Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: sleek on December 26, 2012, 11:16:09 pm

Title: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
Post by: sleek on December 26, 2012, 11:16:09 pm
This tree was cut down with only a knife that I made from a file. ( Kinda proud of that. ) I reckoned it was a type of elm as the leaves had the alternating pattern and classic saw tooth edges. I tried to split it with the knife, but elm being elm... to the band saw it went. Now, over one year later I am making a bow of it and it sure smells sweet to me ( my wife says it stinks ) as I cut into it with my knife. I would really like to know what type of elm this is, and am starting to lean towards wych elm. Any help would be great. This bow is going to be my Christmas bow, as my other attempts have caused problems I would rather not pass on. It will be done in time though, no worries :)

I also wonder if it really makes a difference in which elm it is as far as properties of a bow go? An while I am on the subject, what type of elm has a purple heart wood?

(http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i411/rocketernally/xmas%20bow/photo1.jpg)

(http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i411/rocketernally/xmas%20bow/photo.jpg)
Title: Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
Post by: Zion on December 26, 2012, 11:28:36 pm
I think pretty much all elms will make a decent bow, don't hold me on my word tho.

Sounds like an awesome project! Are you going to be making this into a build?
Title: Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
Post by: sleek on December 26, 2012, 11:36:51 pm
Well, I can if you want me to...
Title: Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
Post by: Zion on December 26, 2012, 11:51:28 pm
i just read the build part in the title, i'll leave the decision up to you tho if you want to that'd be cool. If you don't that'd be cool  ;D
Title: Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
Post by: sleek on December 27, 2012, 03:53:14 pm
Eh sure, why not....