Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Robert Pougnier on November 15, 2025, 12:20:31 pm

Title: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Robert Pougnier on November 15, 2025, 12:20:31 pm
Here is my entry for Nov B.O.M contest.

It is a hop hornbeam recurve. 43# at 28". 68 inches NTN, 1 3/4 inches at fades and through mid limb. A few knots on the back and had to tinker with the heat gun quite a bit to get the tips well aligned. String is polish hemp with silk serving around the nock point. Handle wrap is home tanned buckskin with a walnut dye. Finish is 2 layers of spirit varnish and a coat of paste wax (all homemade).

It's a sweet and easy shooter with no handshock. I have not put it through the chronograph yet.
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Robert Pougnier on November 15, 2025, 12:24:33 pm
A few more shots. It's really hard for me to keep good quality photos when resizing them, I'm learning as i go!

Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Badger on November 15, 2025, 01:01:05 pm
 Very nice, good job on that one!
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: willie on November 15, 2025, 02:39:59 pm
nice bend you got going there. someone (sorry, I cannot remember who) once said the static recurve works best when the tips are pointing straight up/down like you have there at full draw.

I would be interesting to see the unbraced side profile if you have a pic.

it looks like you resizing process is trying to posterize too much
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: sleek on November 15, 2025, 04:45:09 pm
Its a fair thing to say you really did a great job on that one. The top of upper limb looks like it bends a slight bit more, but I cant tell for certain.  Either way, nice workmanship!
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Robert Pougnier on November 15, 2025, 06:49:59 pm
It does! The lower limb is slightly stiffer, though the dimensions are the same as the upper. I kept it that way. I'll post some side profile photos asap!
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Robert Pougnier on November 15, 2025, 06:59:00 pm
Here is the unstrung side profile. Net reflex of 1/2 inch immediately after a shooting session. Comes back to about 1 1/4 inch net a few hours later.

Top limb is on the right on the first photo and on the left in the second one.
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: RyanY on November 15, 2025, 08:56:30 pm
Great profile! Nicely done!
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Pat B on November 16, 2025, 12:32:11 am
Very nice HHB static bow. Well done.  :OK
Title: Re: Hop hornbeam static recurve
Post by: Robert Pougnier on November 16, 2025, 01:01:49 pm
Thank you!