Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: GregB on January 02, 2008, 09:43:27 pm

Title: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 02, 2008, 09:43:27 pm
Hello,
Just finished this HHB bow during the holidays while I should have been huntin' with Pappy at Land Between the Lakes. ;D  Pappy gave me the stave for this bow, and it's was one of the best hhb staves I had seen...very straight and mostly problem free. I really took my time on the tiller and think the limbs stayed within 1/8" of each other from brace to finish. The tips were recurved after tiller was complete. Was a little nervous how well hhb would do using dry heat and adding a fairly large recurve, but it worked out fine with the help of a little vegetable oil on the belly side. The tips are from buffalo horn (compliments of Justin), and deer antler (provided that myself  :)). I first stained the bow with "special walnut" and litely wiped off with a paper towell dipped in acetone after the stain had dried for about an hour. This process really brought the grain out, although most of the pictures taken in bright sunlight with my 35mm film camera saved onto a disk did not show the grain as I had hoped. Got to get me a digital camera...I'll have to add that to my New Year's resolutions list! ;D  I put 3 coats of tung oil on (PatB's suggestion) followed by 8 coats of tru-oil. I tried to improve on the stiching of the grip over what I've done in the past.

The bow really shoots good and I'm very impressed with hhb. I'd rate it as good as osage in performance of the finished bow, but not quite as well to work with using dry heat when tweaking. It relaxes after resting to a nice straight line. The bow is 63" ntn with 1-1/2" limbs tapering at midlimb to 3/8" tips. It is 55#@27"...

Again, many of the features incorporated into this bow were inspired by many of the  beautiful bows I've seen displayed by the talented bowyers on the PA website and magazine.

Hope yall like it as much as I do!

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Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: ricktrojanowski on January 02, 2008, 09:52:41 pm
Beautiful bow, I really like those recurved tips.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: venisonburger on January 02, 2008, 10:01:57 pm
Looks great, gotta be proud of that bow Greg. the finish looks really nice.
VB
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Gordon on January 02, 2008, 10:23:05 pm
Nicely done - the tiller and curves look terrific. I would have thought that the curves would have pulled out if put in after the fact, but it clearly worked for you. Excellent bow.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 02, 2008, 10:33:18 pm
Great looking bow Greg. I love the color on the tips.  Justin
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Ryan_Gill_HuntPrimitive on January 02, 2008, 10:36:39 pm
real sweet bow, it has great lines and nice tiller too. excellent- Ryan
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 02, 2008, 10:46:09 pm
Thank you for your kind comments guys!

Quote
Nicely done - the tiller and curves look terrific. I would have thought that the curves would have pulled out if put in after the fact, but it clearly worked for you. Excellent bow.
Gordon, I've attempted a couple of Ryano style recurves which are extremely recurve prior to tillering and thus far only had one to shoot a few times before it blew. I don't have access to a lot of hhb so I didn't want to attempt that approach on it. Also don't know if it would handle that extreme of a bend up front even if steamed...Ryan might could tell us that.

So I cheated and added the curve at the end, giving it some heat treatment...knowing it would lose some of the curve. "More then one way to skin a cat I guess...". ;D
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: 18thcentman on January 02, 2008, 10:59:35 pm
Sweet!!!!!!
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Ryano on January 02, 2008, 11:09:25 pm
Nice bow Greg. I've yet to make a successful "radical" recurve like you speak of out of any white wood. Although hhb does steam really nicely. I'm just so spoiled on Osage.....lol. Marc would be the guy to ask on the white woods.  What is that on the grip? Thats unique looking.... ;D
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 02, 2008, 11:16:30 pm
Super bow. Great job. Jawge
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Slivershooter on January 02, 2008, 11:32:14 pm
That is one nice looking bow!!!
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Mark Smeltzer on January 02, 2008, 11:34:49 pm
Very nice. Congrats!

