Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: wapiti1997 on November 06, 2013, 04:52:01 pm
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This is my 3rd bow. It is from a tree that I cut last December that was 80+years old and about 8" in diameter. I split it into staves, left some with sapwood on as the rings were really tight and I didn't know if I could chase them or not.
I backed it with a ball python skin. It was killed crawling across a lady's patio.. I was contacted via a "what is this and is it venomous?" call...
I "reluctantly" removed it from the scene.... :D
My wife asked that I make a bow for her brother for Christmas.. So.. it inspired me.. The python skin is much thicker and difficult than a native snake.. It could be a real backing.. I got a checking crack when I heat treated to induce reflex and remove prop twist, only one limb as I used oil on the other. Most of the crack disappeared when I tillered, but a with the grain hairline still is there...
MY BIL is graduating from optometry school this spring. I name this bow. "Opti-Mystic"
I haven't sealed it yet, still final sanding and trying to be sure the snake is dry, it took a couple of weeks and I now have it in a hot box, well it an insulated box that I added to the HVAC duct..... The scales don't want to come off like our snakes do.
Flipped the tips, antler and black walnut overlays.. I'm not able to make my tips look like each other yet... lol...
Much of the reflex left, due to moisture? I excersized the limbs monotonously.. I'm very pleased with it..
Here it is 65"ntn, 45# at 28. Sorry for the blurry cell pics...
As always, constructive criticism is welcomed! I don't have anyone close to look at my work, I'm very fortunate to be hare and to have met a few of you.
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/1106131507_zps2bd5b558.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/1106131507_zps2bd5b558.jpg.html)
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/1106131507a_zpsfb57e5ce.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/1106131507a_zpsfb57e5ce.jpg.html)
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/1106131508_zps94e18bf9.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/1106131508_zps94e18bf9.jpg.html)
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/1106131511a_zpscc84cce0.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/1106131511a_zpscc84cce0.jpg.html)
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3rd bow? That's a great job! Nice looking snake. Get it in for BOM!
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Nice work. Looks Great!
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Real nice tiller, good job for number 3.
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I like it!! Good job.
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Nice bend on that bow... 8) looks good
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Nice work, must shoot nice with that profile and fine tiller. I'm with Parnell, lets see it again in BOM thread.
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winner winner, chicken dinner, that came out nice, bub
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Good 3rd bow Joe ;)
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Real nice work Joe!
Tracy
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I'm working on my 3rd self bow. The pipe bow. Sure don't look like that. Good job
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Hey Joe, That's looking really good, Way better than my third bow. Love those skins too.
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Just had to take another look at the pics.... nice bow... just curious how wide is it at the fades and mid limb and how thick is it at mid limb??
DBar
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Good looking bow. My tips never look the same either, but I kind of like it that way.
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I agree, nice bow. Get it in the BOM.
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Just had to take another look at the pics.... nice bow... just curious how wide is it at the fades and mid limb and how thick is it at mid limb??
DBar
Measuring tape??? Seriously?? LOL I started out marking it at 1 3/4 at the widest then tapering to 1 1/4" at mid limb then to 1/2 tips, but I haven't thinned the tips to that yet... skeered... It's right at 3/8 thick at mid limb. I'll check the actual measurements to confirm... The skin was fairly thick, maybe 1/16"..
That being said, I did add some "character" by undulating a bit with the width. Then when sanding the edges off of the skins some places (because of the sapwood) tore out a bit, 40 grit sandpaper wrapped on a block. This caused even more irregularity in the appearance.
I cut the snakeskin in half lengthwise to work on the bow, the neck pieces meet at the handle center which I trimmed to meet on a band making the seam less visible.
Thanks for the kind words guys!
It is very rewarding as many of you know to cut a tree, split the staves, and make a beautiful bow. The melodic sound of the draw knife on osage, the sweet smell of the wood, and the silky feel of the final sanded bow is a romantic adventure...
My BIL is not an archer, although he has expressed interest. It will most likely end up on the wall more than being bent..
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Looks great! Really? ...................... only your third? That's one steep learning curve!
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Very nice bow. Great job on it
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Nice! I always wondered how a ball python backing would look. Never figured to find out since they're mostly pets.
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Wish my 3rd looked that good, or my 4th ...
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Looks like a sweet shooter! Very nicely done sir! Josh
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Bill, you asked for measurements: 1 3/4 at the widest tapering to 1 1/8 at mid limb. Skin and wood thickness at mid limb is 11/16, the sapwood there is about 1/8 I was off on my guess of 3/8...
I learned a lot from this stave, kind of "tested" my techniques. Thanks again for the compliments!