My Latest Longbows

[barebo]

Haven't posted in a while so here we go! I retired Jan. 18th and made these 3 so far. They are all Hickory with one bamboo backed. I can't call the rounded belly a true ELB as it has an antler tip rest and may not be exactly following the 5/8 ratio. Basically, I make sort of hybrids and simply bows that I like to shoot. 72" NTN and 47# each for the 2 unbacked bows.

The bamboo backed bow came in at an even 45# at my 27" draw. it's 68" NTN. I knew it would have a bit of follow as the bamboo was very deflexed and I added no reflex at glue up. It is a really nice shooting bow with plenty of zip given the unstrung profile. I used osage and deer antler for the tip overlays. The handle is red oak, wenge, and zebrawood. I tried something different with this one for the heck of it. I used a piece of Ipe for a lam between the bamboo and hickory core. Tru oil finish with no stain. Twisted up a fast flight string.The strike plate is mother of pearl.

What do you think?

[upstatenybowyer]

Those look really nice. Love to see some FDs if you get the chance. 

[DC]

Ditto!

[tattoo dave]

They look great, nice work!

Tattoo Dave

[barebo]

I had my lovely wife snap a quick pic. The arrow is 29" and I getting most of it here. Upon seeing this I realize that the upper 1/3 of the top limb needed a few more strokes of the draw knife.
Funny thing is that when it was on the tiller tree and I was drawing it (pulley and rope) it looked pretty balanced. I don't use a "Gizmo". Maybe I should?!

[Pat B]

A static draw on a tiller tree usually doesn't give an accurate depiction of full draw. In your hand, the way a bow is drawn does.
 Nice work on your bows. Can we see FD on the other 2 also?

[barebo]

That's a point well taken Pat - usually I stand in front of a large mirror we have and flip the bow - top limb on bottom etc. This one for some reason didn't get the look.

Seems like my bows usually get an elliptical or somewhat close to it tiller. I usually don't get a lot of bend out of the fades which may be a flaw?

I'll see if I can get the other 2 drawn.

[barebo]

Here's one - lucky to get it as the batteries died in the darn camera and the weather turned nasty!

[gutpile]

afraid you might lose that handle on the one bow... need more fade off core wood... your handle is the fade... gut

[PEARL DRUMS]

Your tiller looks nice, but may be unbalanced a tad. The lowers seem a bit stronger and its forcing the upper away from you. 1-2# of draw weight can fix that, if you are so inclined to mess with them. Sometimes that little bit of adjustment can make a bow feel totally different, shoot better and quiet right down.

[barebo]

Gut - that's a good point and I realized after I had it glued up that I should have made a riser piece at least as long as the tapered lam. I've shot close to 100 arrows and it's still holding so we'll see?

Pearl - you pointed out something I noticed as soon as I loaded the pic. I heat treated both limbs but likely shaved most of out of the top limb when I tillered it. I think you're 100% right about the top limb pushing forward.

Appreciate the input - that's how we learn!

[upstatenybowyer]

Great input from some of the best bowyers. You've obviously got a good eye for tillering. From there it's just a matter of honing your skills (IMHO). 

[barebo]

Jeff, this site is priceless for bowyer's knowledge! I am frequently in awe of the talent displayed here. I get impatient and want to get a string on and start flinging arrows! As you said, I need to slow down and refine / hone my tillering some. I've made some that were spot on but should strive for that with every one I guess.

Pic of the abalone strike plate on one of the recent ones. I used a dremel to shape it and it smells just like antler - BAD!

[DC]

Apparently abalone shell dust is dangerous to breath. Do a Google search on "breathing abalone shell dust"

[barebo]

I use a NIOSH mask when cutting / sanding Ipe, antler, abalone, bamboo, etc. Never smoked and want to keep my lungs healthy.

I got the mother of pearl and abalone from a luthier (guitar builder) and they use it frequently for inlays. I'm going to do the Google search for sure! Thanks for the info DC.