Mark
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: huntersteve on January 02, 2008, 11:49:42 pm
nice bow...great job...steve
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: michbowguy on January 03, 2008, 12:05:29 am
that handle is superb.
 jamie
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Pat B on January 03, 2008, 12:10:57 am
Nice bow Greg. I'm working on the HHB stave you and Pappy gave me. Might take a few pointers and ideas from your beauty. ;D     Pat
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 03, 2008, 08:19:19 am
I really appreciate the kind words everyone! :)

Quote
What is that on the grip? Thats unique looking....
Ryan, I guess you're referring to the lacing material which is pretty heavy and I thnk waxed. I always spend probably more then an average amount of time on my grips laying them out. I want between 1/8" to 1/4" gap where the grip comes together prior to lacing. I put TBIII on the handle area and soak the leather before I lace the grip on. After lacing I wrap the grip tight (this time used parachute cord) while the leather drys to ensure it is snug against the handle. The ripples in the leather you see were left from the parachute cord wrappings.

Quote
that handle is superb.
Thanks Jamie, I think it's my best "looking" grip so far. :)

Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Pappy on January 03, 2008, 08:34:48 am
Very nice GregB you were busy while we were away.Fine looking bow. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Woodland Roamer on January 03, 2008, 08:56:51 am
That's a real beauty Greg, nice job!

Alan
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 03, 2008, 09:19:47 am
Ironwood is a great bow wood. Very well done
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Ryano on January 03, 2008, 09:48:09 am
Oh, I see. The ripples are what I was refering to. Nice job.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: DanaM on January 03, 2008, 09:53:37 am
Looks great Greg, the grip is definaetly something different nice job.
I really like the side profile of it unbraced, she looks fast.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Hillbilly on January 03, 2008, 12:57:59 pm
Mighty fine, Greg. Like those lines-that's just an all-around great looking bow.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Sidewinder on January 03, 2008, 01:12:18 pm
Very nice Greg. That hop hornbeam once again looks like good stuff. I would say you Tennesee boys got that recurve thing down pretty good.  Danny 
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 03, 2008, 02:11:41 pm
Quote
Very nice Greg. That hop hornbeam once again looks like good stuff.
Quote
Ironwood is a great bow wood. Very well done
Thanks Marc and Danny! I really like hhb, when well seasoned it really makes a good performing bow. Grain looks good also I think on hhb.

Quote
I really like the side profile of it unbraced, she looks fast.
Yeah Dana, she's spitting an arrow really well. Something that Pappy, Anthony and I have been doing on the last few bows we've made... immediately after tiller is complete we've clamped the bow to a form close to the relaxed bow shape, and heat-treated the belly. We apply the dry heat until the wood slightly changes color( kinda of a tan color). Let it cool and it's done. Seems to really help the performance and holds more of the reflex. We're still experimenting, but the last several bows we've applied this process to really have been good performers. ;)

Pappy, Ryan, Alan, and Hillbilly...thanks alot. You guys know it feels good when your peers appreciate your work. :)

Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: PK on January 03, 2008, 02:29:25 pm
Your Bow is clean and free sounds kinda cheesy but the nature pics lovem
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: cowboy on January 03, 2008, 03:57:20 pm
Beautiful Greg! Just found this one, have been catching up since holiday's..Alway's something I haven't seen before :).
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 03, 2008, 06:22:45 pm

Thanks PK, if I could learn to use my camera better...can't get the light right. I took a pic full length of the back of the bow hoping the grain would show up and it was totally yellowed out. That's the problems with using film and putting on a cd, don't know what you have until it's to late.  ;)

Thanks Cowboy, hope you've found some time to do some scrapping of your own during the holidays! :)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: mamba on January 03, 2008, 07:08:03 pm
Nailed tiller on that one Gregg,looks like a shooter for sure.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: PK on January 03, 2008, 07:19:42 pm

Thanks PK, if I could learn to use my camera better...can't get the light right. I took a pic full length of the back of the bow hoping the grain would show up and it was totally yellowed out. That's the problems with using film and putting on a cd, don't know what you have until it's to late.  ;)

Thanks Cowboy, hope you've found some time to do some scrapping of your own during the holidays! :)
after the disc use a photo editor, if you have microsoft office that has one, or your printer software,or your cd burner software.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 03, 2008, 07:22:54 pm
Appreciate it Mamba, she does shoot good.

