Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Cardboard_Duck on March 06, 2013, 09:03:11 pm

Title: Couple of questions on Red Elm
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on March 06, 2013, 09:03:11 pm

I am going to make a bow for a co-workers wife. Her dad had given her a bow when she was young (it was lost during a move) and she swears it was made of Elm, and I just happen to have this -

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8535743236_3af75e71a9_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8535743042_8d769883f5_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8535743374_4f3a5658c4_z.jpg)

I'm thinking somewhere around 62" and around #30 @ 26". I  have never worked with Red Elm before and was wondering if I can leave the sapwood on or do I have to remove it and chase a ring? I would really like to leave it on if possible. What design would work best? Parallel or a pyramid style, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Couple of questions on Red Elm
Post by: Dvshunter on March 06, 2013, 09:16:55 pm

Nice looking stick. Leave the sapwood on and make it 62 ntn. Tiller it as is with a profile that straight tapers after six or seven inches. Go an inch and a half wide for that parallel and taper to 3/8 tips. I might chase one rind down to have more of the heartwood in the limbs for looks but that's just me. Also consider heat treating some reflex into it for a bit more snap. I like elm its a joy to work. 

Title: Re: Couple of questions on Red Elm
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on March 06, 2013, 10:08:49 pm

Sweet, I was hoping I could just leave it on. I'll go down a ring or so to be able to leave on some heartwood and follow those dimensions. Thanks :)