Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jay on May 16, 2015, 10:20:58 pm

Title: bow tip prep
Post by: Jay on May 16, 2015, 10:20:58 pm

I would like to use some whitetail antler for my bow tips. How do you guys taper the bow tip and drill the tapered hole in the horn?

Thanks!!

Title: Re: bow tip prep
Post by: Drewster on May 16, 2015, 11:59:29 pm

I make my tip overlays about 1 3/4" long......3/4" below the string nock and 1" above.  Taper the tip area as shown in the image below.

(http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r509/drewsumrell/Tip%20Overlay%20Prep_zpsohigaahi.jpg) (http://s1169.photobucket.com/user/drewsumrell/media/Tip%20Overlay%20Prep_zpsohigaahi.jpg.html)

I cut my tip overlays with my band saw and do some preliminary shaping with a disc sander.  You can certainly do it with a hand saw and rasp if needed.  Make sure the cut on your bow tip and the overlay are absolutely flat and mate up well.   Next you're ready to glue the overlay material on.  I usually use Titebond II or III.

Once the glue has cured well, you can start shaping the tip.  I use a drum sander, rasp and cabinet scraper.  The string nock is cut with a round file........small chain saw files work very well.  I start in the grove already established in the bow tip from the tillering process.  This process will take a little practice.....perhaps on some scrap wood.

(http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r509/drewsumrell/Big%20Ossie-7_zpspujxjgaa.jpg) (http://s1169.photobucket.com/user/drewsumrell/media/Big%20Ossie-7_zpspujxjgaa.jpg.html)

My tips are usually about 3/8" to 7/16" wide at the string nock.  Hope this helps.  Good luck and have fun!

Title: Re: bow tip prep
Post by: Del the cat on May 17, 2015, 01:35:08 am

If you are talking about ELB style horn nocks rather than overlays. I've got a good two part how to do it post on my blog.
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/horn-nock-instructional-part-1.html (http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/horn-nock-instructional-part-1.html)
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/horn-nock-instructional-part2.html (http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/horn-nock-instructional-part2.html)
Del

Title: Re: bow tip prep
Post by: Jay on May 17, 2015, 07:15:32 am

WOW!!!
Great stuff.

Thank you.
Jay

Title: Re: bow tip prep
Post by: lebhuntfish on May 17, 2015, 12:06:01 pm

Good info! I'll remember this one for the ELB knocks! Patrick