Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: WarBird on February 08, 2013, 10:29:32 pm

Title: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 08, 2013, 10:29:32 pm
This is my first bow, it is a mollegabet style long bow out of red oak (didn't want to use a better/more expensive wood on my first one just in case). It is only about 35# and 28" draw but it shoots nice. A little stiffness in the upper limb but hey, it's my first go. My next one will be an osage recurve as there is osage all over the place around here so I should be able to snag a good stave easily. Anyone have luck with a 3 piece recurve? Not sure if I want to do a solid bow next or a 3 piece with osage limbs and a more rigid wood for the handle. Suggestions/opinions?
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: ionicmuffin on February 08, 2013, 10:31:43 pm
can we see a full draw? looks good to me!
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Ozzy on February 08, 2013, 10:36:22 pm
Got to love the first one look nice :D :D
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 08, 2013, 10:39:51 pm
Here is a full draw (ignore the poor form...). This is before more tillering to try and work out some of the stiffness.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Dvshunter on February 08, 2013, 10:44:50 pm
Congratulations on a cool first bow.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: David_Daugherty on February 08, 2013, 11:10:16 pm
Congratulations on your first one.  I hung my first one up on the wall in my man cave, lol.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: BOWMAN53 on February 08, 2013, 11:15:53 pm
Congrats, the first one is always the hardest. My first didn't even shoot lol.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 08, 2013, 11:22:38 pm
Thanks guys. There was certainly some serious learning going on with it, now I can't wait to start the next one. Damn it's addicting...
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: BOWMAN53 on February 08, 2013, 11:32:39 pm
Yeah very addicting  >:D don't be shy about asking for help, there are no dumb questions and everyone on here will help you as much as possible.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Keenan on February 08, 2013, 11:56:46 pm
Congratulations on your first bow. Welcome to PA as well. Glad to see you are well on your way into the world of Primitive Archery. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Newindian on February 09, 2013, 12:01:13 am
Congrats on the first, how wide are the tips?
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 09, 2013, 12:01:55 am
Thanks guys! I definitely won't hesitate. You ever try to do a recurve in 3 pieces? The limbs with osage and the handle with a more rigid wood? Or do you think it best to use a solid construction and use a riser instead?
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 09, 2013, 12:05:51 am
Congrats on the first, how wide are the tips?

They were originally 2" until I got my string and realized that the loops were for a traditional long bow style so I had to knock em down to 1/2". I was worried at first but it is very strong still.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: bigbird583 on February 09, 2013, 12:09:18 am
Well your braver than I.  I love that style bow but was to chicken to try it first.  Well done.

Bird
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Newindian on February 09, 2013, 01:48:21 am
Sounds like you want to make a modern take down. I wouldn't recommend mankind a recurve for your second bow, or a take down. In my opinion there really isn't Mich point in a three piece if you want it to be easier to transport try a two peice
 
the handle with a more rigid wood? /quote]

It dosnt get much more rigid than osage
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 09, 2013, 01:59:26 am
Alright, thank you. I think I'll stick to the one piece for now then. Maybe I'll experiment more once I've got a bit of skill and experience under my belt.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Weylin on February 09, 2013, 04:55:05 am
Suggestions/opinions?

Congrats on your first bow! I really like the finish work. I'm always hesitant to bring up issues in people's bows that they are presenting but since you asked for suggestions and opinions I wanted to point out a spot in your tiller that might give you some trouble as you shoot your bow. Your top limb is doing almost all of it's bending right out of the handle section and that is causing a dangerous looking hinge. If it were my bow I would do my best to get the rest of the bow bending more to take pressure off of that spot. Molle's are tough to tiller and not very forgiving of mistakes. One of the only bow's I've broken was a molle, so I know.  ;) And I also concur that a one piece would be better than a three piece for your next bow. Simple bows are just as good as fancy bows and a lot easier to make. Good luck, have fun and post pictures.  8)
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Dvshunter on February 09, 2013, 09:40:08 am
Congratulations on a cool first bow.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: sadiejane on February 09, 2013, 09:43:33 am
good job on your first bow
welcome to pa!
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: SLIMBOB on February 09, 2013, 10:22:10 am
Good first effort.  I agree with Weylin above.  Fix the weak spot on the top limb before it breaks or just simply gives up tryin.  None of my tillers are perfect, some aren't even good, but I recognize good tiller and strive for it on all of 'em.  Look at a few bows of this style and try to match the shape.  Welcome to PA and I look forward to your next one.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Sidewinder on February 09, 2013, 11:41:45 am
Congrats on your first bow. I must commend you on trying a Molle first time out. Take a look at Blackhawks Black lociust molle. Thats how the tiller should look. Good job on the effort and now go get another stave or board which ever you prefer and make another one. Oh and welcome to the addiction.    Danny
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: WarBird on February 09, 2013, 08:30:03 pm
Thanks guys, I've worked on that upper limb more since but it is still a bit stiff. But it's good learning, I need to get a book or something on the tiller process I think because I'm just going on instinct and guts here and It's still off. Better, but not great.
Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Knapper on February 09, 2013, 09:55:35 pm
Never thought anything was wrong with red oak. My first twenty bows were board bows and board lams. It's a great way to start. Nice first bow, my first one never shot :) keep them coming.
Knapper