Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bigcountry on July 29, 2009, 12:34:30 am

Title: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on July 29, 2009, 12:34:30 am

Ok, so a few months ago I broke this yew longbow on its belly by bending the wrong way after having on a tiller tree.  Learned a tough lesson.  So I got a hold of this one yew billet.  I am thinking of cutting the yew bow in half, and trying to fit to some metal sleeves like 3R's sells and fitting a new limb.  This bow was an attempt to build the one like in TBB Vol1.  A semibend in the handle bow.  Now, if I put the sleeves on, its going to be stiff handled I realize, but its 69" long now.

Think its a good idea?  Or should I shop around for another billet and do a Z-splice and make a stiff handled yew bow?  The side that was not broken had a nice even tiller before it broke, so I guess the challenge would be to match it up.
Are sleeves very reliable and strong?

My dimensions around the handle are 1" X 1.25".  Do you think that is enough wood for a small sleeve from 3R?

Here is the bow with the billet.  I have the bow tie wrapped up together where it broke.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/YewStave/YewLongbow1.jpg)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/YewStave/YewLongbow2.jpg)

Here it is after the break. 
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/YewStave/Yewbreak.jpg)

 :o

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: adb on July 29, 2009, 01:15:10 am

Hey, why not go for it? Worst case scenario is it doesn't work, but you're bound to learn something along the way!

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: radius on July 29, 2009, 02:52:24 am

that billet almost looks big enough to split in half and make a whole new bow...what dimensions is it?

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: Pappy on July 29, 2009, 05:25:33 am

I like the sleeves,I am doing an Osage right now on 2 bows I had a limbs break.I am not sure on the size I always get the small.I think they have the dimensions of them in the book.I got one from 3 rivers but got this last one from Mike Yancey. They work pretty good ,you just have to be careful not to bend or warp them while you are working on them.Very close fit.Keep us posted. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: bigcountry on July 29, 2009, 09:15:34 am

Quote from: radius on July 29, 2009, 02:52:24 am

that billet almost looks big enough to split in half and make a whole new bow...what dimensions is it?

When I bought it, I bought it under the assumption I could split in half.  Its 3" wide which I thought was plenty wide, but that one side has those huge knots.  I am sure a skilled bowyer might be able to make magic out of it.  But not I.  So sat thinking what to do.  And this is the best I came up with. 

I might give the sleeve a try.  Unless I see another good billet somewhere.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: bigcountry on July 29, 2009, 09:17:07 am

I guess the only thing that bothers me is it was a slightly bend in the handle bow.  And not sure if the sleeve will keep it stiff enough. 

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: Pappy on July 29, 2009, 09:40:56 am

It will,it's steel outside and brass inside. about 4 inches or so long.
   Pappy

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: Dean Marlow on July 29, 2009, 11:29:36 am

I was wondering if you could use that other billet and make a z splice and use it. Dean

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: bigcountry on July 29, 2009, 12:42:26 pm

Quote from: Pappy on July 29, 2009, 09:40:56 am

It will,it's steel outside and brass inside. about 4 inches or so long.
   Pappy

Called 3R's and talked to a guy there.  He said they are very rigid.  So I don't have to worry about that.  So then we got into size and do I have enough wood on the old bow.  My handle on the old bow is little under 1" X 1.2".  He said the sleeve on the inside was those exact dimensions, but wished I had more wood to make a tight fit. 

So I started adding it up and it would be 60 dollars for MT13 epoxy and sleeves.  Pretty expensive for an experiment.  And I could probably get a nice billet for that price.  So I got to decide what to do.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: Pappy on July 30, 2009, 05:45:19 am

I got the last one from Mike Yancey and just used a tube of 2 part epoxy from Wally world.I may have 40 in it. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair
Post by: bigcountry on July 30, 2009, 09:55:35 am

I went ahead and ordered it.  I will shot pictures if it works out. 

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (Fixed after 5 years)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:20:34 pm

So, I found my old thread when I broke my first yew bow.  I was trying to replicate the Trad Bowyers Bible Vol 1 bow.

