Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: PAHunter on March 14, 2013, 02:55:16 am

Title: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: PAHunter on March 14, 2013, 02:55:16 am

I took almost 6 months off from bow making to pursue my first great passion, hunting.  After a successful season I returned to the workshop to split an Osage stave with the hope of getting 2 bows from it.  One is my great elk hunter who is destine to chase those majestic giants across the Rocky Mountains.  More on him in a separate post soon.  The other I targeted for a 20# bow for my old friend Dan at my sportsman's club. 

Dan was a great archer and instructor but father time is catching up with him a bit even though he runs away faster than most.  Dan has always admired the bows I made and brags about me to his traditional bow friends. 

I've had many people ask me to make them bows but Dan is someone who I know will truly appreciate it, so he made the top of my list.  Dan's bow was shaping up beautifully.  It looked destined to be the best bow I ever made. 

As the tiller progressed into the mid 20s and my expectations rose, I drew the bow to hear the dreaded SNAP.  The back blew out in a seemingly flawless spot.  Perhaps I over dried it, perhaps I drew too far, or perhaps the stars and moon were not quite aligned properly…  Who knows exactly why it happened but it did. 

After a few moments of quiet acceptance.  I decided to push forward and see if I could not salvage it.  On a friend’s suggestion I removed the broken rings from the back.  When unfortunately totaled 4.  I then backed the bow with the skin from a buck I killed a few years ago for some added protection. 

It ended up pulling an estimated 12# at 26 inches.  Not exactly what I was hoping for but I know it will still be appreciated.  Dan works with kids and it may work well to train a young first timer.

Here’s to you Dan!

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small21273094.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small43346934.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small25619933.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small48455551.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small55360333.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small19363805.JPG)

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small69122757.JPG)

Title: Re: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: Pappy on March 14, 2013, 06:47:20 am

Nice save,beautiful finish work.  :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: blackhawk on March 14, 2013, 08:07:29 am

Cool stuff rob...  :)

Title: Re: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: BowEd on March 14, 2013, 12:52:49 pm

Way to hang in there.Nice conclusion to your story.Good luck with your elk hunt.

Title: Re: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: Del the cat on March 14, 2013, 03:20:46 pm

Great story, and I'm sure Dan will appreciate the story as much as the bow.
Hopefully that bow will snare a few kids into our obsession too.
Del

Title: Re: Buckskin Backed Osage for old Dan
Post by: PAHunter on March 14, 2013, 03:24:27 pm

Thanks much guys!  I filmed the making of it and I'm going to give Dan a DVD with it.  Maybe tonight!    :D