Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: silent sniper on March 27, 2020, 10:12:17 am

Title: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: silent sniper on March 27, 2020, 10:12:17 am

Hello everyone,
I have some questions about this small sapling bow I am working on. I have a black locust sapling truck that I split in half for billets. I have worked the grain down to the heartwood and the entire width is under 2”. What I am unsure about is the high crown and general overall design to make with this bow. I don't have much experience with self-backed black locust, so I was not sure if it could handle this much crown? The stave has a few knots on the top on the crown but nothing too ugly. Should I keep the belly wide or reduce the width to take the strain off the back and just make the bow longer?

I love laminated bows and I could just as easily decrown the billets and add a bamboo/wood backing if that would be a better option. I just wanted to give it a chance as a self-backed bow before I go to the backed option.



Let me know what you think would be best.
Thanks
Taylor

The check in the billet is only a few inches long and will be removed when I splice the billets together.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49704892042_d964b872ec_c.jpg)[/url]Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iJfyHh)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49704891962_6fb7b27bc6_c.jpg)[/url]Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iJfyFU)

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 27, 2020, 10:41:53 am

A crowned back is a good thing for locust. Several builders prefer to "trap" the back on flatter staves. I would only narrow it enough to get shoulders on it and not abrupt edges where the back transitions to the belly. 

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: HH~ on March 27, 2020, 10:54:56 am

Smaller rings here would be of benefit I think.

HH~

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: Pat B on March 27, 2020, 12:21:01 pm

I'd say to keep the belly flat.

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: bownarra on March 27, 2020, 02:03:06 pm

Crowned sapling bows generally perform better than you might think. I would go dead flat belly. Leave the crown as it is. The tree thought it was strong enough when it grew like that :)
Good luck and get the tiller dead nuts on right off the bat.

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: George Tsoukalas on March 27, 2020, 02:38:25 pm

Flat belly is good but leave it longer by a good 2 inches. Leave the crown. No need to chase a ring either. Jawge

Title: Re: Black locust sapling bow recommendations
Post by: silent sniper on March 27, 2020, 07:55:53 pm

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help