Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bloodhound on July 13, 2013, 06:56:07 pm

Title: ash growth rings
Post by: Bloodhound on July 13, 2013, 06:56:07 pm

I am working on an ash stave that developed checks all along the back. I removed 2 rings and got below the checking. The limbs are perfect but there is a big knot dead center in the handle where I am having trouble chasing the rings. My question is since it is dead center in the handle is it a problem if I leave it a ring or 2 higher there?

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: TacticalFate on July 13, 2013, 07:46:29 pm

As long as the handle doesnt bend you'll be fine methinks

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: Marc St Louis on July 13, 2013, 08:55:28 pm

It won't be a problem if it"s a stiff handle.

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: DarkSoul on July 14, 2013, 08:49:13 am

Ash is easy to ring chase. Try to get to the right ring, even though it won't be necessary as long as the handle stays (semi) rigid. Chase both limbs first to the correct ring, and then sneak up to the knots, from both limbs inwards. A scraper works excellent for this.

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: Bloodhound on July 14, 2013, 02:34:54 pm

I got it chased, picked up a flexcut mini flexible drawknife which worked perfect for this.

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: Marc St Louis on July 14, 2013, 10:05:04 pm

If you are making a stiff handle bow you can even have the limbs with 2 different levels of growth ring, as long as the change is inside the handle.

Title: Re: ash growth rings
Post by: BowSlayer on July 15, 2013, 11:30:56 am

is it a stiff handle? pics would help.