Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Blank on June 15, 2016, 12:51:27 am

Title: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: Blank on June 15, 2016, 12:51:27 am
I see a lot of birch and spruce here. I've seen a few here also mention to go to the store and buy oak board. I'd like to use locally available wood. You'd think if inupiat can build a bow with bones and sinew, you could build a bow out of anything. My question is if I am to build of bow of birch, what parameters do i need to follow? 2" wide limbs and 60+" tall? If The reason i bring up eskimo bow is because you'd think one could wrap a bow with enough sinew to make anything work. Is this wrong?
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: bubby on June 15, 2016, 01:10:07 am
Paper birch will make a decent bow, make it 2"-2-1/2" wide 66" long if you want a stiff handle
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: Blank on June 15, 2016, 01:29:08 am
I am 64" tall. Maybe a smaller bow would work? Could i go wider and shorter with the limbs?
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: willie on June 15, 2016, 05:48:52 am
you can make the handle bend some if you do not want it so long. I like using 2.5 -3 in dia saplings, and keeping the belly flat.
Are you very far north? In south central, I find birch from .5 to .65 sg
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: Blank on June 15, 2016, 07:12:16 am
I live in anchorage and have found wood from reflection lake by knik river and also thunder bird falls. It seems like if i want a short bow, a composite bow would better suit my needs.
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: Blank on June 15, 2016, 07:13:57 am
I will find the small saplings and try to get a stave split and drying in next couple days.
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: bradsmith2010 on June 15, 2016, 03:50:45 pm
you could sinew  back the bow and go shorter
Title: Re: Alaskan bowyers, need your help to build a bow.
Post by: tattoo dave on June 16, 2016, 07:54:24 am
Go full bendy handle bow. Birch will work just fine, no sinew needed.

Tattoo Dave