Author Topic: Building a hackberry bow.. wanna help? (Read 7551 times)

Stalkingfox · « **on:** January 01, 2013, 09:15:53 pm »

So its been drying all summer and fall, and I started to shape it i thought thinning the limbs would be the best place to start. Heres where I am so far...

Fred Arnold · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2013, 03:26:40 am »

I think you got it, go slowly after you get rid of the side rails.

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2013, 01:51:43 pm »

I know Hackberry needs to be wide and a little thicher than osage or hickory so Im thinking 2" limbs will be good. Not sure how Im doing the handle yet.

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2013, 06:44:41 pm »

So as far as the width of limbs go its done now to begin floor tillering. As I understood it..

osage outlaw · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2013, 08:26:35 pm »

Looking good so far. Keep it up

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2013, 09:18:55 pm »

Really slow going I know.. Im not all too sure where to go with things, New wood n all.

SLIMBOB · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2013, 09:47:13 pm »

My "go to" bow right now is a Hackberry I made over the summer. I'm pretty amazed by the wood after building a few with it. My opinion, 2" is fine, carry that out to at least midlimb. Taper the last 10 inches or so for the tips. Heat treat once you begin floor tillering and then again as you scrape that away. I don't know what your stave length is, but 62" is as short as I would go for a stiff handle, 28" draw, 50ish lbs. 64-66" is better. Good luck, I'll look for the finished product!

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2013, 10:02:15 pm »

Well.... 62" long is out of the question its 56 now.. I was wanting to take it down to 52. I saw one on here some where in here 47 or 49 inches long. Loved how it looked tho I cant find it now. and width i was lookin to bring down to 1 3/4". but Ill be using the carry out as far as width goes.

blackhawk · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2013, 10:09:11 pm »

If you want it to draw farther than 23" without it stacking to death and following the string severely you best make it a bend in the handle bow. I wouldn't take any more length off of that width your at either.

SLIMBOB · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2013, 09:14:54 am »

I and a buddy did a few plains bows out of Hackberry that I posted over the summer, 48" long and 1 1/4" wide. They pulled around 40lbs with a 24" draw length. Very plane Jane no frills so probably not the one you mention having seen on here. I would go with what's been stated. Get as much length as you can, go as wide as you can on the limbs, and narrow the width as you tiller.

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2013, 07:59:09 pm »

well I got to thinking about tillering and thinning the limbs and I dont think Ill be using the hatchet. Its tearing out but i dont have a long enough rasp or file.. What else could I use besides a drawknife?

nativenoobowyer86 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2013, 09:22:52 pm »

a spokeshave can be a good option

SLIMBOB · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2013, 09:38:36 pm »

Knife blade if nothing else available. I use one for final tillering.

Stalkingfox · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2013, 01:43:03 pm »

Ok, so Ive slimmed the limbs down to get it thinner, and shaped the handle. Im at a point now where I think Im ready to straighten the stave. as you can tell theres a good twist in it. Should I use Vegetable oil and rub it down and bend it over a small fire in a vise?