So after unmeasureable hours, I bought a billet, put on a take-down sleeve, made some horn tips, and got what I think is one of my best bows yet.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:32:34 pm

So, lets go back and see the damage.  Very sad.  Turned the bow backwards and decided to take out some set.  Tough lesson learned
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/Yewbreak.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/Yewbreak.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:34:29 pm

About 4 years, ago found a suitable billet on the fleebay

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/YewLongbow1.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/YewLongbow1.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:37:48 pm

Lets fast forward about 4 years to before Christmas 2013. 

Over the past 4 years, I came back and forth to the bow, and fitted a takedown sleeve, major pain in the rear.  Finally got it on the tiller board.  Getting there.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/62B508F9-A661-40B4-91B1-394494EEB638_zpsxtzbjyax.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/62B508F9-A661-40B4-91B1-394494EEB638_zpsxtzbjyax.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: adb on January 19, 2014, 01:41:14 pm

Your tiller looks pretty nice, so far. The pic is a bit blurry, but other than that, looks OK. Where are you at (in terms of draw weight & length)?

Also, for me, you've got too much going on in the background on your tiller tree. I just use simple horizontal lines, 2" apart. Do you use a scale in-line while tillering?

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:44:59 pm

Now, something I have been wanting to tackle for years.  Making those cool ELB slip on tips.  I was hesitating it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but who knows how many hours I have in getting em on.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/EABACE7C-19F3-46B0-A6EC-F7675AC74692_zpsezdvci0r.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/EABACE7C-19F3-46B0-A6EC-F7675AC74692_zpsezdvci0r.jpg.html)

Got em on some little sticks, and cutting and grinding, and sanding.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/DFAD48AF-D6B9-4B2D-A3BA-4467CC4D880A_zpsypj7odjj.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/DFAD48AF-D6B9-4B2D-A3BA-4467CC4D880A_zpsypj7odjj.jpg.html)

Lots of work fitting.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/72E6D843-7013-4EFB-8DC4-513710632E1D_zps1rkgkrof.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/72E6D843-7013-4EFB-8DC4-513710632E1D_zps1rkgkrof.jpg.html)

Starting to wonder if this is worth it.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/4D3972B1-B9C2-42BB-A4A3-EA85019FAE8F_zpst2merz1x.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/4D3972B1-B9C2-42BB-A4A3-EA85019FAE8F_zpst2merz1x.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:47:53 pm

So after all that fitting, I screwed up the tiller, now the top limb is over 2.5" longer, and as you can see, its too much, I would have to raise my arrow nock way too high over center.  Had to cut and redo top.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/B71A81DB-102B-45B6-81B9-B80F5B8365B8_zpsskbfwlhg.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/B71A81DB-102B-45B6-81B9-B80F5B8365B8_zpsskbfwlhg.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: adb on January 19, 2014, 01:48:59 pm

First time for horn nocks is a bit of a pain in the arse, but like you said, it gets easier. The transition between wood and nock is the hard part. Check out some of toomanyknots ELBs. His transitions are world class.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: adb on January 19, 2014, 01:51:09 pm

Quote from: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:47:53 pm

So after all that fitting, I screwed up the tiller, now the top limb is over 2.5" longer, and as you can see, its too much, I would have to raise my arrow nock way too high over center.  Had to cut and redo top.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/B71A81DB-102B-45B6-81B9-B80F5B8365B8_zpsskbfwlhg.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/B71A81DB-102B-45B6-81B9-B80F5B8365B8_zpsskbfwlhg.jpg.html)

 ??? It's usually the bottom limb that becomes longer, but your tiller looks fine in the pic.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:52:06 pm

So, hours later, really just PO'd at this bow, I got the tiller where I want it.  Shot it a bunch, and she is at 55lbs.  This bow did not want to loose wieght.  I felt like I scraped for hours to get down to 55lbs.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/017BEE1F-BB41-448A-B4DB-FB141BA71C31_zpsmhuoxqkm.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/017BEE1F-BB41-448A-B4DB-FB141BA71C31_zpsmhuoxqkm.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: adb on January 19, 2014, 01:54:39 pm

Your tiller is wonderful.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 01:55:12 pm

So, this bow is a firsts of lots of things.  First time with a sleeve, first time with yew, first time slide on horn nocks.  So, I did something I have been meaning to try.  A modified Strunk type handle.

