Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Cameroo on April 30, 2014, 01:14:17 pm

Title: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Cameroo on April 30, 2014, 01:14:17 pm: It's obvious from some of the recent topics, that we have a group of people on this forum that are not only very talented, but also very passionate about our craft. Some of us have been at it for decades, others for only a short time. But regardless of how long we've been at it, it occurred to me that all of us probably have accomplished something that gave us a great sense of satisfaction.

I think it might be interesting have a thread for all of us to show off one (or more!) of our favorite pieces of work. You be the judge of what the criteria are - could be just a great performer, something "pretty", something that was difficult or very time consuming to achieve... whatever! Anything that made you sit back and think, "That's pretty cool that I actually made that".

Please take a minute or two to share some of your proudest achievements, with a little description, and pictures if possible. Include details of any struggles you've had along the way, thought processes to overcome those difficulties, etc.

Experience does not matter! It would be great to hear from all levels of bowyers!
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Cameroo on April 30, 2014, 01:14:36 pm: Since I started the thread, I guess I'll kick it off. Now I've been building bows for about 4 years I guess, but I am not one of those guys that pumps out a bow every day. I've probably got about 20 under my belt, and about 10 other failures. This bow is one of my favorites to date. Nothing really exceptional, just a nice shooter that probably has the nicest tiller of any of my others. It took almost no set, and has virtually no hand shock to speak of. I took my time on the finishing touches and was really happy with how it turned out. Some stats - Maple-backed ipe, 66" between the knocks, 47 lbs @ 28", gator-embossed veg-tanned cowhide for the grip, with hair-on calf hide for the strike plate. The string is a 10 strand fast flight with ugly rubber string silencers on it.

I have another heavy (115lb) EWB that I am working on that presented some greater challenges, but due to the weather I have not been able to take it out into the field yet for it's trial run. I'm going to be giddy if everything holds out, as this will be not only my first successful self bow, but also my heaviest draw weight yet. I'll update with pics once the weather smartens up.

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/collage.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: PatM on April 30, 2014, 01:30:02 pm: Back in 2001 the horsebow revival craze was on and everyone was lamenting the fact that one had to either attempt to make or buy a true composite or settle for one of the glass replica bows by Grozer or Kassai.
I cut down an Elm tree and Marc St. Louis sent me some sinew and I made this bow a short time later. It is low set despite being poorly seasoned originally and I soaked off the backing once when the original commercial hideglue crackled way to much for my liking.
The bow has an endless stack free draw and throws a long bamboo arrow like nothing else.
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/pat_05/IMG_0886.jpg)
Here it is at at least 32 inches pulled by bare thumb.
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/pat_05/IMG_0887.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Badger on April 30, 2014, 01:45:47 pm: Last year at the flights when I set a new record for the 50# self bow in the broadhead class was one of mine. My first record was something like 203 yards and I was happy with that but I knew the bows had a lot more in them. Last year I hit 221 yards with a 500 grain broadhead and was proud of that. I also set a 50# record for flight arrows but that was a bit hollow as I know these bows have another 100 yards in them with an ideal shot, I hit 341 yards.

