Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Black Moshannon on November 11, 2020, 08:52:28 am

Title: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 11, 2020, 08:52:28 am
Here's some new hickory bows I made recently. 50# for the lighter handled one and 57# for the darker. They're the first I've put leather handles on. A week ago or so I was out hunting on a wet morning and was glad the bow I was using did not have a handle on it. I don't like the idea of leather and glue out in wet weather, so I think these will be the first and last bows I put handles on. Anyone have any thoughts on leather handles in wet weather?

The bow with the darker leather handle looks like its bending too much in the middle. It had a strong reflex/deflex profile when I was working on it. I was not happy with the tiller profile but it seems even enough and it has no string follow after maybe two hundred shots and many pulls to full draw.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 11, 2020, 08:54:19 am
More photos
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 11, 2020, 08:55:43 am
The photos look distorted when I post them. The tiller does not really look quite like that....
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Stickhead on November 11, 2020, 09:04:47 am
I recommend using Imgur.  It’s free, you can upload your high-res pics there, then copy the link to your post.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 11, 2020, 10:38:46 am
Tried Imgur with these.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Lumberman on November 11, 2020, 12:26:23 pm
nice looking bows! love the handles
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: bownarra on November 12, 2020, 12:17:27 am
If you put them on with a waterproof glue underneath and then wax them - they are never a problem. Also depends on what sort of leather you use. Ratan or just plain cord, wrapped around over glue are both excellent wet weather handles.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 12, 2020, 05:50:13 pm
If you put them on with a waterproof glue underneath and then wax them - they are never a problem. Also depends on what sort of leather you use. Ratan or just plain cord, wrapped around over glue are both excellent wet weather handles.

What kind of wax would you recommend?
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 12, 2020, 06:53:15 pm
I like leather handles. I don't think I ever made a bow without one. Just use a waterproof glue like Titebond 3.
Here is how I do it.
http://traditionalarchery101.com/leatherhandle.html

Jawge
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: WhistlingBadger on November 12, 2020, 08:59:33 pm
If you put them on with a waterproof glue underneath and then wax them - they are never a problem.

Same here.  I attach handles with TB3 and then grease it with Sno-seal or some homemade equivalent.  But around here, if it's raining hard enough to soak through my hand and ruin the handle wrap, I'm probably not going to be out trekking the backcountry with a self-bow, anyway.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Jim Davis on November 13, 2020, 08:15:52 pm
+1 on not hunting in the rain. You can get close to deer, but blood drops dissapear in a moderate shower.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Digital Caveman on November 13, 2020, 08:30:57 pm
Tracks show up in mud, just thinking...

I see you lived in Maine, what part?
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 14, 2020, 03:07:00 pm
I like leather handles. I don't think I ever made a bow without one. Just use a waterproof glue like Titebond 3.
Here is how I do it.
http://traditionalarchery101.com/leatherhandle.html

Jawge

Thanks for the link, great info. I'll be checking out more on the site.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Dances with squirrels on November 14, 2020, 03:22:20 pm
I've put leather on all my bows for 20 years, had them in the rain lots of times, and I don't seal the leather.... never had a problem. They still look great. I usually use deer leather, smooth side out. I use 3M spray adhesive and stitch down the front.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Black Moshannon on November 14, 2020, 06:52:30 pm
Looks like it was just paranoia on my part then. My handles are deer hide too
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Jim Davis on November 14, 2020, 07:13:36 pm
Tracks show up in mud, just thinking...

I see you lived in Maine, what part?

I lived in Clinton in central Maine for 32 years. had 59 acres of woods and elbow room around that. It was a good life.
Title: Re: leather handle bows
Post by: Digital Caveman on November 15, 2020, 07:46:54 am
Ok, I'm not far from Ellsworth.  Your lucky to have so much hardwood down there.  What am I supposed to do without hickory, Osage, or much elm? :(