Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 11:54:46 am

Title: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 11:54:46 am
Here is another Osage bow i just finished up.  Actually it started out life as a much longer stave.  It was going to be a hunting bow for my buddy, but at the longer length was too weak for what he needed.  So i sinewed the back and shortened it.  That changed everything.  I really didn't think it would be much of a shooter, but i was wrong.  51# @ 23",  53" OAL.  Futhark runes on the stripes for added "Magic". )P(

You will notice that it bends mostly through the handle.  On my last horsebow, yall helped make me aware of the fact that i seem to be neglecting the outer portions of the limb.  Im sure this puts more stress through the center.  But may i ask if this will be detrimental to the longevity of this bow?  Because im happy with how this one shoots in its current state.

Well, hope yall enjoy the pics!
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 11:56:20 am
more pics....
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 11:57:19 am
more...
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 11:57:54 am
and more...
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: Pat B on January 24, 2018, 12:00:01 pm
Very cool little bow.  8)  Well done.  :OK I also like your home decor.
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: trail walker on January 24, 2018, 01:48:45 pm
awesome job! that is so pretty it makes me want to cry! I want to make a plains bow like that one day. soon. ;)
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: AndrewS on January 24, 2018, 02:49:34 pm
Great job!
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: tattoo dave on January 24, 2018, 03:47:08 pm
Great looking bow 240. Nice work!

Tattoo Dave
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 24, 2018, 04:35:33 pm
Thanks a lot gentlemen!

Pat its the lodge where i work, but luckily i get to live here too, so it is kinda my home i suppose!  TrailWalker thanks for the very kind words i hope to see the plains bow you make on here.
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: osage outlaw on January 24, 2018, 04:42:38 pm
Very impressive work!
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: ty_in_ND on January 24, 2018, 04:49:28 pm
That's a slick little bow! It's amazing how little osage you need, especially when backed with sinew.

So, how did you finish the back? Is that some kind of covering over the sinew?
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: ohma2 on January 24, 2018, 06:04:28 pm
Good lookin bow there
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 25, 2018, 10:19:36 am
That's a slick little bow! It's amazing how little osage you need, especially when backed with sinew.

So, how did you finish the back? Is that some kind of covering over the sinew?

Ty, over the sinew is rawhide.  Some might call that unnecessary and maybe it is, and im aware that you can fill the gaps in the sinew with putty made from a glue/sawdust combo, which i also do.  However, the rawhide keeps any rogue sinew fibers from lifting, and serves as sort of a canvas for the paint to adhere to.  I have been experimenting with markers, paint pens, and brush on acrylics.  This particular bow i used acrylic paint for the black, and also for the off white stripes.  The runes i used a sharpie, as i didn't trust my hands to accommodate the fine brush work.  I also try and be mindful that the finish i use could smear the artwork, and in that regard i am still in the testing phase.  One good thick coat seems to lock it down, then i add fine coats with sanding between. :OK
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: pnwarcher on January 25, 2018, 10:27:04 am
Cool looking little bow!
Regarding your tiller question, the bend looks ok to me for a reflex/deflex profile like that. It does appear to be working more toward the handle than the tips, but if it's shooting well then I wouldn't change it. Rawhide on sinew on osage is a durable combination.
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: JWMALONE on January 25, 2018, 10:30:42 am
Beautiful job 240, I'm getting ready to start a Cherokee style hickory bow from a stave. Thanks for setting the bar so high. LOL
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: ---GUTSHOT---> on January 25, 2018, 10:55:25 am
Very slick bow
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: Philipp A on January 25, 2018, 11:52:14 am
Really cool short bow! I like the Runen inscriptions on the back. From what I can make out it says: strike - hard - and - true
I could not read the writing on the top part of the bow only the one straight above the handle and the one on the lower limb  :)

I have made a bow for a friend of mine where I have also used Runen letters for his name and a couple of wild boars painted on from old Runen art work.

Nicely done!
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: M2A on January 26, 2018, 08:45:43 am
Very nice bow! Your pictures really show it off well.
Mike 
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: NorthHeart on January 26, 2018, 10:07:14 am
I'm glad you guys enjoy the final product as much as i did completing it!   

Philipp, You nailed it!  Written from top to bottom it reads "may arrow strike hard and true".
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: hoosierf on January 26, 2018, 10:21:01 am
Beautiful, well done.
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: gfugal on January 26, 2018, 01:14:56 pm
I love how this bow is tillered
Title: Re: Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.
Post by: selfbow joe on January 26, 2018, 06:00:14 pm
Nice looking bow