Elk Antler Bow: Follow Along

[Bryce]

Since I'm not 100% sure of what I'm doing this will not be a build along. Any and all advice is welcome.

These are some Roosevelt elk spikes I've been saving for such a project.

So far I've wworked the top curve down to where the billets have some bending motion to then.
I'm gonna soak them in water and then steam them so they are more manageable.

[wizardgoat]

so stoked you are doing this, thanks for taking the time
will you be steaming a setback handle?

[Bryce]

When I do the splice I will set the handle back.
I want to take just a little bit of the curves out with some steam.
But I do t want to use too much heat and cook it or I'll loose some of the ridgedness and integrity.

[Danzn Bar]

This is going to be  .....
DBar

[portlandfire]

   Thanks Bryce.  I dldn't see ANY horns this year, so this will certainly make up for that .  I'm looking forward to "following along."

[Peacebow_Coos]

Awesome project

[Aaron H]

    Oh yea,  this is gonna be great.  Thanks for letting us follow along Bryce

[loefflerchuck]

Can't wait to see how this turns out. I've been looking for a huge antler to make a cut from. Maybe some day. I know the old bows were made from trophy antlers and were still a pretty weak draw compared to sheep. This shows how much of the antler was reduced away. This will be fun to watch though

[Parnell]

Whew!  May the force be with you on this on Bryce!  I'll be watching, for sure.

[bigfish]

was thinking of doing the same so I will be following so I can do the same

[JackCrafty]

 

[swamp monkey]

Bryce,  Glad to see you doing this.  I like the pic heavy thing you have going here.   good luck!

[Bryce]

I tried to steam the reflex out a little bit but to little avail...
So I started removing the cortex and left to dry for a few weeks.

[stuckinthemud]

Try very hot water with a dollop of acetic acid (strong vinegar - not malt, maybe white wine vinegar)??

[Redhand]

That's a nice set of antlers they should yield a nice serviceable bow.  Making a bow out of antler can be a bit tricky but with patience you can do it.  I just finished making my first elk antler bow.