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What do you think?
WhistlingBadger:
Interesting, Pierce. I don't think I would make a self bow out of juniper, no matter what the length. Too many knots, and too weak in flexion. I'd never trust it.
Anyway, this bow is 55" ntn. I was expecting to get more bend out of it, but I think I'd need to get the inners and handle bending to coax out a few more inches. Since it isn't a bow I plan on using for anything, it isn't worth investing more time. Might start roughing out some juniper tonight, though. I got some wonderful pieces the past couple weeks.
stuckinthemud:
Sinew backed Scotch Broom can bend a verrry long way http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,32850.msg434816.html#msg434816
superdav95:
If you go the route of sinew I would re tiller the inner a bit more to bend more then they are. I would go with two layers as well on this one. I think this bow would do quite well with sinew. Just make sure you use multiple size coats to get good adhesion on the back. The benefits of sinew are not just more draw length. If done right it will add draw weight too. If you are happy with where this bow pulls to now as far as length and weight then leave it alone. If you would like a bit more out of it and “bulletproof” it so to speak then slap some sinew on it. I’ve done this and it works great. The shape and tiller of your bow is good now so it’s a good candidate for sinew. A little more bend on the inners would be good. Be careful not to add too much sinew so that it over powers the wood core and belly. I’ve done this as well sadly. For this little bow I would not add more then 2 layers and keep it under 60grams total. So 30 grams per limb. This will add a little and not be a net negative by adding more unnecessary mass to slow it down. Looking at the shape of this now I would layer with 2 layers. First layer consisting of 2 medium length measured bundles of 10grams each laid down from middle of handle out past the fades into bending portion of the limbs. The next layer after a couple weeks of drying would be 2 longer bundles of 15grams each overlapping about an inch or so of the end of first layers on each limb out towards the tips. I I would not lay much sinew at all out at the tips probably about 3-4” short of it. Once that layer gels I would lay a little tiny 5gram layer overlapping the where the first two layer overlap feathering back towards handle. All of these bundles very clean and thoroughly washed and combed before layer soaked in hide glue. I would then cover this with goat skin parchment after a few weeks or more and this little bow would be a smoker! With those short little non working recurves it would be really good actually. Just my opinion on how I would likely go with this little bow if I was wanting a little more out of it. Anyway if you want advise on starting out on this there’s lots of guys here that are old hats at this that I’ve benefited from too. Dive in! The water nice. 😊
WhistlingBadger:
Well, I already backed it with pronghorn rawhide (which, by the way, makes a FANTASTIC bow backing if you can get it), so I think I'll just leave it be. But for future projects? I've learned a lot from your comments. Thanks, everybody.
pierce_schmeichel:
Its super simple haha, a couple coats of hide glue, chew that sinew and slap it on! Thats the traditional way it was done here in America. Also yes it does add draw weight, a really cool kind of draw weight. It's like a rubber band. It stretches and bounces back to its original shape. It makes for a very even draw, very minimal "stacking". You gotta do it for your next project! I think you may fall in love with how it turns out. If you do the chewed sinew method it will dry faster, id say itll dry in about 2 weeks (depending on your ambient humidity of course) you may even be able to get away with using it sooner, just make sure it's totally dry.
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