My proudest could only be appreciated by me as no one else actually knew what I was doing. When I built the giant bow for the DaVinci show about 25 ft long I had to calculate how much they would be able to crank on the gears they were using and build a bow that would kind of max that out. I had no time for a prototype and only one shot at it. I hit it perfectly as it took two guys pushing on the crank to get the last few inches. I built several small scale models and just hped it would scale up properly. The stored energy, draw weight and stresses came out just like I had figured. I felt proud that a high school drop out with A.D.D was able to hold it together long enough to complete it. It was funny because I know I was the only one who could really appreciate it.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Del the cat on April 30, 2014, 02:03:36 pm: Probably my first ever Yew ELB... there was blood sweat and tears in that and several years searching for the stave. It was a childhood ambition brought to fruition. (I'm currently refurbishing it, hoping to give it some more use, by applying all I've learned over the intervening 40 years :o)
I'm V proud of my bowyers diary.
Originally done because I felt I should know more about creating a website/blog and as an aide-memoire for myself. I've had plenty of appreciation of it and met some great people because of it. It's given help and encouragement to a good few newbies.
That's what I like about bow making, the more you put in, the more you get back. That and the fact that we are all still learning.... even when it's only 'cos we forgot what we did last time ;)
Del
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Bogaman on April 30, 2014, 03:04:56 pm: Watching my grandson take third in the clout shoot at Mojam one year. It was an adult shoot basically, he was 12 at the time, and I had helped him make the bow at the event the previous year;^)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 30, 2014, 03:06:05 pm: Took my son Jake to a summer camp early in 2012. Lot's of different activities for the kiddos all designed to be educational and fun. They studied bugs, snakes, birds, history, archeology and so forth. The fellow that taught the archeology class had some really cool stuff including lots of stone points and tools. His bow that he used in the class was another story. We got to talking and turns out he was the Texas State Archeologist and one of the directors for the Texas Historical Commission. He put on these types of shows for the kids all over the state. Said he was a bit embarrassed about the bow, but it was all he had to use. I told him I would make him a Plains Style Bow for his classes but that it might take me a while. He thanked me, gave me his card and I'm sure forgot about the conversation the moment I left. I called him in December and told him who I was and that I had something for him. We met up a few days later and Jake handed him the bow. To say he was surprised was an understatement. The bow now travels with him to his shows and is a little better compliment to his collection. Nothing real special about the bow itself, pretty straight forward Osage plains style bow with a sinew string, 48" long, 45lbs at 24 inches. But I took a great deal of satisfaction in making it for him.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Badger on April 30, 2014, 03:08:31 pm: Quote from: Bogaman on April 30, 2014, 03:04:56 pm
Watching my grandson take third in the clout shoot at Mojam one year. It was an adult shoot basically, he was 12 at the time, and I had helped him make the bow at the event the previous year;^)

Thats cool, I know exactly what yu are talking about.
Quote from: PatM on April 30, 2014, 01:30:02 pm
Back in 2001 the horsebow revival craze was on and everyone was lamenting the fact that one had to either attempt to make or buy a true composite or settle for one of the glass replica bows by Grozer or Kassai.
I cut down an Elm tree and Marc St. Louis sent me some sinew and I made this bow a short time later. It is low set despite being poorly seasoned originally and I soaked off the backing once when the original commercial hideglue crackled way to much for my liking.
The bow has an endless stack free draw and throws a long bamboo arrow like nothing else.
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/pat_05/IMG_0886.jpg)
Here it is at at least 32 inches pulled by bare thumb.
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/pat_05/IMG_0887.jpg)

That is a beautiful bow Pat!
Quote from: Del the cat on April 30, 2014, 02:03:36 pm
Probably my first ever Yew ELB... there was blood sweat and tears in that and several years searching for the stave. It was a childhood ambition brought to fruition. (I'm currently refurbishing it, hoping to give it some more use, by applying all I've learned over the intervening 40 years :o)
I'm V proud of my bowyers diary.
Originally done because I felt I should know more about creating a website/blog and as an aide-memoire for myself. I've had plenty of appreciation of it and met some great people because of it. It's given help and encouragement to a good few newbies.
That's what I like about bow making, the more you put in, the more you get back. That and the fact that we are all still learning.... even when it's only 'cos we forgot what we did last time ;)
Del

One more thing off your bucket list, hard to shake those childhood goals, thats what got me into wood bows.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Marc St Louis on April 30, 2014, 03:23:51 pm: Wow, I haven't seen that bow in a long time Pat.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: PAHunter on April 30, 2014, 04:53:27 pm: Great topic; can't wait to see the responses! For me giving bows away to people who appreciate them is always very special. But as for my proudest artifacts I'd have to say:

