Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on September 20, 2017, 09:57:50 am

Title: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: stuckinthemud on September 20, 2017, 09:57:50 am

So I climbed up a hazel tree to cut a sucker that looked perfect for a longbow. When I got down out of the tree the stem was a lot shorter than it looked from ground level, at 60" long. I have a 24" draw. Anything I need to consider designing a short bow from hazel?

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: leonwood on September 20, 2017, 12:37:36 pm

With that stave you can make a bendy handle for sure, keep the belly relatively flat and hazel loves heat treating!
Then again, with a 24 inch draw you can also make a flatbow out if it. Hazel is super easy to work with and you can get away with lots of designs. Just make sure you keep the tiller even during the build because it will chrysal on a hinge fast.

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: Del the cat on September 20, 2017, 01:08:18 pm

Belly as wide as the wood will allow, crowned back using the natural surface of the wood, leave the bark on if you can get away without it popping off :)
I'd keep the poundage down to below 40 on a bow that short else she'll tend to chrysal... (IMO)
Del

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: stuckinthemud on September 20, 2017, 03:52:37 pm

I seem to remember reading that hazel doesn't take too well to heat shaping; if I go with a r/d are the curves likely to pull out?

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: leonwood on September 20, 2017, 04:12:16 pm

I made a few hazel recurves and when I only steamed them they flattened out a bit. Now I always use dry heat to set the recurves after steaming. Usually the day after steaming and about ten minutes per curve. They keep the shape well for me now

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: Del the cat on September 21, 2017, 01:30:01 am

Here's one I made ages ago... mind it isn't short. I think short rather precludes recurves and flipped tips, unless you splice 'em on... and then maybe add a horn belly and sinew back  ;)
https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/paint-job-and-tiller-video.html (https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/paint-job-and-tiller-video.html)
Actually I had trouble doing those hooks and ended up patching thin slivers of pre-shaped Hazel onto the belly side of the hooks. It's a nice punchy bow tho' :)
Del

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: stuckinthemud on September 21, 2017, 02:42:59 am

Thanks Del, what length is that bow?

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: Del the cat on September 21, 2017, 04:21:59 am

Quote from: stuckinthemud on September 21, 2017, 02:42:59 am

Thanks Del, what length is that bow?

Its 66" end to end... e.g it would fit in a box 66" long, but the hooks at about 2.5" to each end if you measured along the belly and round the hooks.
Del

Title: Re: hazel shorty design advice
Post by: simson on September 21, 2017, 02:46:26 pm

some dimensions can be found here: http://primitive-bows.com/tag/hazel/