Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: grantmac on March 17, 2008, 12:25:35 am

Title: Second try
Post by: grantmac on March 17, 2008, 12:25:35 am

Here we have my second attempt and a bow that I learned a lot of interesting things with. It's a Hickory backed Red Oak board for starters, glued-up with TB2 and about 2" of reflex (Which didn't stay past roughing out).
The initial tillering had it starting to get a bit of a whip end in one tip and some set. So I reduced everywhere but that area and it's about 55# at 28". I wasn't happy with the one end and also the set so I decided to try heat treating the belly. Well it got rid of the set and the whip-endedness but it also destroyed the laminating at one tip. Fortunately I managed to reglue the backing and it's holding togather well. Also it doesn't seem to be taking set much anymore except right after shooting it takes about an inch or so which disappears within an hour.
Lessons learned:
1) Don't take the bow down too far before long string tillering.
2) Heat treating works great, but must be done before glue-up.
3) Try and make sure the wood is dry enough and don't rush things (our climate here kind of makes the dry part difficult, I'm thinking heatbox).
4) Don't give-up on a bow or settle for characteristics that you don't want, the worst that will happen is it will break and you'll learn something.
Now for the pics. I appologize for the background, it's too wet out for a yard shot.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/grantmac017/DSCN1957.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/grantmac017/DSCN1958.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/grantmac017/DSCN1960.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/grantmac017/DSCN1961.jpg)

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: Keenan on March 17, 2008, 12:30:49 am

 Nothing wrong with that Grant. Infact that is an outstanding tiller and looks to have taken little or no set at all.  Good job on a very nice bow.    ;D  Keenan

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: Pat B on March 17, 2008, 12:55:23 am

I agree!   nice bow with great tiller. Pat ;)

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: DanaM on March 17, 2008, 08:25:00 am

Yup tiller looks spot on to me also. Well done.

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: Pappy on March 17, 2008, 08:35:39 am

Nice job,looks good to me. :)
    Pappy

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: GregB on March 17, 2008, 09:41:52 am

Good lookin' tiller...you done well. ;)

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: cowboy on March 17, 2008, 12:56:47 pm

Took me about eight bows to come close to that. Good job!!

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: Justin Snyder on March 17, 2008, 01:47:17 pm

Great job, it is a beautiful bow. Justin

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: Gordon on March 17, 2008, 01:54:27 pm

I agree with the others - it looks great.

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: OldBow on March 17, 2008, 02:19:18 pm

Ditto Everybody Else and bookmarked for March Laminant Bow of the Month, too. If you come up with an outdoor full draw, pass it over.

Title: Re: Second try
Post by: grantmac on March 18, 2008, 04:10:29 pm

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm hoping to get my hands on some Ipe later this month and try to make some real barn-burners. This bow shoots sweet and straight with little handshock but I think the torture I put the wood through has lost it some cast. I wish I had a spot to try for range near me, perhaps it's time to make friends with a farmer.
           Cheers,
                   Grant