Started some hazel and blackthorn bows

[jameswoodmot]

Just got into these two staves, little blackthorn that’s a little bit wobbly and a larger Hazel one. Both these woods seem to throw up a lot of poor quality staves, bits that could be used but that aren’t worth bothering with in my opinion so it’s nice to find pieces of wood this clean.

The blackthorn needs a straighten in the middle of one of the limbs so I’m just steaming the first one. I shaved the edges down so I can get better contact when clamping so I don’t crush te edges too badly.

Should I heat treat the blackthorn?

[Hamish]

Nice looking staves. Never used either wood, but very interested in seeing what you do with them.

[sleek]

I think all wood responds well to heat treatment. Those are beautiful staves so I am subscribing to this thread as well. BTW, That is a seriously cool powerhammer and fab shop you got there!

[Del the cat]

Lovely staves, nice workshop
Del

[simk]

good staves. you sure should heat treat the hazel and you don't need to with the blackthorn. hazel=flat and wide/blackthorn can go narrow and thick.  blackthorn is one of the most resilent woods you can find.

[bentstick54]

I have no experience with either but am looking forward to see what you can do with them.

[jameswoodmot]

So got the first piece of blackthorn roughed out. It’s pretty narrow in diameter, I narrowed the stave a little and steamed a recurve into the tips, maybe more of just a flip, the string won’t be in contact.

I’ve taken smink’s advice and the flipped tips will be static. I’m going to put a little deflex in the handle and then give the limbs a tiny bit of reflex that I expect to loose in the tillering. This is partially more about straightening them with heat and it’s easier to straight out the wobbled I to a constant curve than a straight line.

I’ve got it clamped straight to dry fully on the radiator, this should get most of the wobbles out and then in a week or so I’ll do the rest and glue on a riser.

[sleek]

That recurve looks like it came out pretty well! How long is the bow going to be? Do you know how strong you want it to be? Are the staves seasoned/dry?