I'm happy to report that the longbow I broke has found new life as a 'short' longbow - made the right height for my daughter. The funny thing is that it's too heavy, almost 30 lbs at 20", and she can't draw it yet. I just like it so much I don't want to lighten it anymore.
I'm working on a new bow for her now, but here are some finished pics of my fourth successful bow. Thanks for all the helpful advice!
Each tile is 1 foot square, the bow is slightly more than four feet, nock to nock. The tiller looks a little weird here, but I think it might be lens distortion or perspective. Cheap camera, so-so images.
The sanding isn't totally done, but I'm almost tempted to leave it the way it is. I kind of like the 'rough' and natural look of it. Maybe some BLO and leave it at that. I am considering a nice plain leather wrap with an arrow rest made of folded leather.
It's a rough shooter, though. Very snappy with lots of handshock. It also slapped my arm, causing a rash and a bruise - only the second time in my life I've gotten a bruise from a bowstring. Probably due to the size not being quite right for me. That's fine, in a few years, it will be perfect for the kids. Just need to get them trained up!
