Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Aosda on April 09, 2009, 06:14:44 pm

Title: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Aosda on April 09, 2009, 06:14:44 pm
I'm working on my second bow, just got a very low brace on it, maybe 4" Back to string.  68" TtT, I'm shooting for about 45-50#, and still waiting on the silk for the backing. Right now it's pulling 37# @ 16" on the tree, and I need to go to 28".  Took 1/2" of set to each tip after unstringing.  Any Opinions??

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Josh on April 09, 2009, 06:27:46 pm
The tiller is looking pretty good so far.   Just take it real slow and remember to round off those sharp edges.  What's the grain look like?  You mentioned silk backing so are there alot of runoffs or knots in the grain?  If so I would back it and round the edges before I went any farther.  But that's just my beginner's opinion.   ;D
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: adb on April 09, 2009, 07:58:33 pm
Looks OK so far. Next time you make a bow with a built up riser, try making your fades less abrupt. Taper them out over a couple of inches... they'll be less likely to cause a hinge, be more pleasing to the eye, and stronger.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Aosda on April 09, 2009, 08:06:04 pm
Yeah forgot to mention the handle.  That's just roughed out.  Going to take it down and fade in alot nicer.  Left it as is so that I can get a good seat on the tree.  Thanks for the input.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: adb on April 09, 2009, 08:09:51 pm
OK. But next time, try making your handle a bit longer, and taper it over more length before you tiller.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: smokeu on April 10, 2009, 12:00:40 am
I think adb is probably right i made that mistake....
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Knocker on April 10, 2009, 12:10:21 am
What kind of Cherry is this?  I had a cherry fall down on my property here in Western Washington.  I saved a couple of staves out of it, but am not sure if the wild cherries around here are any good for bow making or not.  Are you out there Brian Melton?   :D  I am sure you have tried it.

Keith
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: DanaM on April 10, 2009, 09:56:02 am
Black Cherry is a very toucy wood, tiller must be absolutely flawless, I personally think it has to have a very circular tiller, kept wide and flat and for
28" draw length at leats 68" long NTN which means 70" Tip to tip. Now if its some other type of cherry as, in pin, choke or sour I believe
those types are much tougher woods. Good luck and hope it works out.
Title: Cherry Bow in progress, I have a crack!!
Post by: Aosda on April 12, 2009, 11:36:44 pm
I've almost got the tillering finished. However I developed a small crack on the side of one limb coming from the back.  There was a small dent in the back from milling that I didn't get smoothed out enough.  The crack is barely noticable, and I wrapped it with silk and TBIII for now.  What would be recommended for wrapping the area to prevent a blow up?
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: nickf on April 13, 2009, 08:13:35 am
better get a length of silk over the whole back of the bow, cherry doesn't like tension.

Nick
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Ryano on April 13, 2009, 01:12:49 pm
Looks to me like you got some way funky grain ruff off on the edges of the limbs.....It don't look good. Grain selection is critical on board bows !
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Aosda on April 13, 2009, 11:48:14 pm
Ryano,
 The bow reminded me of that little fact today.  Split in a spot that I wasn't even expecting.  Luckily it was backed with silk, and cracked on a draw, so I may be able to save it(someday  :-\ ).  Oh well, on to the next one.  Unfortunately I'm in no supply of staves and the lumber yard closed on me today, have to wait to catch a ride later this week. 
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Kent D. on April 15, 2009, 03:33:19 pm
Looks good so far.  I have a love hate relationship with cherry.  I love how light it is, and how well a bow made with it shoots.  But hate the imperfections that hide in it.  Ive made some sweet shooter with it, but also have had lseveral bows not survive. 

Good luck.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Aosda on April 15, 2009, 05:24:26 pm
Burnie,

This one didn't survive.  I split in a spot I didn't expect it to.  It was a Cherry board not a stave, so it was touchy to begin with.  I'll post a picture of the break.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Kent D. on April 15, 2009, 05:28:36 pm
Sorry to hear that, but that is the glory of cherry.   Ive never had the opportunity to use a cherry stave, so I guess that is why ive had trouble with it as well.   Once you get one that shoots, you will like it. 
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Aosda on April 15, 2009, 05:55:49 pm
Here's the pictures of the break.  :'(

And pictures of my practice staves.  Power company cut 'em down, I grabbed 'em and split 'em.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: Muina on April 15, 2009, 06:02:26 pm
Shame about that, Cherry's one of my favourite woods. Did you like the gorgeous sweet smell from the freshly cut wood?

It is unlucky though, Cherry is such a soft wood I'm always scared to use it in case it crushes or snaps on me.
Title: Re: Cherry Bow in progress
Post by: DanaM on April 16, 2009, 09:52:29 am
The picture of the split staves don't look like cherry to me ??? You got a picture of the bark?
Sorry about the break but it happens to all of us :(