Thanks PK, I'll have to do some experimenting with it... :)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: OldBow on January 03, 2008, 09:27:24 pm
That bow has a wonderful shape. Nice job. Who're the folks in the picture on the fireplace?
Got your fine bow bookmarked under Self Bows for January.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 04, 2008, 08:02:34 am
Thank you Oldbow!

The picture is of my wife's great grandparents. :)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: PK on January 04, 2008, 03:49:34 pm
think if the pic was yellowed that means your exposure compancation needs to be changed. if you have a digital that should be in the menu settings.
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: PK on January 04, 2008, 03:51:16 pm
 oops or use a light meter for your camera
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 04, 2008, 06:54:59 pm
I probably need to read up on it some more PK, or at the very least take pictures in late afternoon or a cloud covered day.  :)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: koan on January 04, 2008, 09:51:50 pm
Greg, that is a great lookin bow!! Been waitin till I get my hot box goin to start the one Pappy sent me home with...too humid round here I suspect....Brian
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 06, 2008, 06:43:20 pm

Thanks Brian! Hope you can make the Classic again this year! ;)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: tradrick on January 06, 2008, 10:40:45 pm
Great looking bow Greg.I rember your BOM from last year and it was a beauty.I really like the way you done the laceing on the handle.Looks great and is unique.You make good bow strings as well.I'm still shooting the one I got from you at last years Classic.tradrick
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 07, 2008, 08:18:57 am
Thanks Traddick, I've started making some strings already for this years Classic. Hope you can make it again! ;)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Big A on January 10, 2008, 10:42:35 pm
Great job Greg.I can't wait to take a few shots with it. I like all the detail you put into the grip.I think it makes it classie looking. ;D 8)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: medicinewheel on January 11, 2008, 04:32:32 am

really nice bow ...and really nice pictures of it, too!

frank
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 11, 2008, 08:34:12 am
I appreciate it Anthony ole buddy! I sure do enjoy making bows with you and Pappy and our other buddies. We really are fortunate to have this available to us...especially the comaradarie of enjoying it with friends! :)

Thank you Frank, I know it would be quite a trip for you...but we sure would like for you to visit us during the Classic one of these years. Maybe you and Marius could both come one year. ;)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: medicinewheel on January 11, 2008, 09:26:35 am
....
Thank you Frank, I know it would be quite a trip for you...but we sure would like for you to visit us during the Classic one of these years. Maybe you and Marius could both come one year. ;)

hey greg, thanks for saying that! i feel honoured! well, yes maybe one of these years...  ;) ;)

frank

ps: sort of sorry bout my replies being sort of monotonous lately, but when i say 'hey nice bow!' i mean 'HEY NICE BOW!' i'm really pleased about what i have seen and learned from on PA. thanks...
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Dane on January 11, 2008, 01:12:41 pm
Greg, my turn to say wow! Nice bow. That is a beauty you made.

I was about to ask who the folks in the portrait were, but someone beat me, so I won't ask :)

Dane
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on January 11, 2008, 06:42:23 pm
Thank you Dane! I'm glad you like it and appreciate your saying so... ;)
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: snedeker on January 13, 2008, 01:31:02 pm
Thats fine.  Congratulations.

Dave
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Pappy on January 14, 2008, 11:34:49 am
And by the way I got to shoot it Sat. it is one fine shooting bow,real fast and very smooth
to shoot.Nice job Greg.I am very impressed with IW.
   Pappy
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: Pappy on February 01, 2008, 08:25:08 am
Now if you can help me get mine looking like that,I will keep feeding you steak and gravy.
I ant sure mine was that good of a piece of wood but so far it is turning out good.I had almost
forgot it till I see yours in BOM.now I remember,it is still in the hot box.Maybe this weekend. ???
   Pappy
Title: Re: Hophornbeam Bow
Post by: GregB on February 01, 2008, 09:25:37 am

Pappy, with two bow of the year win's to your credit...I don't think you need my help to make a good bow. But you know I'll help if you want me too. ;)