Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: simson on June 14, 2015, 03:22:49 pm

Title: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: simson on June 14, 2015, 03:22:49 pm
This bow is made of a unique looking stave, at the handle it had been grown around a huge dead standing branch. The grain in this area also influenced the hump on the back.
An other smaller knot was coming out at handle, it was cut off and sanded down – no problem in this not bending handle. An additional ring was left standing on the back going from fade to fade, I thought it supports the unusual hump at the handle. So it is not only a center shot, but also a built forward handle. On belly side of handle was a drying check going nearly through the whole thickness, it was glued down with super glue without a problem.
The limbs come out of the handle with different angle, I could correct some amount, some not. The limbs were heavily twisted and took some time to heat most of that out, some didn't want to come out. Therefore the tiller looks somewhat crazy, but feeling and shooting is very good – I leave it as it is.

Nothing is on the bow, except the string. It has wonderful looking grain and rings, and they did come out great after a fuming session (24h). So this bow has a color like one already a year old, I love this golden brown. Will take some more experiments with long time fuming with upcoming projects.

The bow is 55#/28” and exact 60” ntn.

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%201%20von%2018_zpsq0frq2em.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%202%20von%2018_zps5rokf1et.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%203%20von%2018_zpsgrhlljgu.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%204%20von%2018_zpswzljqgob.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%205%20von%2018_zps9do3nxco.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%206%20von%2018_zpslfwud5ds.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%207%20von%2018_zpso4dctzrn.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%208%20von%2018_zps4t4vzagg.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%209%20von%2018_zpszrkw1un5.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2010%20von%2018_zpsgwxtemlq.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2011%20von%2018_zpsng3ztqc2.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2012%20von%2018_zpsd3syfu2z.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2013%20von%2018_zpsqfuw4hze.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2014%20von%2018_zpsoqvzej2f.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2015%20von%2018_zpsedh01lyz.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2016%20von%2018_zpsz4vtfqdj.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2017%20von%2018_zpsa1lfo6qc.jpg)

(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh576/orangesimson/1506%20osage%20centershot%20handle/osage%20centershot%20handle%20-%2018%20von%2018_zpszvvdjcrk.jpg)
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Del the cat on June 14, 2015, 03:34:00 pm
Woo that's one sexy bow. I just love that wiggle.
Del
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: GB on June 14, 2015, 03:37:47 pm
As usual all I can say is "Wow!"  Beautiful work with a beautiful and tricky piece of osage, Simon.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Badly Bent on June 14, 2015, 03:45:21 pm
That is one fine looking osage bow, outstanding work Simon. Two thumbs up on the color from the fuming
of it as well, really makes the wood pop.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Drewster on June 14, 2015, 04:15:54 pm
Simon, I really admire the way you can creatively extract a bow out of these most challenging pieces of wood.  It continues to give me inspiration to keep honing my skills and creative problem solving ability in order to take advantage out of what Mother Nature has to offer.  A very fine bow you have shared.  Thanks for your posts and good photography.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Fred Arnold on June 14, 2015, 04:26:13 pm
Simpson, that is a an absolutely outstanding looking piece of craftsmanship. Two thumbs up from me!!!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Aaron H on June 14, 2015, 04:47:12 pm
Very well executed on a wild piece.  Beautiful and simple
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: alwayslookin on June 14, 2015, 04:51:16 pm
Another beautiful bow sir. Great job on tackling the issues.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Green on June 14, 2015, 05:06:10 pm
To someone who has only completed one, this is hugely inspirational, and educational.  Incredible work!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Pat B on June 14, 2015, 05:19:01 pm
Every time I think I've seen your best Simon, you surprise with a beauty like this one.  8)
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Badger on June 14, 2015, 05:21:18 pm
  Beautiful job on that one, does it try to twist when you draw it with that off center handle?
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Carson (CMB) on June 14, 2015, 05:25:29 pm
Damn!  :o

I love the simplicity of this one combined with the great character. Another stunner!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: JonW on June 14, 2015, 05:34:42 pm
WOW! That's all I can say.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: PeteC on June 14, 2015, 06:34:16 pm
That's a nice bow Simson.I sure don't see anything crazy about the tiller. You just have to do what you have to when it comes to osage. Good job.God bless
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Knoll on June 14, 2015, 06:49:52 pm
Wife was looking over my shoulder as I went through the pics.  She kept saying, "unbelievable!"  For once, we agree.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: bow101 on June 14, 2015, 06:57:15 pm
Absolutely crazy bow from the curves to its patina, the character and the amazing tiller for such a shorty.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Will H on June 14, 2015, 06:59:39 pm
You are simply amazing Simon! Thanks for the inspirational work you provide for all of us "mere mortals" :)
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: rover brewer on June 14, 2015, 07:23:56 pm
outstanding, love the handle.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: wizardgoat on June 14, 2015, 07:42:34 pm
That sir is a cool osage bow
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: bowmo on June 14, 2015, 09:56:23 pm
Real nice. Nice and clean.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: IdahoMatt on June 14, 2015, 11:47:51 pm
Great job sir. How's it draw in the hand?
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: jeffp51 on June 15, 2015, 02:15:42 am
I always get excited when I see you have posted a new bow, because I know it will be incredible.  I have yet to be disappointed. Hut ab!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Pappy on June 15, 2015, 06:10:37 am
Very nice work, love it when they do that in the handle area. Nice. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Cloudfeather on June 15, 2015, 10:46:03 am
Just a beautiful bow. I've been wanting to make a bow with an angled handle like this for a while now. Thanks for the inspiration.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: soy on June 15, 2015, 01:16:29 pm
truly awesome ;)
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: simson on June 15, 2015, 02:03:07 pm
Thank you all for your interest and response, Gentlemen. I will continue my bowery til you get tired  ;D ;D ;D