I couldn't do it like he does, because its a takedown and can do the wraps nice at the top, but finally got it the way I like it.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/AB4C707C-E53D-4513-9180-129F85A889DF_zpsmgsddpfn.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/AB4C707C-E53D-4513-9180-129F85A889DF_zpsmgsddpfn.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 02:00:54 pm

Thanks adb.

So, after all that and I bet 50 hours of work or more, here she is.  Named her 2-pac, one because I think thats funny, and two, because it comes in two, and easy to pack.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/DD1A4DA4-8BD2-45D3-9E01-EF6DDE588E73_zpsswyp1oi1.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/DD1A4DA4-8BD2-45D3-9E01-EF6DDE588E73_zpsswyp1oi1.jpg.html)

Some of the tips
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/E7EEF5E0-3905-4808-809C-41369A913F6C_zpsb6xpand6.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/E7EEF5E0-3905-4808-809C-41369A913F6C_zpsb6xpand6.jpg.html)

Broken down.  This also was a time killer.  Took days to fit. Now she pops like a cork.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/9755A3CA-E687-4D83-9C31-7C03C7BE4222_zpsblq9dmw1.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/9755A3CA-E687-4D83-9C31-7C03C7BE4222_zpsblq9dmw1.jpg.html)

Another broke down shot
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/A25B266A-7D8A-4582-971C-2F9BAF516DD4_zpsqubg2efr.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/A25B266A-7D8A-4582-971C-2F9BAF516DD4_zpsqubg2efr.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 02:03:02 pm

And finally, the finished product at full draw.  Feels good to get this monkey off my back.  everytime going out to the garage, I would see it, and say, "not right now".  Thanks. for looking

2-Pac
67" NTN
55lbs @ 28"

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/bigcountry_ky/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/D645FB9E-E3CB-48E4-B937-F5C2D7B4D46C_zpsrxnspnoa.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/bigcountry_ky/media/Selfbows%20Backed%20Bows/YewStave/D645FB9E-E3CB-48E4-B937-F5C2D7B4D46C_zpsrxnspnoa.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: Weylin on January 19, 2014, 02:18:07 pm

Well done! Nice save. It pays to have persistence sometimes, doesn't it.  :D

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on January 19, 2014, 02:32:21 pm

Nice work perseverance pays big dividends!

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: adb on January 19, 2014, 03:31:36 pm

Nicely done! I've had bows like that... looked at them for months (or more) and just never 'got around to it.' I actually just finished one of those... I just have to finish up the grip, and I'll post it soon. It's been laying on my bench for over a year, waiting for glue-up and profiling. Sometimes I'm not 100% sure why stuff like that doesn't get done.  ::)

Did you make out OK with tip alignment using the take down sleeve?

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 19, 2014, 07:47:45 pm

I don't know why, but I am great at starting bows, but finishing is tough.  I got to be in a real mood for floor tillering.  Floor tillering is little monotonous.   Now, after I get a string on it, I tear into it. 

What I did to keep alignment, was to keep the fit the uncut billet to the sleeve, then trim out its shape to make sure tips are aligned.

Thanks

Quote from: adb on January 19, 2014, 03:31:36 pm

Nicely done! I've had bows like that... looked at them for months (or more) and just never 'got around to it.' I actually just finished one of those... I just have to finish up the grip, and I'll post it soon. It's been laying on my bench for over a year, waiting for glue-up and profiling. Sometimes I'm not 100% sure why stuff like that doesn't get done.  ::)

Did you make out OK with tip alignment using the take down sleeve?

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: Arrowind on January 19, 2014, 10:17:45 pm

NICE JOB!  You really pulled that one off!  good save!

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 20, 2014, 07:57:32 am

Good looking bow country, nice recovery to.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: bigcountry on January 20, 2014, 11:02:36 am

Pearl, I was thinking about curving the tips like your last one, but it shot well.  I have never made a static recurve.

That was a nice bow you built.

Title: Re: Need advise on Yew Longbow Repair (fixed after 5 years!!!)
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 20, 2014, 11:12:20 am

Thanks man. If the stave is naturally (mostly) straight, recurves as easy as flat bows.