and after the bow autopsy that is exactly what happened I dug too deep into the bow with that scallop.
Line them up and you should have success. Oh also keep the cross section square. Do not round the edges of the scallop. That too can set the stage for a fatal break.
Final stats 47 inches long (per Hamm and Allely EoNABA&Q vol. 1) handle 1" wide, 3/8" thick, mid limb same thickness but 7/8" wide. The bow pulls 35# @ 24 inches. I am not willing to pull it beyond that distance due to the short length and no backing to shore up my confidence. The bow shoots nicely with no hand shock. The bow took over an inch of set but not bad. I still have to bend it to string it.
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That is one sweet looking unit 8)
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Very cool and informational! Looks like hickory and what is the purpose of the notches in scallops?
Thanks, Tracy
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That's a nice looking bow. Is it from a board or stave?
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Thanks fellas. The bow is from a hickory stave. The purpose of the scallops seems to either be for decoration or a bowmaker of old showing off a little. As if to say "see what I can do?"
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Sweet bow can we see a braced and drawn pic?
Jon
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Very cool bow!
Josh
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Nice work, that's a great lookin' bow.
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You made a fine bow! Well done. Jawge
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Nice work! I was wondering about the function of the scallops too when I saw that style bow in Hamm and Allely. I was thinking that maybe the groove in the peak of the scallop allowed for securing a feather or strip of fur with sinew wrap...I don't know, but that sure would look cool.
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Pix of the bow braced and drawn. I have seen another scalloped bow that had holes drilled in the scallops in order to tie feathers. The original for this did not have any holes drilled in it.