Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bitterguy on February 21, 2013, 09:44:28 am

Title: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: Bitterguy on February 21, 2013, 09:44:28 am
I might be putting the cart before the horse here a bit but rps3 offered me a hickory stave since I was in the area and I wanted to pick it up sometime once im done with the red oak bow im working on now. I also have this hunk of black walnut, its about 6" in diamater, but not long enough to make a bow (i'll post pictures to clarify when I get home) and its just been sitting in my garage taking up space as of recent. My question is since I don't have a bandsaw how could I cut up this log into something that I can get a handle or two out of and some nocks for this stave I will probablly be getting in the near future?
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: Slackbunny on February 21, 2013, 09:55:15 am
Old fashioned hand saw would work, might be a fair bit of work, and you'd probably need to clean it up with a hand planer, but it would do the job.

There is an old thread around somewhere in which a guy shows how to get a long straight cut with a handsaw. I think all he does is tack a straight board to the log and then cut along the straight edge.
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 21, 2013, 09:56:12 am
Split it with an axe or hatchet and then use hand tools to square up a chunk.
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: Bitterguy on February 21, 2013, 11:14:51 am
Would it be possible to use a table saw?
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: Weylin on February 21, 2013, 11:21:28 am
I like a good, sharp hatchet
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: hedgeapple on February 21, 2013, 11:39:00 am
Bitterguy, of all the tools in my shop, the table saw scares the begeebees out of me.  Tables saw are designed to be used to cut dimention lumber.  Even when using lumber the saw can bind and kick ones hands onto the blade.  Splitters and irregular edge of a log made them more likely to bind and kick.

That being said, I have used my table saw to cut dimentional lumber for handles and overlays from small logs.  I split them in half then split them in half again to get as near to a 90 degree angle as possible.  The I square them with a shurform or rasp to remove all the splitter and make a flat surface for the "log" to lay on the table and against the fence.  Mind you, I'm not cutting anything over a couple inches tall.  USE THE PUSH POLE TO KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM THE BLADE.  Wear safety glasses.

I DO NOT RECCOMMEND OR ENDORSE USING A TABLE SAW IN THIS MANNER. 
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: rps3 on February 21, 2013, 11:58:01 am
Bring it with you and we will see what works best if you want. I have a band saw and wedges.
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: BOWMAN53 on February 21, 2013, 02:41:46 pm
Go to lowes/home depot and pick up a miterbox and saw, youll get straight flat cuts with that.
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: k-hat on February 21, 2013, 03:10:09 pm
You could also square up roughouts with a belt sander.  All you really need is one flat side for glue up anyway.
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: bow101 on February 21, 2013, 03:55:57 pm
Split it with an axe or hatchet and then use hand tools to square up a chunk.
X2 
Title: Re: Tips and handles from a log?
Post by: Bitterguy on February 21, 2013, 04:16:56 pm
Ill be sure to remember it rps, this bow will be an early b-day present to my dad, which gives me a couple months, hopefully I can get it done by then   ::)