Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: KShip85 on January 22, 2010, 06:53:27 pm
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I cut this sycamore limb today and am trying to decide what can be done with it. I am planning on using the bottom half and hoping for it to bend back in to reflex as it dries. My one experience with sycamore had the split run off the side when I went to split it, so I am wondering if it is better to bandsaw it in two rather than split. Also, is it possible to leave the bark on since it is so thin and seemingly flexible? If so I'd like to leave it for the look. Haven't measured for sure but it is close to 6 feet or so if you follow the bend. Thanks for the help!
Kip
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/kshipley85/1264194702.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/kshipley85/1264194720.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/kshipley85/1264194740.jpg)
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Don't know much on how to tell you to go about making the bow but the bark will most likely come off as it dries. I've got some blocks of sycamore to make natural edge bowls from and the edges of the bark are starting to lift off.
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Kip...the Bark on Sycamore will pop off just like the Bark on Vine maple does as it is worked into a Bow...so my answer to you is split it...debark it...and seal it all up...I like working Sycamore and have made several working Bows from it with no problems so far....as for the Twist...once you split it...and debark it....and the Shellac is dry....clamp it to something to keep it from twisting up on you...if it is already twisted...steam it and clamp it down to pull it out while it is still wet...this isn't a large stave ...so it should not be too hard to pull the twist from it
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what would sycamore compare too. is it close to ash or a fruitwood say pesr or apple?