Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: medicinewheel on February 26, 2026, 04:14:20 am
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Fellow bowyers.
With only one exception (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,72746.msg1020440.html#msg1020440 (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,72746.msg1020440.html#msg1020440)) I did not build a bow in over 10 years. The urge came back when my saxophone repairsman asked me to help him build an ELB (that bow is still work in progress and will be posted when finished, too).
Had this ash board laying around for 20 years and decided to use that as a tiller exercise, so to speak. The rings were fat and almost parallel, late wood/early wood ratio was perfect, but I didn't have enough material to chase a ring, so I decided to back it with deer rawhide.
When the bow was technically finished I shot a group of arrows from 20 yard I realized it was a sweet shooter and decided to make it pretty.
Overlays are red micarta, rawhide is dyed with yellow wood dye, wrappings are linen thread. Bow and wrappings are dyed with dark brown leather dye. Handle wrap is clued on python leather, so is the arrow pass. String is 10 strand FF, silencers are mink.
The bow is ~60#@29.5“
Here are a few pictures.
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Few more pics:
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Here is how the grain shows on upper limb belly side. Due to ring orientation there is a tiny bit of a twist in the upper limb. That twist stayed solid after shooting, so: no problem. And it sure looks nice!
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Braced to full draw (29"):
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This was that first group of arrows shot at 20 yards:
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A very nice bow! It’s hard to believe you had a break of over 10 years from bow making.
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That came out great! I really like the finish work too!
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Right there is a sweet example of why people should drop their preconceived notions regarding board bows!
That dog was born to hunt.
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That turned out really great. Love the finish on it, and full draw looks great. Doesn’t look like you forgot much over the ten years of not building any. Hope to see more of your work in the future.
You should add it to the bow of the month thread.
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Being a details guy myself with a hint of OCD mixed in I certainly appreciate the details on this bow. There is a lot to look at! Beautiful bow. Love everything about it. This right here is what careful attention to detail looks like. Well done! What is the material used to edge you handle wrap?
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Thank you all for the nice replies!
Well, basically I though bowmaking would be like riding a bicycle and one wouldn't forget, but I expected it to be more wonky. Thus the ash board to start over again!
@superdav95: all wrappings are thin linen thread, dyed with Fiebing's dark brown leatherdye.
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Very nice work, beautiful bow for sure. :)
Pappy
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Nice work Medicinewheel . Glad to see the bug bit you. Only one cure for it. Sounds like your work on the cure.
Thanks for sharing
Bjrogg
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Thanks medicine wheel. Looks great.
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Nice bow ! Well done.
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That’s about the most handsome board bow I’ve seen
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Very nice, Frank. Glad to have you back. Doesn't look like you lost too much on your hiatus. :OK
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Many thanks to all of you!
Early morning here in Germany, and a day in the workshop is ahead...
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Hi Frank, nice to see that you are back again ;)
And that is a fantastic ash bow!
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Thanks Andy!