Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: IDTrapper on April 14, 2017, 01:14:43 pm

Title: Birch Bow
Post by: IDTrapper on April 14, 2017, 01:14:43 pm
Well I think I figured out how to upload photos!  This is my very first bow build, I'm shouting for 45 lbs, at 28".   Still in the tillering process, but I think it's going fairly well.  Since it's birch, I will be backing with rawhide

(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/idahotrapper2/7146E912-80D4-46D9-988B-7A2197BBC432_zpsysk10zpc.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/idahotrapper2/media/7146E912-80D4-46D9-988B-7A2197BBC432_zpsysk10zpc.jpg.html)

(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/idahotrapper2/41CF93B1-A482-4BB8-A2B1-F8C3328E4B4A_zps9rwrd0vr.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/idahotrapper2/media/41CF93B1-A482-4BB8-A2B1-F8C3328E4B4A_zps9rwrd0vr.jpg.html)




Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: bubby on April 14, 2017, 01:20:09 pm
In my opinion if you are gonna rawhide back it ya might as well do it now
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: bushboy on April 14, 2017, 01:21:36 pm
Birch(paper)is somewhat low in compressions ,follow Tim bakers mantra to a T is critical.your mid limbs have move considerably more.
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: IDTrapper on April 14, 2017, 01:24:31 pm
Yep, I haven't done anymore tillering, i don't have any rawhide, but I did order some yesterday.  Tillering is at a standstill until it arrives.  I'm working in shaping and thinning the handle, and I just started shaping a vine maple stave.  That should keep me busy until the rawhide arrives.  That vine maple is some hard stuff compared to birch  ;D
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: aaron on April 14, 2017, 01:25:42 pm
Consider making it a bendy handle...how long is it. ?.
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: IDTrapper on April 14, 2017, 01:39:24 pm
It's 62 NTN, what would be the advantage of making it a bendy handle? I'm all ears, I'm hoping I don't screw up my first bow, but I figured I'd probably break or mess up a few before I get a solid working one.
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on April 14, 2017, 01:43:41 pm
For a 28" draw birch bow you should be no less than 68" ntn and 2" wide at the fades.
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: aaron on April 14, 2017, 03:19:43 pm
If all parts bend, the stress is more spread out.. Less likely to break
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: turtle on April 15, 2017, 02:05:14 am
What specie's birch is it? I haven't worked with any birch but I do have a black birch bow made by planb. I don't remember the specs off hand but it is a sweet shooter.
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: Del the cat on April 15, 2017, 02:45:58 am
Don't shape a handle until a bow is finished. That way you can guarantee the string line will go through the middle of the grip.
You wouldn't sand and varnish it now would you :) ?
Del
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: Marc St Louis on April 15, 2017, 09:02:54 am
If you want a stiff handle bow then I would reduce the size of it so that what you have left just fits in your hand.  That way you will add a bit more working limb to your bow

P.S. If your back is pristine then you shouldn't need a rawhide backing
Title: Re: Birch Bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on April 15, 2017, 02:04:12 pm
Yes, I agree with Marc. Use a 4 inch handle and 1.5 inch fades. Make sure the stave starts to bend at the end of the fades. and increases outward.
Then post another photo.
Jawge