Main Discussion Area > HowTo's and Build-a-longs
Sinew Backed, Double Curve Bow
JackCrafty:
It appears that this new piece of juniper isn't as stiff as I had hoped. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell with juniper...there is a LOT of variation in the wood. I think I'll have to oversize the next one quite a bit to get the 60# I'm shooting for.
If this is helping anyone let me know. If you're confused, or if I left out something, (or messed up) let me know that too. ;D
I will be working on the bow again this next weekend.
Postman:
Great buildalong - out of curiosity, do you think a thick-ringed piece of osage could be done in a similar style/weight unbacked?
JackCrafty:
Postman, sure. Unbacked osage was a favorite bow design of Comanche and Kiowa Indians. As long as you start with a sound piece of osage (not too knotty or snakey) that doesn't have too much of a crown on the back, you should be fine. I would go a little longer though...maybe 50-54"...or longer if you want a draw more than 24". It's best if you start with a fairly green stave of osage for the initial steam bending and then let it season to "lock in" the shape, but I've used cured staves as well. I've also used staves with a lot of sapwood but they are not as snappy as a heartwood stave. IMO, thick rings make it easier to chase a ring, but try to be as careful as possible because this design puts a lot of strain on the wood.
Postman:
cool - thanks - I have some green osage that's a little short - gonna try a 54 or so incher.
JackCrafty:
I worked on the bowstring a little today. I added some pics to my "Sinew Bowstring Technique" thread that I posted a while ago. Here is the bowstring (partially completed) with a clamp placed on the strands to keep it from unraveling.
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