Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: snedeker on January 24, 2008, 04:12:44 pm
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I made this pignut hickory selfbow in 2003, from wood about a year and a half old at that time. Pretty small diameter tree I cut. 66" long, it came out 65# at 28" with 3/4" set. No heating. After a few months of light use, it went to 2" set, and fell to 61#.
Partially as an experiment, I roasted it back to 2" reflex, concentrated on the outer 2/3 of the lmbs. Also narrowed the tips, didoverlays, adn painted them black. In 2003 my tips were still a little "unrefined" Excesized the heck out of it and its at 68#/28", with a little reflex. Pretty fast. It weighs in pretty heavy, I'll have to put it on the scale.
I had redone the grip a while back experimenting with a pistol grip style (which I don't bother with anymore).
It will be interesting to see how it holds up with use. I imagine the MC was high when I made it. I'll give it to some robust youngn lad to work out with.
Dave
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Nice tiller. I like it and the story behind it. Is the humidity high in your neck of the woods? If so that might be why its heavy, holding all that moisture. Not that you did'nt already know that, I just tend to state the obvious sometimes. Danny
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Wow, Dave...you nailed the tiller on this one. 8)
Like to see a closeup of the tip detail. We'll take another look at your fine bow next week for Jan Self Bow of the Month.
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Don: I'll get another pic or two up. Maybe with a little better quality. Those darn camera settings, can't see em.
I should have mentioned that I posted the first incarnation of this bow in summer 2003, alhouth it has been substantially reincarnated
Sidewinder: Central PA. Plenty humid, although I would think the wood was pretty dry after over 6 years. Also, its been leaning next to free standing fireplace all season.
Dave
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Nice work Dave. I imagine it is pretty dry if it has been next to a fireplace. ;) Justin
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Yeah if that don't do it nothin will. Danny
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That's a good looking bow Dave. Nice job bringing that one back to life.
Alan
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Been seeing alot of these second chance bows lately, sure looks nice Dave
and a job well done.
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Nice, Dave.m That tiller is excellent. Jawge
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You liked the tiller in '03 too George. I didn't have to touch the tillering after reflexing. Just stuck a string on it.
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Nice job and save.Tiller looks good.I bet you are right on the moisture.Hickory has to be dry.
Pappy
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I wasn't around in 03, but she's lookin good in 08 :). I'm gonna have to give that belly roasting a try some time..
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A couple more detailed limb pics
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I'm sure you improved the bow quite a bit with the rework. It may not hold all of it, but probably will retain enough to have definitely made it worth the trouble. Good job! ;)
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Note that the area from, say, 4-10" from the tips is left a bit wider than I would design now. I left it that way not wanting to completely take away the feel of the original bow. They're narrowed enough to make it work pretty well.