#1 is my first bow. My uncle was giving me hell for my Hoytt Carbon Element compound bow. Giving me the "when I was a kid we chopped down trees to make bows" talk pretty heavy. Not sure that he actually ever did that for the record. :D So I said, Ok let's do it! We went up and got a hickory log that was cut a few years earlier and split it. I started working on it with knives and random tools lying around. Eventually I got a copy of The Bent Stick by Paul Comstock. And then I found a YouTube video by Billy Burger on making a hickory bow. In the end I made a 20 # longbow with tons of set and the most uncomfortable handle ever. It was beautiful! Someone recently posted a topic on the idea of perfection. At the time I have to say I thought that bow was perfect. I was amazed at the sheer fact that I didn't break it! I kinda still am! :P :D Now I make powerful hunting bows and usually all I do is think of everything that is "wrong" with them. ;)

# 2 is my first osage bow and first hunt worthy bow. The stave was given to me for free by someone I met online and I had the help of countless people, most of whom I never met in person. That was around the time I first met blackhawk and he gave me some in person lessons which took me to a whole new level in bow making; and simultaneously helped me realized how much I sucked! ;) ;D I've made faster, shorter, and prettier bows since but this 52# Osage longbow and the community it introduced me to will always be very special to me.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Eric Krewson on April 30, 2014, 05:09:08 pm: The bow I made for one of our wounded warriors tops my list. Gill (center of pic) was badly wounded in Afghanistan and after years of rehabilitation can finally shoot a bow again. I felt the need to give him a special bow and I did, he loves it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/tournament%20pics/DSC00297.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ekrewson/media/tournament%20pics/DSC00297.jpg.html)

Here is Gil's special forces team in Afghanistan, Gil is the one behind Hamid Karsi to the right. The entire team with the exception of Gil and one other guy were killed in a friendly fire accident.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/bow%20making/Gilsteam.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ekrewson/media/bow%20making/Gilsteam.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: bubby on April 30, 2014, 07:09:29 pm: my greatest achievement, probably the friends I've made here, some truly great people in this brotherhood we have here, bub
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: lukelawrence171 on April 30, 2014, 08:04:52 pm: this was my first successful osage longbow it 52# at 28 in very quiet,all im saying is that i wish that i had started making bows out of osage a long time ago i have been using woods like hickory, elm and oak. now i have only been making bows for a year or to but im only 15 so that's a long time for me. the first osage bow i tried to make had a unballanced tiller and broke after about 700 shots and i was ready to give up but this summer i got some osage offline and started to make another and it turned out to be my favorite bow yet .I hope you guys like it maybe i can get a few deer with it next season.and i was also so excited i went to the east coast and chopped down over 45 staves to keep me busy for a while. i also made a short video to show how it shoots.

http://youtu.be/4zduUbi66jQ
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Marc St Louis on April 30, 2014, 08:52:51 pm: My first bow that broke 190 fps with 10 gpp sort of warmed my heart. Also made me quite happy when I could go out with my own bows and shoot a hunting arrow further than my brothers old compound could, I don't think it made my brother too happy though
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Buckeye Guy on April 30, 2014, 10:38:12 pm: For me it is not about what I have done to a piece of wood but what they have done t o me !
The things they have taught me and how they have brought me to life!
one of the ancient words that was translated as tillering also means to bring to life
Have fun!
Guy
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: JW_Halverson on April 30, 2014, 10:39:00 pm: The moment that comes to mind is the time at a mountain man rendezvous in Nebraska I traded a kid a cheap Chinese magnifying glass without a handle for one of my handmade bows. He'd tried every trick in the book to get me to just give it to him, to no avail. Finally he resorted to bringing over a blanket and his pile of trade goods. He threw down the blanket and laid out a few items and looked up at me.

The tradition is that no words are exchanged over a trade blanket. Gestures only. I sat down across from him and laid the bow in the middle. The bargaining went hot and furious before he finally brought out the "burning glass" and lit a small pinch of tinder on fire to demonstrate it's value. When I picked up his offer and walked away silently from the trade blanket he did a great job of holding his cool. He picked up his new bow and arrows, rolled up his blanket around his other trade goods, and walked away. It wasn't half a minute later from across the camp I heard his whooping and hollering!

