Bow making contest ( drawlength changed. Make it to your own draw length )

[sleek]

Measuring from the belly seems logical to me.

For the votes, id really like only those who participate to vote and you cant vote for your own bow. I believe that way the votes are more in-depth in knowledge if cast by someone who tried it rather than someone who hasnt.

[sleek]

Dakota, just let me know when you got em all opened up. Im in no rush at all.
 

[Del the cat]

This has inspired me to have a go with some Yew sapwood offcuts which I've just generated while trimming last years Yew logs. Not enough wood for 40# but I'm hoping for an impressive little 30 pounder from a 4' bow.
Here's the first try on the tiller (yes it's a bit ugly at the moment!)
Since then I've flipped the tips and eased off the grip and left limb... I reckon Yew sapwood will take a huuuuuuge bend
Del
(PS right tip is twisted so it looks too thick... it can only get better )

[Buckeye Guy]

Sleek
hickory will win most every time on a bend ratio
I have a 48 inch bow with a 4 inch stiff handle that has been pulled to 26 Inches well over a hundred shots
also wondering about measuring draw weight it should be done at the  point the bow reaches 90 degrees  of string angle  cause after 90 the weight  is just not true
just some food for thought
have fun whatever you folks decide
it is just not a good time for mr to be building bows  but will try to watch and cheer  y'all  on!

[sleek]

With the intent of keeping it simple im just going to stick with going off what the scale reads stack or not.  No doubt your point is good and true but regulating the string angle gets too involved.

I think that this coming friday everyone who is interested will have made their mind up on what they would like to do. I will count up which contest favors the most interest, edit this thread title and give a time limit for completion. How long will yall want?

[Chadwick]

I'm proud of my 41" bow that I pull to 27". Vine maple, sinew, and blue silk. I don't know what's possible, but I love it.

[huisme]

That sounds like a beast of a bow Chad, it's been a while since I've had vine maple but I know that stuff brands like a dream!

[sleek]

Guys, if you are interested, and haven't spoken up do so soon. I dont want to leave the thread dead for too long. So mention the contest you want to enter. The one the most folks want will be done first. The others will be done at a later time.  The pize is a hand forged damascus knife. Shipping is on me.

[Springbuck]

  I'd like to see another "twig-bow" contest, a bow made in an unconventional manner, and with the most amount of forethought, and the least amount of woodworking.  Like Baker's branch bow, with the tied splice for a handle in the TBB.

I also remember the Home Depot bow contests, where folks made the best bow they could from ONLY what was available at a big-box hardware store.

[sleek]

Idea 3 got the most votes.

If you want to participate in this one join in by..... contest end i reckon? Whenever that is. Yall decide.

Participants vote on who won.

Feel free to post your build alongs on this thread. Make a bow of the most crazy wood or wood idea you can think of. 40@28 being the goal to keep it a viable weapon. Use twogs, moulding, unconventional wood, osage that is a barber pole that actually twist in a circle, pine, recycled wood from a building full of nails with the nails still it it, ideas abound! Have fun!

Prize is a hand made damascus knife you are sure to love.

How long do you guys want to build? I realise green wood isnt the best but that could certainly add to the challenge. 

[PlanB]

Sounds like fun, Sleek. How about June 1?

[tattoo dave]

This is sure to be an awesome thread!! I'll attempt to join in the fun. Just gotta find a piece of wood to try out.

Tattoo Dave

[Emmet]

I think I'll give it a try.
I have two horrible pieces of wood I've thought about seeing if a bow could be brought out of.

[Dakota Kid]

I'm in sleek. Was June 1st confirmed as the hard deadline?

[riverrat]

can we use one we already built?