Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Stickhead on December 07, 2020, 09:44:25 am

Title: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Stickhead on December 07, 2020, 09:44:25 am
Hey, y'all,

I harvested a bunch of red elm last May, which I've never worked with before.  Lately, I've started playing with it to see what I can get away with.  For this one, I consulted the Traditional Bowyer's Bible, the book according to Marc.  His heat-treatment method does wonders for this wood!  It transformed a light bow that was already taking set into a 9# heavier bow that holds its profile.  I was amazed, and went back to final tillering.

This bow is for a friend who is new to archery.  He makes beautiful knives so we decided to do a not-so-secret Santa trade.  Unfortunately, he is missing the middle and ring fingers from his right hand from being on the receiving end of a shotgun attack years ago.  I decided to attach a D-loop string and get a trigger release like I used when I shot a compound.  Not exactly primitive, but I think he gets a pass under the circumstances.  I had considered a thumb ring for him so he could shoot Mongolian style, but I wouldn't know how to get him started on that.  I did make the bow such that it can be easily altered to shoot upside down off the right side of the bow if he decides to go that route later on.  Or maybe he'll devise his own thumb & forefinger shooting technique.

Anyway, the bow is 64" NTN, draws 38# at 28".  That draw length is too long for me, so I exercised it to 28" on the bench, and shot it in at my 25-ish" draw.  At his request, I gave it a faded dye job, buffalo tips and a leather grip.  The tiller isn't perfect, but I don't want to lose any more weight.  Besides, it shoots well and holds its profile after resting. 

I also made him a dozen arrows.  I'm really starting to like working with elm, especially when using heat-treatment.  Thanks, Marc!

...Tom

(https://i.imgur.com/1Ic558b.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nvVeRtH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BHyhZCN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fcw3yuA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wLqdIlz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fyb4JUO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CcUm3uL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XsBMN0H.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sQ4mqBB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mskYHYq.jpg)
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Will B on December 07, 2020, 10:41:28 am
That’s a great looking bow Tom!  Makes me want to cut some red elm. I really like the resting profile and the stain job. I’m sure your friend will love it.  Great job!
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: MM2 on December 07, 2020, 11:07:09 am
What a beauty! I like it's colours!

Congratulation and thanks for sharing!

Michael
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: eastcreekarchery on December 07, 2020, 11:26:16 am
Nice bow! Which volume of TBB has the heat treating method? I haven't read through the first one yet.
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Stickhead on December 07, 2020, 11:37:30 am
Quote from: eastcreekarchery on December 07, 2020, 11:26:16 am
Nice bow! Which volume of TBB has the heat treating method? I haven't read through the first one yet.
V4 Chap 3
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: scp on December 07, 2020, 11:41:56 am
Lovely!
I often use additional deep heat treating of just one limb or even just one section to "perfect" the tiller.
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Marc St Louis on December 07, 2020, 05:57:36 pm
Looks good Tom.  Glad the heat-treating worked out
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Woody roberts on December 07, 2020, 06:06:55 pm
Quote from: scp on December 07, 2020, 11:41:56 am
Lovely!
I often use additional deep heat treating of just one limb or even just one section to "perfect" the tiller.

This has worked for me also.
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: bjrogg on December 07, 2020, 06:09:48 pm
That turn out very nice Tom. The colors look really nice. I’m sure you’re fiend will find a way to draw that string 
Bjrogg
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Morgan on December 07, 2020, 07:26:51 pm
I’m a fan of that bow! Really like the profile and pretty much everything else!
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: bentstick54 on December 07, 2020, 07:57:06 pm
Love the stain job on that one.
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: dreamcraft_archery on December 08, 2020, 03:35:27 am
Very nice bow sir!!
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Stickhead on December 08, 2020, 02:17:21 pm
Thanks for the kind words, guys!
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 08, 2020, 02:41:52 pm
Very nice bow! Jawge
Title: Re: Red Elm Self Bow
Post by: Santanasaur on December 08, 2020, 03:53:15 pm
Sweet bow Stickhead, impressive profile for red elm. Beauty!