  Beautiful job on that one, does it try to twist when you draw it with that off center handle?

Steve, the 'built forward handle' helps a lot for stability. But you are on the right track, to shot this baby you have to put your bowhand on the exact position (tip - pivot point - tip). The wiggle goes a tick over the center, so the place for the arrow is a bit lower.
Hope my crude words make sense.



Great job sir. How's it draw in the hand?

Matt, please see answer given to Steve above. Thanks buddy!


Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: jimmy on June 15, 2015, 03:11:12 pm
Holy smokes dude, I really dig your bows!  Just absolutley fantastic!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Dvshunter on June 15, 2015, 08:53:42 pm
Simon. It's always a pleasure seeing your work. You have "it", and I'm glad you share.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: bowster on June 16, 2015, 11:42:09 am
a really awkward and great bow, I´ve got a very similar stave drying.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: paoliguy on June 16, 2015, 11:51:48 am
Well, it looks like you've done it again! Yet another beauty!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: dbb on June 17, 2015, 06:26:17 am
You never dissapoint,another bow with huge wow factor!
(My favourite is still the 70# with "arrowtip" nocks you posted in the beginning here tho  ;)  )
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: make-n-break on June 18, 2015, 09:22:04 pm
Gorgeous bow simson. I like everything about it!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: simson on June 19, 2015, 04:40:47 am
Thanks again Gentlemen, I really appreciate your comments!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Dragoness on July 01, 2015, 09:44:58 pm
Hi Simson,
I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your work. You always create such beautiful bows. I look forward to the next one!

Greetings from California!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: burn em up chuck on July 02, 2015, 09:54:03 pm
sweeeeeeeeeeet. very cool short bow

                              chuck
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: bushboy on July 02, 2015, 11:32:14 pm
Killer! 8)!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: lebhuntfish on July 03, 2015, 02:39:04 am
That is one special bow for sure! When ever I see you post a bow I always make sure to look at your pictures closely. I have learned a lot just from your post.

I love character bows,  but I especially like the fades on this one. I noticed the "ridge"  down the center of them. That is a new one to me. By chance does it have a rounded bell? Patrick
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: simson on July 03, 2015, 07:07:38 am
Hi Simson,
I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your work. You always create such beautiful bows. I look forward to the next one!

Greetings from California!

Hey greetings back to Cali, at the moment we have here a weather like in California, very hot no clouds no rain. Best is to go in the cool shop ...
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: simson on July 03, 2015, 07:16:34 am
That is one special bow for sure! When ever I see you post a bow I always make sure to look at your pictures closely. I have learned a lot just from your post.

I love character bows,  but I especially like the fades on this one. I noticed the "ridge"  down the center of them. That is a new one to me. By chance does it have a rounded bell? Patrick

Thanks Patrick,
sometimes I leave the ridge when I think it looks good on that speciman. I work as long as possible with sharp edges, on the sides and at fades. I try to work so exact as possible before I start tillering (bending the limbs). Mostly the tiller job is then done within half an hour.
This ridges (slightly sanded) on that bow is so to say a relict of the process. And the belly is more or less flat (slightly rounded at some parts).
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Sockrablur on July 03, 2015, 07:58:37 am
Simon your craftsmanship is artwork! I'm thankful to simply see the wonderful photos you take. I love wood and you make such beautiful lines. Thank you sir!
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: lebhuntfish on July 03, 2015, 08:42:00 am
Thanks simson, that's about how I go about it to.  I like everything to be squared off really good. And close to my finished dimensions, then after brace, I  clean everything up and burnish the back.  Thanks again. Patrick
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 03, 2015, 09:06:25 am
That is  beautiful bow by a very talented bowyer. Outstanding tiller, simson. Jawge
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Marc St Louis on July 03, 2015, 09:09:28 am
Very neat and well done
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: sleek on July 07, 2015, 08:42:52 pm
I have an almost identical stave leaning against my " to do wall " right now. My intention however is to drop one limb a bit closer to center of the handle and make a Z handle... if that makes sense.
Title: Re: osage centershot handle bow (No. 65)
Post by: Gordon on July 08, 2015, 01:42:00 am
That is a beautifully designed and executed bow.