Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Matt A on February 26, 2012, 04:44:51 pm

Title: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Matt A on February 26, 2012, 04:44:51 pm
I have a 64" fully dried HHB sapling that has been split already 2" wide in the middle and it has a twist in one end. any suggestions for dimensions to make this thing? and if it's safe to heat the piece to untwist without ruining that red paper bark layer?
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Dictionary on February 26, 2012, 06:24:01 pm
these guys could probably chime in if you gave your preferred draw weight and draw length and whether or not you want a stiff handle or working one.
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Matt A on February 27, 2012, 02:35:36 am
well, i shoot a 50# browning recurve now. but it wouldn't bother me a bit to go up to about 60 if the stave and my skills will allow. handle i have no preference, think it would be neat to try a working handle.  ;D
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: mikekeswick on February 27, 2012, 05:00:52 am
It's your drawlength that really matters. I think you would have to do a bendy handle design with that length,unless you have already made a few bows. I would rough the width out to around 1 7/8, keeping it parallel to 10 inches from the tips then taper down to 3/8ths wide at the nocks. This is wider than hhb needs but will give you room to work with later on.
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Matt A on February 27, 2012, 05:02:45 pm
HHB is a white wood correct so i can use the bandsaw? or do i have to follow grain like osage?
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Pat B on February 27, 2012, 06:26:08 pm
The wood roght under the bark is your back.
 With any stave bow, whitewood or osage, you still have to follow a ring for the back.
  If you are talkling about cutting out the shape of the bow(back profile) you can use a bandsaw on any wood.
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Matt A on February 28, 2012, 01:51:35 am
ok awsome!  >:D I always thought woods like osage, HHB, and elm you had to follow the grain lines until you started narrowing otherwise where the grain ran off a bit that part would tend to lift a bit???
Title: Re: HHB sapling questions
Post by: Matt A on February 28, 2012, 02:14:48 am
also could i use my heat gun and olive oil to straighten this thing without wrecking the red paper? one half has a slight twist.