Still got that burning lens. Been known to start my pipe or a campfire with it just for the sheer fun of it. I guess it was no achievement for me, just the pleasure of allowing a kid to get the best of me in a trade blanket exchange.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Badger on April 30, 2014, 10:50:01 pm: Great story JW.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Poggins on May 01, 2014, 12:03:33 am: I'd have to say my proudest moment repeats itself every year when I go to OJAM , I get to pass on the knowledge that I have learned and every year I give some young kid an osage stave and help them make a bow .
And there was the Kentucky Coffee tree bow that I backed with spoonbill skins and copperhead skins .
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r800/Poggins/DSC_0100_zpsd32a4e17.jpg)
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r800/Poggins/3916139B-BFE9-4800-8B51-C9818D36E046-5012-00000BC458871ACC_zps8007e048.jpg)
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r800/Poggins/754A3C15-8664-4F85-B5CE-3750087DCEEF-5012-00000BC444011C33_zpsb79d7f2d.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Eric Krewson on May 01, 2014, 10:15:02 am: JW, you da MAN!
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Eric Krewson on May 01, 2014, 10:21:38 am: Have you guys noticed that when you make a special bow, for a good cause, there are none of the hick-ups or problems to solve that usually accompany bow making? I have made a bunch for charity auctions, asked for a little divine guide guidance when I start working and the bows seem to almost make themselves. Probably my imagination but it goes the same way every time.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Knapper on May 01, 2014, 01:01:05 pm: This is a picture of a young man(far right) that's been in my life for many years. He was the first to receive his Gold medal of achievement in our Royal Ranger Out-post. Now in his second year of college enlisting into Army Reserves officer program. Made the bow he is holding as a graduation present. Hickory backed hickory. 45#@26".
More proud of the young man than the bow !
Knapper
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Traxx on May 01, 2014, 01:09:12 pm: Back in the late 70's a guy who was the curator at the Indian museum,in Sacramento,let me handle Ishis bow and other archery tackle.This was a great honor and i made him a Maidu bow replica from 1 i saw in the museum in Quincy.This guy was the Bear,at the annual Maidu Bear dance.I gave him the bow at Bear Dance.You should have seen the reaction from some of the real old timers there.I was flooded with stories and historical lessons for 3 days.It was amazing and the best Bear dance i ever attended.I think it gave those elders hope and joy,that some young guy,had an interest in the old ways.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: JacksonCash on May 01, 2014, 01:38:29 pm: No pics at the moment, since I'm at work, but so far it has been bringing my wife's bow into work and having people ooh and aah over it.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Arrowind on May 01, 2014, 11:21:31 pm: Proudest moment? ... hmmm discovering the magic of making bows and getting my bros AND Dad back into archery... guess those aren't really moments but more of a process....not sure how else to describe it. I guess my proudest "moment" was recently handing a bow to an Eagle Scout and seeing the look in his eyes and the appreciation of his parents. very cool.

Proudest Achievement? .... The Next One. .........hopefully. :laugh:
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 02, 2014, 09:58:39 am: My proudest moments are when I am watching my daughter shoot a bow I made for her. Jawge

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v331/Jawge/Stumping%20with%20Kathy%20Jan%202010/GEDC0005.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Jawge/media/Stumping%20with%20Kathy%20Jan%202010/GEDC0005.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Dances with squirrels on May 02, 2014, 02:08:12 pm: I'm proudest of the guys I've helped get started. It's rewarding too when they show others and on down the line. Feels good to know the craft will be alive and well when we're gone.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on May 02, 2014, 03:18:46 pm: Winning BOY last year was very rewarding for me, and quite flattering to be honest. It wasn't a goal, or even a thought. But quickly became real.
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Hrothgar on May 02, 2014, 03:20:19 pm: Receiving votes for Bow of the Month (not as good as winning I'm sure).
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Joec123able on May 02, 2014, 06:46:16 pm: My proudest moments are when people ask me where I get my bows and I get to tell them that I didn't buy it I made it I love doing that
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Cloudfeather on May 02, 2014, 06:51:47 pm: I'll let you know when it happens. lol
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Blaflair2 on May 02, 2014, 08:16:21 pm: Mine would be today, I sinew backed my juniper bow. Never have worked sinew. Never wanna have to again ;D lol

