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My bows keep exploding advice needed

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trail walker:
Ya I've seen allot of his stuff, i used to get an his website and drool over his bows. He is truly an artist! If I could pick his brain for 10min it probly would save me 10 years of trial and error. Is he still active on here?

superdav95:
I agree with bj on this.  I bet the sapwood of a properly seasoned juniper bow with well sized with quality hide glue would do quite well with sinew in your dry climate.  The heartwood is little more brittle but in my climate it would be just fine.  I’m thinking down there a different game.  The historic bows seem to a mix and sapwood often was used for a reason with sinew.  Just a thought.  The sapwood is more forgiving but in my area or climate I would likely prefer the heartwood with sinew as I can get away with it and not have it explode on me.  Not that I would try to make a sapwood only sinew backed juniper but it matters where you are and mc. 

ImYourMullberry:
Lots of experience blowing up bows so yeah!!!....
First if your open to bow woods beyond your region I would advise the most tension strong woods to get some experience under your belt
Hickory
White Oak (probably the most break resistant wood I've ever tried)
Osage

Second I would just used rawhide, heavy cow rawhide from dog bones never quits, I know its frustrating to loose sinew when a good bow just blows up.

Finally, to parot some lessons from Chuck about making bows out west, cut and begin working them immediately while still green, try not to use mature trunks, rather branches or saplings, they are generally more elastic, and finally don't be afraid to grease them as often as possible. I use bacon grease on yew after every tillering session.

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