I took almost 6 months off from bow making to pursue my first great passion, hunting. After a successful season I returned to the workshop to split an Osage stave with the hope of getting 2 bows from it. One is my great elk hunter who is destine to chase those majestic giants across the Rocky Mountains. More on him in a separate post soon. The other I targeted for a 20# bow for my old friend Dan at my sportsman's club.
Dan was a great archer and instructor but father time is catching up with him a bit even though he runs away faster than most. Dan has always admired the bows I made and brags about me to his traditional bow friends.
I've had many people ask me to make them bows but Dan is someone who I know will truly appreciate it, so he made the top of my list. Dan's bow was shaping up beautifully. It looked destined to be the best bow I ever made.
As the tiller progressed into the mid 20s and my expectations rose, I drew the bow to hear the dreaded SNAP. The back blew out in a seemingly flawless spot. Perhaps I over dried it, perhaps I drew too far, or perhaps the stars and moon were not quite aligned properly… Who knows exactly why it happened but it did.
After a few moments of quiet acceptance. I decided to push forward and see if I could not salvage it. On a friend’s suggestion I removed the broken rings from the back. When unfortunately totaled 4. I then backed the bow with the skin from a buck I killed a few years ago for some added protection.
It ended up pulling an estimated 12# at 26 inches. Not exactly what I was hoping for but I know it will still be appreciated. Dan works with kids and it may work well to train a young first timer.
Here’s to you Dan!
