Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:33:41 am

Title: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:33:41 am

I recently finished a 68” bamboo-backed hickory bow that is 47# @ 28”. I had a very nice, seasoned hickory stave that a friend gifted me. It had a nice flat back and was pretty clean. I roughed it out as a straight pyramid 1-3/8” wide at the fades and 1/2” at the tips. I fire hardened the stave with 4” of reflex over a bed of charcoal.

I trapped the back ~1/4” to help reduce the bamboo backing some, which is likely why I came in a bit lighter than I planned. I’m still very pleased with how the bow shoots and it seems plenty fast.

I glued up the bamboo with 5” of reflex using Smooth-On EA-40 epoxy. The bamboo was stained using Fiebings leather dye. The bow was sealed with six coats of Tru-Oil and a finish coat of Spar-Urethane spray.

I received a great deal of advice on this bow from BowEd and SuperDave95 here on PA. Much appreciated!!  Thanks for looking!

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:35:15 am

More pics

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:36:29 am

More pics

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:37:55 am

More pics

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 08:38:52 am

Full draw

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: superdav95 on August 07, 2023, 09:44:33 am

Very nice Will!  So glad it worked well for ya.  It looks like you nailed it.  The hickory boo backed is a great combo.  I noticed that you glued in about an extra inch on glue up.  That the fire hardened hickory with 4” reflex.  How much of your reflex did you end up retaining?  After tiller?   I also notice that you started your reflex early on out of the fades.  I’ve been testing some theories on this myself in discussing with others on here too. I’m hoping to post some theories soon on my observations and findings.  What was the finished weight in mass of the bow in the end?   I too trapped mine a bit on the back but only very little.    Great bow dude.  Well done. 

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 10:23:25 am

Thanks Dave, and I really appreciate your help on this. My bow only retained 1-1/2” of reflex after shooting it in. I don’t have a scale to measure the weight but it feels really light…whatever that means. 8)

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 07, 2023, 11:05:41 am

Nice bow, Will. That's a tough combo that will take whatever you give it.

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 11:27:05 am

Thanks PD!

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Pat B on August 07, 2023, 11:49:33 am

Very nice bow with good tiller. The pyramid design is great but seems to be underused. With Dave's and Ed's help how could you go wrong. :OK

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 01:27:38 pm

Thanks Pat. Yes both those guys have a wealth of knowledge

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: bluejack on August 07, 2023, 05:27:37 pm

Hey, Great looking bow Bill-bring it along when you come up to shoot-I`ll bet it`s fast!

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: bassman211 on August 07, 2023, 07:06:18 pm

 I know some one who will take that bow off of your hands if it is way to light for you Bill. Nice.

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: bjrogg on August 07, 2023, 08:14:54 pm

Looks great Will.

Definitely good teachers and a good learner too.

Bjrogg

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 07, 2023, 09:05:33 pm

Thanks fellas I appreciate your comments!

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: M2A on August 09, 2023, 08:28:06 am

Good looking unbraced limb profile Will. Narrow limbs like that, I suppose its got some real nice cast to it. Finish job will break up the straight lines well if you take it hunting.
Mike

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Selfbowman on August 09, 2023, 02:27:34 pm

Very nice will . I like it

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Kidder on August 11, 2023, 01:54:52 am

Love it Will! And you guys with your hick boos make me super jealous!

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: Will B on August 11, 2023, 08:47:49 am

Thanks for the comments fellas

Title: Re: 68” Bamboo-Backed Hickory
Post by: superdav95 on August 11, 2023, 05:16:39 pm

Quote from: Kidder on August 11, 2023, 01:54:52 am

Love it Will! And you guys with your hick boos make me super jealous!

Brendan.   I like that name hick boos!  It’s catchy