elderberry bows part 1/3, 52/28 (No. 22)

[simson]

I have build three elderberry bows with different designs, but all in the same drawweight range (50+). I will post all of them in the upcoming days.

Here is the first one, a flat bow with cherry bark backing. It is 62½" ntn and 52# /28".
The bark came in three parts, spliced under the wraps. First time bark backing for me, done with TBIII.
The stave was about 2½" in diameter and had a really thick pith, I drilled out the spongy material.
Cross section is more or less rectangular with absolut flat belly and a bit crowned back which runs at outer third of limb from a trapezoid into a triangular tip.
Five color dying, partally sanded down with steel wool and a piece of old leather gives this bow a "used look" (esp. made for those who don't like the glossy finish).
Finished with several coatings of hard oil.

enjoy

[bubby]

very nice, like the natural quiver , Bub

[Del the cat]

That's really nice. I love the hole to stow the ram rod... or am I getting my weapons confused again?
I like the nice smooth blend from limb to grip.
Del

[danny f]

thats a great looking bow. i love the hole through the handle. i have a few elderberry staves ready for using but they are abit twisted and snaky which puts me of abit lol.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Very clean work Simon. What do you finish seal your bows with? I really like that.

[mikekeswick]

That bow is so cool!
The tiller matches the width profile perfectly. Very good design and execution.
I like the stain job...thats just how I do my bows
Have you tried heat treating it yet? I also have a feeling that this wood would be great if sinew backed.
Elder grows everywhere around here, i've cut a few staves of it and they should be dry by now....I think you've just inspired me to pull one of them out.

[PrimitiveTim]

That's super cool! I think you've convinced me try this. I've got some elderberry trees growing in the yard that might be big enough for this.  Does anyone know if the stuff in Florida is of the same quality as in Germany?

[bubby]

around here the elderberry beetle is protected so you have to be carefull where you cut

[rossfactor]

That is just sweet. Love the handle, the cherry bark and the tiller.  Great stuff Simson.

Gabe

[vinemaplebows]

Very nice bow! I don't mean to step on your thread , but has anyone had success with american elderberry?? Is european elderberry comparible to american?  I know where some nice trees/shrubs are and am thinking of cutting them. I am in Wa. state. Never used it myself always thought it was brittle.


VMB

[M-P]

Howdy,  I believe the issue of the elder bark beetle is confined to the interior valleys of CA.   Don't cut elders in the Sacramento valley or face a big fine!  Here in the Bay area I've got my eye on a couple of possible staves, and hope to give the local elder wood a try.   In the meantime it's nearly elder blossom time and a chance to harvest elder flowers.   
Beautiful bow and really unique handle!         Ron

[k-hat]

Awesome!  You do great work and can't wait to see 2 and 3!  Like the hole, that is sweet!

[bubby]

yeah M-P up here around red bluff they actually planted a small orchard of elderberry for the beetles, bub

[jimbows]

That Sir is one cool bow!!!

[RyanY]

Very cool bow. The handle looks a wee bit sharp though. I'm guessing it rounds out under the leather?