Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bullerboy on September 28, 2014, 04:55:09 pm

Title: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Bullerboy on September 28, 2014, 04:55:09 pm
Hey all....I'm real new to bow making but I took the plunge and bough a hickory stave to make an english longbow...of sorts anyhow.
After having a look online.....I see that bowyers go about using a bit of string to mark out a line in the

middle of the template.......can anyone with the know how explain how this is best done and how tp get best results.....
Proper noob here.
Nice. Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Bullerboy on September 28, 2014, 07:44:26 pm
anyone can help...know its a basic question but I'm really new to this game.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: George Tsoukalas on September 28, 2014, 08:02:26 pm
No templates. It is very important to look down the stave and locate the lateral or vertical grain and draw your line to follow it. The type of wood is not important.

That should be done with all woods.

More on my site.

http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/layout.html

Jawge
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Badger on September 28, 2014, 08:55:10 pm
  For best results on an English longbow I don't think I would use hickory. I have seen your other posts on substandard bows so I assume you want the best possible. I would go with yew or elm for starting out. Hickory will make a good practice bow.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Bullerboy on September 28, 2014, 08:58:19 pm
don't really need to follow the grain with yew.....do a bit with elm.

can get away with a fair bit with yew....so I have heard anyway
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: bushboy on September 29, 2014, 06:56:10 pm
I use a 72" x 2" aluminum straight edge that I got for 20 bucks for general layout.but after reducing the stave it will move more often than not. After that I go by eye cuz it a selfbow and it does,'t have to be perfectly matched
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: bushboy on September 29, 2014, 07:07:02 pm
Should have noted this is for elm staves!for osage I grip a pencil and follow the edge wave while trying to stay on center
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: bradsmith2010 on September 30, 2014, 02:40:14 pm
following the grain will  usually give best results,,
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: dragonman on September 30, 2014, 04:55:26 pm
it is possible , with a straight board of hickory, to mark out a template Ffirst draw your centre line with a string or straight edge, then mark out your front and side ,  precalculated profiles. Then cut this out,  this will make a satisfactory bow if done correcectly and will work with amy board bow. A stave can be squared up and treated this way too.
True, following the grain will improve performance, but it is not essential.....An elb design may not bring out the best in a hickory stave though

dave
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Pappy on October 01, 2014, 05:29:01 am
Jawges and Brad have it right for best overall results. :) Sounds like you know quite a bit Bullerboy for a newbe as you called yourself, can't figure why people ask questions when they are sure they already have the answers. ??? :-\ :-\
  Pappy
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: TheDukesArchers on October 02, 2014, 07:56:17 pm
Do you knot draw the line straight down the middle of the rough dimensions you are using? Should it not mark out where the tiller is going?
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Pat B on October 02, 2014, 08:19:40 pm
Guys, Bullerboy won't be asking or answering any questions. He's no longer with us.  ::)   O:)
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: TheDukesArchers on October 02, 2014, 08:57:28 pm
I wasn't asking Bullerboy haha

Does the middle line replicate where the string should be on the finished bow? Straight down the centre?

DA
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 02, 2014, 09:12:02 pm
Follow those lateral grain lines when drawing the center line. Then measure on either side of it for the width of the bow.
Like this:
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/layout.html
Jawge
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: PatM on October 02, 2014, 09:35:27 pm
I wasn't asking Bullerboy haha

Does the middle line replicate where the string should be on the finished bow? Straight down the centre?

DA
Not really. That is more dependent on other factors.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: mikekeswick on October 03, 2014, 03:15:37 am
Follow the grain and then bend it straight with dry heat and oil.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: TheDukesArchers on October 03, 2014, 03:47:28 am
Follow the grain and then bend it straight with dry heat and oil.

A good idea, but quite complicated for me right now. Never done it before, and I really want this bow to work out.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Del the cat on October 03, 2014, 05:08:13 am
Just seen that pic.
In fact if you look at the surface of the sapwood, there are fine lines following along the string line exactly!
That slight angle is no prob' at all.
After all if you think about a pyramid bow the libs taper a lot in width so it's impossible for both edges to follow the grain!
Most staves have some degree of twist or variation in grain direction. IMO no problem.
Del
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: bradsmith2010 on October 03, 2014, 03:43:12 pm
laying a straight string out,, will usually not give you the center line of the stave,,  drawing a line free hand down the middle following the grain will be better,, even if not straight,, you can straighten the bow if needed when you rough out the bow,,
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: mullet on October 04, 2014, 10:43:45 pm
TheDukesArchers won't be answering questions either, he and Bullerboy are one and the same.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: WillS on October 05, 2014, 04:50:20 am
Glad that's finally revealed on here.  The chaos he caused on here and Facebook (including blaming others for his disgusting behaviour towards members of this forum in private messages) made him rather unpopular and I didn't like the idea that he would get away with it and still be able to post on here for advice.

It's like squirrel slayer all over again.... Only worse and far more personal!!
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: lebhuntfish on October 05, 2014, 10:42:08 am
Thank you mullet, it only takes one bad apple to ruin it for everyone. Patrick
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: Pat B on October 05, 2014, 10:50:15 am
Well guys, we are all responsible for keeping this site running smoothly. If you see potential problem or trouble maker please report it to one of the Admins or Mods. so we can nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. A quick PM or email will give us a heads up to the potential problem so we can take care of it.
Title: Re: the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows
Post by: adb on October 05, 2014, 01:11:20 pm
Glad that's finally revealed on here.  The chaos he caused on here and Facebook (including blaming others for his disgusting behaviour towards members of this forum in private messages) made him rather unpopular and I didn't like the idea that he would get away with it and still be able to post on here for advice.

It's like squirrel slayer all over again.... Only worse and far more personal!!

He's been revealed, banned, and blocked and on every forum, email, and facebook group he was involved in. Good riddance. Maybe he'll find something else to do.