Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:32:28 pm

Title: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:32:28 pm

This is my latest bow. Full draw pics will have to wait a week...
It started as a Nice piece of VM tension wood about 5 inches diameter. Debarked and split in half, It dried too quick and the back was riddled with drying checks about 1/8 inch deep. That's why I decided to do a deer rawhide back. My main goal with this bow was to make a handle like my Fiberglass bow- a Falco Storm with a "high wrist" grip (similar to a Tolke Whip).
So, I roughed it out to a pyramid profile with a ridid handle. After I backed it with rawhide and Titebond 2, I set it over the radiator, where I usually dry bows, but this time I cranked up the heat and forgot about it for a few hours. Oops. The backing peeled away at the edges. I tried to soften it and reglue, and it worked somewhat, but some areas curled up again.
Next, I built up the cork handle using some templates I made from the other bow. The cork was glued together and to the bow with contact adhesive. Also, made a arrow rest from leather.
Finally I did a 2 step finish. Step one saturate with strong tea, let dry and repeat twice. Step two saturate with a month-old solution of white vinegar and steel wool. Let dry and repeat. Topped it off with some furniture wax. Lastly, I got my stretchiest braintan and glued it on for a grip with super glue.
Stats:
66 inches overall
width at fades- 1 5/8
width midlimb 1 1/4
width at nock 3/8
thickness tapers from 5/8 at fade to 3/8 at nock
handle at arrow pass not including cork and leather 1 X 1 3/4
Draws 40 lbs at 28

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:34:37 pm

pics

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:36:33 pm

more

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:39:39 pm

one more

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: Arrowind on November 18, 2014, 06:39:29 pm

Looks really cool! It looks well made and I like the color.  the handle is cool too!

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: Carson (CMB) on November 18, 2014, 10:50:29 pm

Aaron, nice bow!!! I like the use of cork to build up that handle to shape.  Looks comfy. And the tea tannins to prime the vinegar steel wool stains is brilliant! Looks awesome.  Hope you enjoy shooting it more than your little falco  :P

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: vinemaplebows on November 18, 2014, 11:38:30 pm

Very nice. :)

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: Aaron H on November 18, 2014, 11:40:59 pm

Very interesting finish.  I like it.

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: Blacktail on November 19, 2014, 12:00:00 am

that is a great stick aaron..i think you should build more...are you hunting blacktails with it this year..john

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: aaron on November 19, 2014, 12:21:51 am

Thanks, guys, no I am not hunting with it, John. I have been hunting with the falco. This is my "step AWAY from the dark side" bow.

Title: Re: Vine Maple pyramid, cork high wrist grip
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on November 19, 2014, 01:34:32 am

Nice work aaron, I really like that finish, so you actually soak it?  sounds crazy man!