Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Cameroo on June 10, 2014, 12:06:51 am

Title: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Cameroo on June 10, 2014, 12:06:51 am
First off, sorry to those that have seen this bow already in the Warbow section, but I'd like to post it here as well to take a crack at BOM.  The thread in the warbow section is a build-along, and for anyone that might be interested, it can be found here: http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,44867.0.html

This bow was a long-time in the making - one of those winter projects that I just chipped away at, a little bit at a time.  That was probably for the best, considering all of the advice I received along the way that certainly contributed to my success.  Completing this bow resulted in many "firsts" for me.  I've made many laminate board bows, and attempted several from a stave, but this is actually the first self bow that I've made that survived all the way through to completion.  It is also the first bow I've made that exceeded 100 lbs.  So I'm quite happy that it not only survived it's first couple outings in the field, but it also seems to be performing quite nicely (my best cast so far was from a 77 gram arrow that flew just over 230 yards).  It was also the first time I've worked with horn to make this type of nock, and the experience certainly taught me a few things NOT to do with them. A small horn inlay also marks the arrow pass.

The bow measures 79 inches between the nocks, and draws 115 lbs at 32" of draw.  It's 1.5" wide at the center, and 1 3/32" thick.  The tips are about 5/8" diameter.  The bow needed several sessions of dry heat, both to heat treat the wood, and to correct some twist and tip alignment issues.  It ended up taking about 1 1/8" of set.  The string is a 14-strand continuous-loop string made from Fast Flight.

I used some leather antiquing gel on the belly to make the grain stand out a bit, as well as to provide a bit more contrast between the sapwood/heartwood, before finishing it off with several coats of wipe-on polyurethane.

There are plenty of pictures in the build along thread, but here are a few of the finished product.

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/WarBow/unbraced.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/WarBow/16.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/WarBow/final_115at32.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/WarBow/11sm.jpg)
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: osage outlaw on June 10, 2014, 12:18:36 am
Very cool!
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Badger on June 10, 2014, 12:31:24 am
    I liked this bow right away. Grat job, I love that shot on the tiller tree.
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: adb on June 10, 2014, 12:34:08 am
Good job, Cam! I knew you could pull it off... both in the making and the shooting!
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: bubby on June 10, 2014, 01:02:52 am
finally I get a f/d, that is a sweet a$$ rig Cam
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on June 10, 2014, 01:14:28 am
Nie work, for firsts those are crazy awesome
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: rossfactor on June 10, 2014, 02:44:24 am
Heck of a bend on that thing... great job, its really pleasing to the eye and I bet it launches a heavy arrow  :D

Gabe
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Pappy on June 10, 2014, 05:54:06 am
Wow that is a hoss,very nice work,beautiful finish.
 Pappy
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: blackhawk on June 10, 2014, 06:52:23 am
Sweet...that finished off nicely....congrats!!!  :)
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 10, 2014, 08:21:48 am
Nice bow Cam. That elm heartwood isn't so bad eh?
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: SLIMBOB on June 10, 2014, 08:29:17 am
Sweet full draw!  Very nice work Sir.
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: leehongyi on June 10, 2014, 09:24:51 am
nice work! what camera did you use?
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Cameroo on June 10, 2014, 09:43:16 am
Thanks for the kind words gents.  Sorry to keep you waiting so long Bubs! ;)

Leehongyi - I'm using a Nikon D5200, in combination with Adobe Lightroom.
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Marc St Louis on June 10, 2014, 09:49:10 am
Very nice.  You are doing a good job of pulling that one back to full draw
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: JonW on June 10, 2014, 11:13:22 am
Awesome work Cam. Makes me want to try a heavy weight bow.
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: toomanyknots on June 10, 2014, 11:25:37 am
Niceeeee :)
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Blackcoyote on June 10, 2014, 11:41:07 am
damn fine looking bow Cam, that full draw pic is sweet!
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Josh B on June 10, 2014, 01:02:24 pm
I've been watching your build-a-long with interest.  The finished product pics were well worth the wait.  Well done Sir!  Josh
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Carson (CMB) on June 10, 2014, 01:07:54 pm
First selfbow comes in at 115lb draw.  Not too many people can say that.  Nice work Cam.
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Cameroo on June 10, 2014, 10:56:40 pm
Thanks again guys.  Jon, you should make one. They're a lot of fun to play with :) 
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: paulsemp on June 10, 2014, 11:02:31 pm
This makes me want to try a big boy bow one of these days.  Very nice cam 8)
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: IdahoMatt on June 11, 2014, 02:31:01 am
Wow.  Great job Cam,  that sure turned out great for your first selfbow.  That full draw......man.  I couldn't pull that thing past my elbow let alone my cheek. 
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: dmc on June 11, 2014, 03:11:20 am
I can just feel my arm cracking just thinking about pulling it back! Lovin the full draw pic, and looking forward to seeing in in S'toon in a couple of weeks. Good stuff, as always!
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Badly Bent on June 11, 2014, 08:09:19 am
Real nice bow, that full draw on the tree shows some smooth bend for sure. I'm guessing I could draw that sucker back with ease, to about 14". ;)
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 11, 2014, 09:48:05 am
It's a beauty! Great tiller. Jawge
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: missilemaster on June 11, 2014, 02:07:38 pm
I think I heard your back pop! :o Beautiful bow!
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: bubby on June 11, 2014, 07:11:03 pm
yep, big boned and country strong
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Jodocus on June 15, 2014, 01:38:43 pm
great bow, simple and clean, super nice looking wood and good pics.

Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Benedikt on June 15, 2014, 01:46:42 pm
Very nice!
One day, I'll will try a heavy weight elm, too :)
Regards,
Benedikt
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Del the cat on June 15, 2014, 04:48:53 pm
Nice full draw shot :)
Del
Title: Re: 115 lb Elm, "Big Boned"
Post by: Aaron H on June 24, 2014, 07:37:05 am
Beautiful bow.  Well done. That full draw pic is sweet