Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: benjamin on October 14, 2008, 11:56:16 pm

Title: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: benjamin on October 14, 2008, 11:56:16 pm

Just took the bark off of a section of siberian elm and there are anywhere from 80 to 100 pins all over the back. The ring is pretty thick and I would like an unbacked bow. They hurt quite a bit so would it be a bad idea to just sand them down and burnish the back?  Or maybe go deep enough in the ring and hope they disapear?

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: adb on October 15, 2008, 12:58:41 am

Pictures would be really helpful.

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: El Destructo on October 15, 2008, 12:59:11 am

                                                         Benjamin.........you mean like this???

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Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: Pappy on October 15, 2008, 06:11:06 am

I have had Hickory like that that didn't don't know about Elm. :)
     Pappy

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: possum on October 15, 2008, 09:38:32 am

I would think if the ring was thick just sand them down.

possum

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: Pat B on October 15, 2008, 09:57:59 am

I would leave the back as pristine as possible and go for a character bow. If you choose to flatten or smooth the back I think I would back the bow with rawhide, silk or linen.  Pat

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: Papa Matt on October 15, 2008, 11:31:06 am

I'm with Pat. Don't do anything to it, that's character! I don't see any kind of problem with those pins unless you try to cut into 'em. And in that case, like pat said, back it.

~~Papa Matt

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: JackCrafty on October 15, 2008, 12:44:51 pm

Benjamin, if they bother you (if they are sharp) I would sand them down (just enough to get rid if the points).

Elm is pretty tough.  You shouldn't need any backing.  If you're worried and don't like the look of backing material, you can coat the back with a layer or two of white glue (or wood glue).....that's what I do, especially with kids bows.  White glue is fairly transparent.

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: benjamin on October 15, 2008, 10:39:46 pm

As far as the pics, they are thinner, longer and closer together but thank you for that. I nocked some of them off  gently with the hachet as I was trying to hold the stave and shape the sides. Does it make a difference if there is a black hole in the center as apposed to solid wood throughout?

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: JW_Halverson on October 20, 2008, 12:34:07 pm

Looks like that stave may have some porky-pine in it's family "tree".  HAW HAW!  My puns are so bad I have to laugh to cover the sound of crickets. 

I am pitching in my vote for "leave em".  I would love to see you post more pics as you build this bow, this one's gonna be a doozy!  Must have drove ya nuts taking it down to a growth ring.

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: jkekoni on October 20, 2008, 05:56:26 pm

I would sand them down on handle only, or if needed for wood backing.
Sanding them will make them weaker spots.

I would not worry too much about tiny knots, but rather about bigger ones.

Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: El Destructo on October 20, 2008, 08:55:01 pm

JW......thats my Stave....and all I had to do was take the Bark off....I am going to leave all of the Quills (Pin Knots) on it....and when it's dry and I finish it....I will post it here....should be one Odd Looking Bow!!

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Title: Re: would 100 pins cause a problem?
Post by: JW_Halverson on October 22, 2008, 11:28:15 am

There ya go, El Destructo..don't let caution or common sense get in the way of a good character bow!  Show that thing who's boss!  After all, easy bows is wheelie bows!

Keep posting pics of the quill pig bow.