Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tombow on June 19, 2009, 09:07:32 pm
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I mentioned that I was playing with the Texas Huisache a few weeks ago and this is my 3rd bow, also the one I worked on longest. I'm an avocational archaeologist and trying to determine which woods (ancient) may have been good bow woods for this area of S. Texas. Some of the 16th-17th century Spanish writings claim the locals (Karankawa) used "Cedar" for their bows. However there is very little Cedar that grows near the Texas coast. I noticed that Huisache LOOKS a lot like cedar after it's opened up and finished. Huisache is considered a "trash" tree by ranchers and farmers but the reddish heart-wood is beautiful if left to grow into a tree. I know the tiller and finish of this bow is sub-par compared to most of your talents but this wood is awesome in it's strength and resilience. i am thinking it could have been the "Cedar" of the Karankawa....maybe. Tom
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/atkinsont/hui2.jpg) (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/atkinsont/hui4.jpg) (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/atkinsont/hui5-1.jpg) (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/atkinsont/019.jpg)
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Sorry, my dislexia took over it's 65" not 56", 45# at ~ 30" draw. Tom
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/atkinsont/Archry/bow1001.jpg)
Huisache stave........
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Good looking wood. Your tiller doesn't look sub-par, it looks like it'll launch an arrow at dinner and succeed. Nice job.
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Good looking bow and thanks for the historical information.
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That's cool sure looks like you found the "cedar".
Nice bow!
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I'd say it is a nice job! And a primitive stick bow to boot. Great entry for June Self Bow of the Month Fun.
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Looks great!
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Avocational archaeologists are a boon to the field (as opposed to the ebay archaeologists :'( ). You could check your local university to see if there are any publications or even experts on the Karankawa. I'm sure the people who've studied them would love to see this bow.
On a technical side 30" of draw from a 65" bow is a small feat. Tiller looks great although the lower limb on your drawn pic seems to be bending a little more. If you flip the bow upside down it might shoot/look better.
She's a beauty.
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Thanks for the comments Dauntless, et al. I have worked with some of the best archies on the coast and you would be surprised how little REAL information there is on Texas Coastal archaeology. Besides, I like having fun trying to see how much skill it took to survive 500 years ago in N.A.
I quit removing wood from the belly of this bow for fear it would become too weak. Next one I hope to draw ~ 60#..Tom
And by the way, thanks to you all for your expertise and this forum too.
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Love to see folks experiment with different woods :) I like that type of tiller with stiff outer limbs very nicely done :)
Now spend a few minutes getting her all prettied up eh ;) :D
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... Tiller looks great although the lower limb on your drawn pic seems to be bending a little more. If you flip the bow upside down it might shoot/look better.
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Very hard to ell from the background plus the bow seems to be angled at bit; but suspected the same...
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thank you for sharing, your study would be an interesting read. i'm speaking for myself but keep us posted.
chuck
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looks like a lot of wood there for a 45#'er. looks like that wood is a good candidate for 2" plus wide flat bow. how long did you let the wood season before carving it up. it is awfully beautiful. I agree 30" draw on a 65" bow is some good tillering skill. nice job!!
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beautyfull wood and nice tiller ;) ain't bad in any way. I like it ;)
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Wow, thank you for all your comments. When I write up my (very casual) investigation I'll post it here.
I did not finish the bow very carefully but found that after sanding with 120 grit, it self-polishes by rubbing with sweaty hands...hot as hell here... It is also much heavier than Elm or Hackberry - the other woods I've made bows from. And I do think it needs to cure longer. The dense heartwood does not dry easily. I did leave the ends a little thick and heated a slight recurve in the tips. Seems to take a bend easily. I'm currently trying to straighten and strengthen another Huisache flat bow I made earlier that is only ~30# but 70" long. I'm sure the natives used heat to modify wood tools of all types. Tom
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looks cool, although the limbs seem a bit thick...if you cut 4 or 6 inches off your 70# bow the weight will go up around where you want it
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Tombow, Your bow and the stave looks like some of the Juniper I have..