This day was a hard day, two failures on HLD bows. One chrysaled badly, the other exploded. I post some pics, because it is interesting.
The first bow is made of sumach. I always searched for this wood, because I knew it has a fantastic greenish color inside. And some weeks ago I got one. This wood is incredible light almost feels like balsa, my stave was only 4 years old, one ring white sap, 3 rings green heartwood. Full diameter at handle, where the hole of the pith can be seen.
The wood dried out very fast and got light, I decided to go as wide as possible and relative long.
The bow came out 50-55# and shot incredible – but only 20 or so arrows (HAHAHA). Then came down every shot. My examination showed the badest chrysaling I ever have seen. They were everywhere not only on the belly, but also in the outer thirds of the backside (cross section). For those who are interested, the bows mass is only 323 grams!
What have I learned: Sumach isn't a bow wood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The second one is an elder again, this time more a long bow design (71” ntn). It came from a long, nice, and slight twisted stave. The bow was already done, only some light sanding and finish were to do.
I (idiot!) wanted to know how far it could be bent. Had it on the tree to look at for drawweight, my scale had a mis function, he ld the full draw (30) a second too long – and bang.
This bow was a dream to draw - the smoothest draw! Draw weight was 60 at 28”. Mass is 528grams.
The initial crack is on the back (see pencil point), perpendicular to the limb (upper! > see Del's thread: where do they break?) It exploded with a loud bang and the crack run almost exactly between the first and second growth-ring til it was stopped by the handle wrapping.
What have I learned: Don't play around with a damn digi scale out of order when a bow is drawn!!!!!!
the initial crack where the pencil points
excuse the excessive photostory
