Main Discussion Area > HowTo's and Build-a-longs
Building the Vine Maple Bow - Finished
vtbow:
I really appreciate this thread, Gordon. It's extremely helpful.
I have a couple beginner's question about your blank -- you said you split it and debarked it -- was it curved to begin with, or did the curve develop after splitting?
If it was curved to begin with, is the other half of the split timber usable for a bow, too? Because it seems like it might be just as deflexed as this one is reflexed.
Gordon:
vtbow, the stave was not reflexed when it was cut. The tree was leaning and the side facing up (the tension side) is what is now the back of the bow. The wood pulled into reflex as it dried and then more as the belly was reduced. That said, you can make a perfectly serviceable bow from the compression side.
vtbow:
Ah, thank you, Gordon.
If a small timber has grown naturally somewhat curved but not from a leaning tree, just grew that way, does the same thing hold true -- two useful bows can be made from it if the curve is say a 3 inches over 6'?
Gordon:
I would certainly not hesitate to make a bow from a stave with 3" of reflex - that's perfect. I don't generally care to make bows from deflexed staves however.
Aaron H:
Great build Gordon, your attention to detail is incredible.
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