Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: John Lawson on November 17, 2014, 09:46:08 am
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My latest bow is a Japanese Yumi Bow which I have wanted to make for a long time. It has taken me 5 years to collect enough information to be confident that I could make a reasonable attempt.
Although the bow looks straightforward from an assembly point of view it is the inside of the core of the bow that takes time. The core is 7 vertical laminations each individually tapered. There are 4 laminations of bamboo, a central piece of maple and 2 outside pieces of maple. The sides are chamfered from the belly to the back making the belly wider than the back. Although maple is technically the wrong wood to use, it was the only wood I had that was long enough.
The tapered bamboo laminations are glued to the belly and back while on the bow form. Because there are 6 pieces of bamboo (4 central laminations and top and belly) they all have to be staggered so that none of the nodes line up.
The black additions on the ends are ebony and the wrapping is rattan.
The bow is 89" long and is 40 lb @ 35" and is based on a late 17th century bow. The arrows are 38" long.
The Japanese use a special heavy glove to shoot, which is very expensive, so at the moment I am using a thick leather glove.
I am pleased with the bow and I hope you like it.
More pictures to follow.
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Looks like you did a fine job with that bow John. I would love to try and shoot one of those. Guess you'd better not get the string caught behind your ear.....OUCH!
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Very cool Yumi, John. We haven't had many of them on PA but I'm glad you posted this one.
How does it shoot?
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Very nice job, bet it's a smooth shooter. :)
Pappy
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I noticed that your arrow remained level with your hand at full draw, good job tillering that bow out.
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John, you'll have to send Cipriano(criveraville) a PM with your subscription number and the link to this post and he'll get you set up for the next BOM.
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Good job !
I may have to put one om my list !
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Thats awesome. Would love a build along one day
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Your pursuit of authenticity and craftsmanship are second to none, great job.
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Very exciting to see a Yumi bow being posted. That seems to be a rare pursuit for people.
Would love to try to shoot one of those one day to see how they feel.
Thanks for the very interesting post.
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Interesting bow, can not seen everyday here. Nice execution on that yumi.
I wonder how fast such a long bow of 89" with only 40# would could send out an arrow?
Have you any specs with a chrono?
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WOW! I really like the yumi bow, and this one looks fantastic. You have done a wonderful job sir. This is definitely one of my goals as a bowyer.
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Very well done. I guess that bow has been hung out to dry? :)
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Thank you for your comments. They are much appreciated.
I would like to enter this for Bow of the Month but not sure how to contact Cipriano. I did try but my message bounced back so I forwarded my message by email to editor@primitivearcher.com and asked him to forward it. I gave him my subscription number. I also forwarded some more photos.
As I have moved house in the last 6 months I have not had an opportunity to put any arrows through the chronograph but will endeavour to do this.