To keep a bow from getting too dry

[StickMark]

If that is the case, and I do not doubt it, wow.  Really enjoy the discussion of NA bows' draw weights.   A 550 grain arrow out of a 35 bow is approximately 15.7 gpp; it worked for me , but was kinda slow. 

One advantage of that light a draw would be maintaining control of the shot regardless of the varied body positions that hunting/warfare impose.   I have made an Ishi sytle bow, that is 55# @ 23 inches; built for 24-25 inches, but that short 55" bow stacks and I feel it in my shoulders.  I love the length, but am thinking on dropping a little  draw weight, add a little draw length (27?).  This thread simply muddies my waters, lol.

[StickMark]

the cast and "snap" of the bow, at 30#, would be key, yes?

[PatM]

The published weights of old arrows are far lighter.  Remember some were actually supposed to be reeds with a foreshaft.

 The terms snap and cast are really the same thing.

    Pope's tests do undervalue the  old bows he tested and Laubin's book gives a better idea of what these bows were truly capable of but  they still were't high draw weight armor piercers and they didn't need to be.

[Traxx]

Hawkdancer,,,I posted a question,regarding the Pine tar mixture,as a self bow finish for dry climates,a while back.Nobody seemed to have tried it..I intend to on a bow soon....

Another point of debate,that i seldom hear,regarding antique native bows is this,,,,Without documentation of who the bows belonged to,,how are we to be sure,it belonged to and was used by a warrior???...It could have belonged to and been used by a Juvenile,,warrior in training..

[Hawkdancer]

Trade,
I used it on my lodge poles, actually got the recipe on the Wooden Canoe Heritage Assn site. On a bow,  I think you have to rub it in and use several coats to get a good seal.  It is apparently a very good water resistant finish,  and a northeastern native recipe.
Hawkdancer

[Traxx]

I was instructed,,to use heat to get it to penetrate properly and as you said,,with several coats..I have never heard of anyone using it for a bow finish though.