Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Gaust on September 30, 2014, 06:59:01 am

Title: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Gaust on September 30, 2014, 06:59:01 am
This is sort of a repeat performance, my first self-bow bow was also an unbacked flat-bow from the same hackberry tree I had cut down in my backyard.   I wanted to see if I could do it again, but better.  Using simple hand tools (hatchet, rasp, scraper, and sandpaper) this, my second self-bow from a fairly straight stave with a few knots with a slightly crowned back.  It ended up 70” ntn, 45# @ 28”, with mass weight of 24 oz.  It has a 5” grip and 2” fades to 1 ½” wide limbs tapered the last 16” to 3/8” zebra wood reinforced nocks.  Like the first one, I decided to heat treat it to reduce set.  Did it twice, actually.  The last time after I had tillered to approximate weight.  Then fine-tuned it by reducing the sides only.   Stained it with a leather dye and finished it with four coats of Tru-oil.   The top limb has slightly more bend than the bottom limb and a stiffer handle.   I liked the way this one turned out.  It shoots accurately with little handshock, and it’s a little narrower than the first bow.

George
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: sieddy on September 30, 2014, 07:44:03 am
Man thats a beauty- awesome job for your 2nd selfbow. I love the handle and nocks! :)
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Hrothgar on September 30, 2014, 07:45:57 am
Good job on a nice looking bow. Very little string follow too.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Knoll on September 30, 2014, 08:30:47 am
Tidy job on the handle wrap.  You turned the edges under ... correct?
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: neuse on September 30, 2014, 08:47:46 am
That is a beauty. Good job.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: burchett.donald on September 30, 2014, 09:07:31 am
     Gaust, congrats on a beautiful bow, the bend is sweet... 8)
                                                                                                  Don
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Pat B on September 30, 2014, 09:27:33 am
Beautiful bow George especially for it being only your second one. Make your next one a little shorter and it might help reduce some of the hand shock.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: IdahoMatt on September 30, 2014, 09:37:10 am
Man George great job for your second self bow.  I like what pat said.  Good advise.  Can't wait to see your next one.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on September 30, 2014, 09:47:48 am
George, that's awesome! Great tiller. Jawge
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Gaust on September 30, 2014, 10:37:57 am
Thanks all.  I waited longer for this stave to cure.  The first one I got a little impatient, but it worked out okay.

Pat, I'll try shortening the next one.  Maybe a try a static.  I have three staves left from the tree, but they dried kinda bendy.  Might take a bit to straighten them out.

Knoll, yes, the leather is turned in on the edges.

George
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: bradsmith2010 on September 30, 2014, 01:07:03 pm
very nice congrats
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 30, 2014, 01:48:07 pm
Great work George. Nice tiller and profile.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Ken S on September 30, 2014, 08:48:38 pm
That's a beautiful bow, you should be proud  of that one!
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: wizardgoat on October 01, 2014, 02:08:45 am
nice work, first 2 bows self cut wood gotta like that
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Pappy on October 01, 2014, 05:09:39 am
Very nice work,especially for your secone,you are a quick learner.  :) :)
  Pappy
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Klondike on October 01, 2014, 12:17:56 pm
Looks great!
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: simson on October 01, 2014, 03:52:41 pm
Very nice work,especially for your secone,you are a quick learner.  :) :)
  Pappy

like Pappy said ..... +1
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Gaust on October 01, 2014, 04:44:58 pm
Thanks, everyone!  You guys are my inspiration.  On to the next one!
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Scottski on October 01, 2014, 10:56:52 pm
My second was not that good. Very nice bow.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: medicinewheel on October 02, 2014, 01:29:56 am
Beautiful, especially for it is only your 2nd!

...BUT:

I would not trust an overlay with that orientation of grain, and I would not trust zebrano for overlays at all!!! While back had one splintering (purple heart that was, but with better orientation of grain), string got stuck in the damaged overlay, bow needs retillering now.
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Gaust on October 02, 2014, 10:38:08 pm
Frank, thanks.  And thanks for the warning.  I have no previous experience with zebra wood as overlay material, but I have had some experience with the grain orientation and have not encountered any problems with that on my board bows.  I will certainly watch out for it.  Wonder if anyone else can comment on this, material and grain orientation?

George
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: Benedikt on October 03, 2014, 09:48:21 am
Very nice-looking bow!
You did a great job with that :)
Regards
Benedikt
Title: Re: My Second Self-bow
Post by: hunterbob on October 03, 2014, 01:16:17 pm
Great job. Looks like you have it figured out.