Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: kevinsmith5 on January 05, 2013, 05:28:41 pm

Title: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: kevinsmith5 on January 05, 2013, 05:28:41 pm
What's everybodies opinion of that as a combination? I'm trying to make a low draw (25-35 lb) left handed bow for a lady who does Renaisance re-enactments. She needs a combination of pretty and functional.
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: Del the cat on January 05, 2013, 05:30:28 pm
I wouldn't think you need to bother with a backing at that poundage.
Del
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: lostarrow on January 05, 2013, 06:31:06 pm
 ditto . Either wood should make a fine self bow.  There wouldn't be much contrast between the two, if you were going for aesthetics. Walnut  or Ipe etc. would contrast nice with a Hickory or Ash backing.
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: kevinsmith5 on January 05, 2013, 09:22:25 pm
She wants a reflex deflex. Apparently its because that's what Legolas carries. So I'll need to glue in a profile. .
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: PatM on January 05, 2013, 09:35:24 pm
You can just steam to attain the legolas bow profile.
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: bubby on January 05, 2013, 09:51:11 pm
You can just steam to attain the legolas bow profile.

yeah just steam it in and use a bendy handle design, that will make a nice shooter that can be a bit shorter, how long a draw, Bub
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: kevinsmith5 on January 05, 2013, 10:01:08 pm
26". She wants it 64", so that's easy.
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: bubby on January 06, 2013, 12:26:54 am
as it's a reenactment bow i'd go bendy handle, I think it would look more the part, Bub
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: lostarrow on January 06, 2013, 11:58:19 am
Hey Scott D ,  I probably wont change your mind , but I would take a rift sawn board any day . you can send them to me if you want. ;D . you have to look at the whole picture here. If you take a look at that grain from the end that you cut, you should see that the  annual rings still run from front to back for the most part. Couple that with the fact that you will be narrowing the tips to 1/2" or 3/8"(?) gives you  good solid wood . I like it because you  have multiple growth rings ,sort of laminated up, so you arent relying on one (possibly suspect when you haven't harvested it yourself and gone through the drying process) ring for the back 1/8 inch that's doing all of the tension work. You're right  though, board bows have their own peculiarities and a backing never hurts.

 If you do decide for a hickory back ,Kevin, I would suggest keeping it about 1/8" thick. Plenty enough to do the work ,without overpowering the belly. Trapping is another option but will give a totally different look to the bow.Good luck! Can't wait to see the  pics.
Title: Re: Hickory backed ash?
Post by: mnviking on January 06, 2013, 08:35:17 pm
very interesting discussion for a beginner like me.  thanks.