Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: 15DLongbow on February 02, 2012, 08:06:26 pm
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Hi guys, Im new here and i've recently started a project to build my first bow. Right Now as it stands its a Red Oak Mollegabet style bow. anything i should be considering while making it and do i need to have a backing on it?
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board bow or stave bow?
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slow and steady will always win these races.
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Welcome to PA! Looking forward to seeing that first bow.
Tattoo Dave
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Its a Board bow not pefect but the grain is straight through the working limbs. Im planning on making this one nice and long in hope that its gonna be more forgiving probably 68-70" and My Goal is 50# at 28". So far all ive got is the handle cut out and about 90% done. I'm just wondering if its safe to saw down the length of the thin stiff limbs or if i should just take my time and surform and file it down?
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I would suggest skipping that style bow with red oak and your first bow. Go to poorfolkbows.com and build what he shows. Its easy and a good way to learn general skills before you tackle one of the tougher designs to tiller.
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Welcome and may the force be with you ::)
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The only reason i wouldnt want to build the bow he made on his site is that on the board i have, the grain wanders off the board on the tips so i really wouldnt want to have those sections bending. Thats kinda why i went with the Mollegabet style. Plus, I'm a sucker for a trial by fire.
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10-4! Have fun!
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Oh i will, I got the handle roughed out and the Riser's glued and clamped. Tomorrow im gonna start work on the limbs and then this weekend im gonna get to build a Tiller lol
Edit: also, Would it be looked down upon to use Alum. Arrows with this? or should i just go all out and make the Arrows aswell?
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WELCOME! If you have access to wood arrow shafts thats how I would go but thats just me, I wouldnt look down on alum arrows though if you were in a pinch to shoot your new bow if she makes it. Post pics as you go! the guys on this site are some of the best in the world and can really help you succeed on your first bow! Good luck and keep us posted.
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I am planning on backing the Bow, I really dont want to use drywall tape cause it just seems wrong lol.
I've heard silk is supposed to make a good backing, but where would i get a silk strip in the length i need?
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Pretty sure that if you back it with drywall tape the powers that be will move this thread out of the bow section because this section is only for bows made from natural materials. Fair warning. Not saying you should or shouldn't do it but your project will be beyond the scope of this forum. i know that rawhide is a cheap, strong and often used backing. It might be worth considering if you want some extra insurance. make sure it's nice and thin like deer or goat hide, I've heard cow hide is too thick.
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thats why i didnt want to back it with drywall tape..just doesnt seem to belong. lol
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Check your goodwill store. Get some old silk ties. Also check for womens dresses, slacks made from silk. Scarfs. You can find silk pretty easily. I have used other fabrics. I got a 'snake skin' print and cut it into strips. works fine.
Bevan
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I've backed 2 oak board bows using burlap bags and titebond 3 with good results. I really like the look, it kind of breaks up the profile. I have hunted all winter (with no luck) and every thing has held up well in all weather.
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Burlap? I actually like that idea. And i think i might have a 25'x10' laying around. And titebond 2 should be fine right?
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Titebond 3 is waterproof. I hunt in a lot of wet weather so I opted for the 3. Not a good pic but here is my new hunting bow with burlap.
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that doesnt look too bad, Hopefully ill post up pics up by the end of today.. I had a we bit of a screw up so im set back a day or so but it should be back on track soon.
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Heres the progress so far, Static limbs are finished and just working on shaving down the working limbs before i get it on the Tiller.
Also, I should apply the backing before i Tiller it right?
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Nice pic. Those are some pretty narrow static tips. Are they thick enough to stay tough? Side view might help...
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Since it's not a working back, it's kind of up to you. If you think the bow might lift a splinter or worse, blow, in tiller then back it before. I've backed one after, another in the middle, both good results.
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The static limbs start at 3/4" at the base and narrow out to 1/2" at the tips While being 3/4" thick throughout, Me lightly bending the bowlimb so far doesnt seem to show any bend throughout the static limb. also, whats the best way to evenly remove wood from the working limbs? I'm using a surform but not sure if there is a better way.
Edit: The static limbs might look extra Narrow cause i Kept the working limbs wide at 2.5"
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I like my shinto rasp, but as you get down to the finer stuff I prefer a furniture scaper.
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Those run outs are gonna kill that board. You are going to have to back it if you want to bend it. I suggest hickory.
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I have to disagree Pearly, I have made unbacked bows from boards with worse grain than that (but the picture is blurry so it may be worse than what i think it is). However I am nervous that the bow will end up failing, from compression instead of tension however. I made an oak molle with a perfect tiller last summer and withing a 1000 shots it chrysaled terribly throughout the entire limb... This design is just not well suited for red oak. However mine was shorter than yours so yours may have a chance... I would definitely NOT back that board with hickory, because this will increase the compression strain on the limbs, making them even more likely to chrysal. Good luck.
Jon
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Is that pic of the back or belly? Josh
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back, and i plan on taking chasing crows Idea and Im backing it with Burlap.
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back, and i plan on taking chasing crows Idea and Im backing it with Burlap.
That would be a good idea. Those run-offs would be a problem, especially in a Molly. Josh
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Yeah, I knew they were gonna be trouble from the beginning, if it blows then atleast I'll get some practice in right? Sadly that was the best piece i could find around here haha
Update: 2-11 I got the limbs down to the right thickness and the backing is clamped and drying. I took the day to make a Tillering tree for it, a couple 2x4's and some screws and i was done. all i have left to do on the bow is cut the nocks and start my first attempt at tillering.