Author Topic: What not to do, a perfect example  (Read 2469 times)

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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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What not to do, a perfect example
« on: December 08, 2022, 08:57:12 am »
This is either my first or second attempt at a wood bow built sometime in the late 90s. I had no internet and no help. I believe I was thumbing through an issue of Traditional Bowhunter and ran across Mickeys board bow recipe and though I had struck gold. Obviously, I didn't read it thoroughly. Or, maybe not at all looking at this train wreck of a "bow" :).

This was from an ash board I got from a local mill. I distinctly remember picking out that super cool grain and carving the bow out of the part of the board that had the most beautiful grain swirls. Save these images for examples of what you don't want to do when building a board bow. That being said, my nephew shot this thing enough to put wear marks on the strike plate. I didn't even tiller it nor had I ever heard the word "tiller" before. I just rasped a taper into it and put a string on it. Enjoy!
Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.

Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2022, 09:02:21 am »
I'm amazed it still in one piece Chris
Home of heat-treating, Corbeil, On.  Canada

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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2022, 09:07:24 am »
I'm amazed as well, Marc. It doesn't even have any compression fractures. Granted, my nephew at that time may have drawn it 18-20". The bow is about 62" long.
Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.

Offline bjrogg

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2022, 09:27:07 am »
I want to see the full draw. lol.

That’s pretty amazing

Sure does have a pretty, swirly grain though. Guess you know how to pick ‘em Pearl Drums

Bjrogg
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Offline Pat B

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #4 on: December 08, 2022, 10:18:47 am »
 We have ash flooring in our house that has grain like that bow. I'll have to say that is a perfect example of what not to do when building selfbows, from the shortness and abruptness of the fades on the handle to the grain run offs, front and back. It is pretty amazing how well it has held up. Even then with your lack of experience you were an excellent bowyer, Pearlie.  ;)
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #5 on: December 08, 2022, 10:21:44 am »
wow,, the grain is amazing,, :)

Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2022, 10:22:18 am »
You missed the part where I filed string grooves across the back with no overlays. Other than that, I think I nailed it Pat!
Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.

Offline TimBo

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2022, 10:48:38 am »
Some people are just naturals I guess...(it is very beautiful grain!)

Offline Pat B

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2022, 10:51:30 am »
Maybe we should start another thread about "the ones that shouldn't have made it" or if it is OK with you we can continue on from here.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2022, 10:56:22 am »
Thanks for sharing, PD. I know I have plenty of those stories. Jawge
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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2022, 11:03:02 am »
Pat, you can do whatever you want with this one. It was just Thursday humor, or humility if you will.

Jawgey Poo, you have my express written consent to use this on your web page :)

Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.

Offline Badger

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #11 on: December 08, 2022, 11:25:48 am »
    It looks like some of my first attempts. It took me a while to figure out that grain orientation matters LOL. I still have an elm recurve that I literally sawed out of a stave. massive grain violations similar to yours and somehow it held up.

Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #12 on: December 08, 2022, 11:26:55 am »
I think go ahead and sinew back it as is,, ;D

Offline PaSteve

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2022, 02:41:33 pm »
Some bows just don't want to die....
"It seems so much more obvious with bows than with other matters, that we are the guardians of the prize we seek." Dean Torges

Offline paulsemp

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Re: What not to do, a perfect example
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2022, 04:48:29 pm »
Isn't that the bow you just finished up last week?