This is the most work I've had to put into a bow yet. I'm just proud of myself for not losing my patients. Boy I was close. This bow is what I've dreamt of building since I started. And bow it's coming to life. Hopefully it stays alive :-\
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Cameroo on May 03, 2014, 01:57:22 pm: Sled Huskin - I like your style 8)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Crogacht on May 04, 2014, 10:06:19 pm: As I'm only partway through my first bow, I don't have much to draw on here ;D... and I certainly do not and will not for a very long time consider myself a bowyer of any sort, but I did experience something that might be described as a kind of proud.

I have the garage set up pretty well to make bows now. There is some space used for storage, but mostly tools and bows; I leave the car outside. So there is a workbench, tools everywhere, wood shavings and sawdust, various kinds of wood in varying stages of drying under the bench, on the floor, in the rafters etc :D

Sometimes people come to the house, family and friends etc and catch me out there messing about, so they come in and see what's going on. These are usually people who have absolutely no experience with bows or archery or any kind, and in many cases woodwork in general.

They don't seem overly interested at first... there's nothing in there they have any connection to whatsoever, until they pick up my half finished elm bow. It's at the point where it's just starting to bend, but needs a little more before the long string, so it definitely looks and feels like a bow.

I'm not sure if you've ever witnessed this yourselves, but they get this smile and look of wonder on their face as they examine this thing. It's hard to explain, but these are people who have no experience or connection with bows, and something seems to be going on when they come into contact with my almost-bow.

I dunno if they're amazed at the transformation that's taken place from the twisted old elm stave to what they have in their hands, but it definitely evokes a kind of proud feeling to know that you can cause that reaction with something you made with your own hands... even if it is crude and destined to explode on the tiller tree, but they don't know that!!! >:D
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: Cloudfeather on May 04, 2014, 10:32:35 pm: Thanks, Cam. Don't get me wrong. When I make a bow, I'm usually like, "That's pretty bada$$." I may be proud once I make a snaky self bow. We'll see. lol
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: 4dog on May 04, 2014, 10:51:06 pm: honestly...i just drove 30+ hrs for my moment..or moments...guys yall dont even know how honored and priveledged i was to make the drive (and ride) to the classic...did i build a bow there....nope my VM didnt make it (sorry bryce we tried!!) but ya know,i dont really care...i enjoyed meeting everyone that i did (cept jdub....lol just kidding of course) ..when yall see me tell some newbie here,"welcome ! ya wont meet a nicer bunch of guys on any forum"...now i have memories of faces to go with names ,,and TRUELY mean every word...thanks to pappy and the crew of the tennessee classic for giving me my best and brightests in archery...oh yeah and to everyone i met there...your all class acts!!! and thats alot coming from some "interesting lookin" Texas boy ...hope to see yall again next year!! ..(cept jdub....lol) be safe yall!!!
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: bowtarist on May 04, 2014, 11:32:03 pm: Meeting whor....I mean 4dog at the Classic. >:D Have a gnomer 4oredog, dp
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: osage outlaw on May 04, 2014, 11:34:04 pm: A couple things stand out for me as my proudest moments. Tackling the monster osage tree and killing my first deer with a bow and arrow that I made.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC13992.jpg)

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Hunting%20Indiana%20Buildalong/SDC15862b.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: 4dog on May 04, 2014, 11:39:06 pm: lmao...that was too funny!!!! even for a gnome!!! way too cool meeting ya brother!!! oh yeah ...you shootin that bow yet!!!??
Title: Re: Your Proudest Achievement As A Bowyer?
Post by: bowtarist on May 05, 2014, 12:15:03 am: Nope, I ain;t even took a shower yet. :o