Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!

[Cameroo]

I'm starting to wonder if I should have joined in on the bow swap, it seems everything I attempt is destined for failure.  I've never had an issue with completing a bow until now My first one came out under weight, second one cracked in the handle, and now this happened:




Of course they always have to go after putting 2 days of work into them too. (But I'm not bitter! )  As far as I can tell, the tiller was pretty good, and the bow was over-built.  It appears that there was a small pin knot where the back blew out.  Here's the last picture I have before she blew, it was pulling 50 lbs at 26".  I tillered it out to 28", put some fancy zebra wood tips on it, and fired about 2 dozen arrows through it before it went.  Again, I'm glad it happened to me and not the recipient!



I'm starting to run pretty short on wood, and time.  A while back I got some osage in a trade and was planning on using it for a couple bows for myself, but I think I may have to give one up.  At least I know these should hold up - they're also backed with hickory.



I'm all for learning experiences, I just wish it wasn't happening now   Wish me luck on my next attempt!  I think I need some!

[Almostpighunter]

...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result. So shall your next attempt not only persevere,it shall bestow unto both bowyer and recipient the blessing of the spirit of the ancients and guide you straight and true into the future.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go hug a tree. 

- Guru APH

(Keep pluggin' brother! It will be that much more rewarding in the end!)

[nugget]

Make a bow. Follow what the wood wants to do. If it is low weight it still is a shootable bow. Slow down, get back to basics. A bow is a bow. Work with what you have and make the best of it.
Random words of encouragement. Good luck and keep at it. Wood is a renewable resource. 
TJ

[Lee Slikkers]

Cameroo, sorry brother!  Been there too many times as of late but as the others mentioned...slow down and go back to basics.  Those Osage/Hick look like the right medicine for what ails you!



Allmostpighunter....that was too damn funny!  Sprinkle some of that spare dust my way if you have an extra pinch 

[wildkatt]

...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result. So shall your next attempt not only persevere,it shall bestow unto both bowyer and recipient the blessing of the spirit of the ancients and guide you straight and true into the future.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go hug a tree. 

Now that is funy. Sorry about the bow breaking i have had those months.  Next one will be perfect u will see.


Katt

[Lombard]

Hang in there Cameroo. I've had a few failures like that with kiln dried maple, even though the grain was flawless.
Thing is it happens, and sometimes it can be hidden flaws in the wood that you just can't see.
Just know you are not alone, it happens to all of us, and it always stinks.

[Cameroo]

...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result

Thanks man, I think that might just be what I was missin'.  Fairy dust, combined with osage dust... should be the ticket!

Follow what the wood wants to do.

I just wish she would tell me what she wants to do before I invest 2 days into her.  Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me )

And to the rest of you, thanks for the encouragement.  I feel like I can't fail now!  This is the one!

BTW, this is my first experience with osage, and I'm already lovin it.  Smells so good when the shavings fly!

[soy]

Just curious might the wood have been to dry???
tell u what im not in the trade,so bestow the bad onto me and the next shall be...well just plain AWESOME 

[aznboi3644]

possibly some grain issues with that board?

[blackhawk]

Looks like a grain run off break to me.

[Pat B]

Get back on your pony and ride.     Bkoken bows happen. If we learn from them they are not wasted. Have you studied why each bow broke? If so are you using those learned lesson on the next bow?
  Those hickory backed osage staves will make very nice hunting weight bows. Don't try to make something special! Make the best bow you can with what you have to work with. Take your time and make every minute you work on it a thoughtful one. 

[JW_Halverson]

"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 

[Lee Slikkers]

"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 

Spent most of your time chasing "cheese burger & motel 6" type of women?   

[Cameroo]

"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 

Spent most of your time chasing "cheese burger & motel 6" type of women?   

You guys are too much!

I never had to chase em Lee    I learned from hunting to let the game come to me 

But seriously, if I was to attempt to, both the food and the wine would likely come in a box

[wildman]

If ya ain't breakin em you ain't make em  (fairy dust never hurts)