Well I got the tree and this weekend I started making a bow with one the staves after splinting the staves out.
This tree must have dies last fall as was about 12% based on my moisture meter so I took one the worst twisted staves... I know did not make it easy on myself for a first bow.. but figured be a good learning experience.
I got a bow roughed out and rough tillered.
Not sure what lbs it will end up but was able to get to brace height at 70" long. It will be 68" and about 66 1/2" KTK
I was able to get it to full draw with the longer knocks.. so the lbs the bow will go up. Rather than picking a weight, I got it started tillering and then had my son pull till he was getting a little uncomfortable. Then would stop... tiller and light things till could get to his full draw slowly and still not be shaking. This is comfortable for him to pull right now.. so figure will be removing wood for finishing and to tweak the tiller.. so once shorter should end up about were it is now. I wanted it to be comfortable for him.. Guessing I think its about 35 lbs.. but I could be totally off.
The wood is not seasoned as well as I would like so this is just for learning and going through the process. It was about 12% .. better that the other staves still at 18% (Very humid here this summer so that's typical of air dried lumber in my area with a more humid summer like we are having.) The worst tree I cut at the farm was 25%
I might use a heat gun to try doing some re-curves on it also and this will help deal with the set. I got about 1-2" of set on the bow with the tillering I did..
Honestly don't expect it to be a great bow. Its 1 1/2" wide and I did this so will be a lighter pull weight for my son. Will make a real bow later.
Now that I am at this point I had already learned so much and be better prepared for the second bow. (Still need to finish this one once it dries some more, then I will finish it and do a leather wrap on the handle, cut the limps shorter and put in proper knock.. I might even do knock overlays with some deer horn )
If it turns out really nice, I might just get some sinew to up the bow to hunting weight. That's definitely another option. But thats most likley just dreaming as their is one area/flaw in showing on 1 side of the limb about half way up.. so we will see if this stands up and if it breaks. I tillered based on bend and that area is a little thicker.. so I think its a weak spot in the wood.
Was interesting I layed out things based on a string so was straight, but as I worked the stave the whole thing moved about 1/4" so the bow has a slight curve to it. I corrected this in the tiller though.. would have been perfect for a lefty... but the son is right handed. Just means will need to figure out what spline arrows to make.
I will try to get some pics soon and also check the draw weight at 28".. My son has a 26" draw so will be a bit less than at 28" the max I figured the bow would go as that's my draw length. I could anchor in pretty well with the bow.. and it felt good.. so we will see. but I am used to a 76 lb compound. Much different game with these back to basics primitive bows.
Learned so much already.. and as with anything the more you learn... the more you realize there is soooooooo much you just don't know and need to learn.... Can't wait to start on a properly seasoned stave.. and get a nice hunting weight bow for my son.. (would like one for myself also and that means 40lbs at max 28" draw for here) and something for me to shoot while he shoot this once its ready. Be really interesting to spend time with someone in the area that is experienced.. I bet just a weekend of learning would really move me forward light years.. I looked for courses but did not find anything in my area.
Bruce
