Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Hrothgar on May 31, 2016, 09:00:14 pm
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When I started this project 13 months ago I was wanting to make a Wampanoag Sudbury replica bow. I had several white oak staves that were cut ago before and presumable dry. However, after less than a week this stave took a couple inches of recurve, this should have been a red flag for me, but I proceeded to shave and tiller. When I had it pulling around 20" it would sometimes give that creaking/cracking sound--not breaking. I realized
it was developing a few longitudinal cracks up and down the limb, but nothing serious. I waited another year, backed the bow with linen and decided to wrap it with artificial sinew much like the original Meare-Heath bow.
Final results: I'm glad I didn't give up on this project. After three outings and several dozen arrows no creaks and no problems. The dimensions are nearly spot on the original, and contrary to everything I had heard about white oak taking set and being slow, this is a smooth quick shooter and retains an inch and a half of setback (recurve) in the handle.
Pictures show 42# draw at 26"
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It's beautiful, nice and simple!
I think the fact that you saved it from firewood is the most impressive.
I'm young and I just wished I had a mentor in the art of bowyering which unfortunately is becoming day after day more extinct.
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Knotty, thanks for the kind words. There are quite a few 'old timers' on this site who are more than happy to be a mentor.
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Very nice Mr. H....
rich
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I love it when those long term project bows finally get finished, it feels pretty good. Glad you stuck with it too, it's a good looking replica for sure.
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Good looking bow!
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Nice build Mr. Hrothgar...Like the fact you stayed true to the denminsions ;) Nice bend man 8)
Don
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nice save, good lookin stik.
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Nicely done. Jawge
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Thats a great looking bow. Nice when a long term project turns out that well. Great job!
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Sweet full draw.Don't see many sudburys out there.