Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: radius on August 22, 2009, 06:59:58 pm

Title: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on August 22, 2009, 06:59:58 pm
Here is a pic of me and my #1 son:

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture170.jpg)

here's the bow rack we made

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture118.jpg)


i don't have a pic of the bow he broke after his arms grew two feet.


I've started work on a longbow for him, made with pacific yew.  It has a stiff handle, with a dished grip, and looks very cool.  The knots give it multiple curves and twists and all in all it's a huge challenge and a lot of fun. 

Here it is 50# at about 13" from the belly.

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture001.jpg)

Here 50# at 14:

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture003.jpg)

The goal is to be able to pull 70# at 30".  This kid is   strong, and like i said he's got some long fkn arms. 

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture113.jpg)

It's amazing to work with yew.  Especially knotty yew like this stuff.  I find myself staying away from the knots as long as i can, only to wind up there eventually...sometimes a knot i dreaded to even tackle winds up completely rasped out of the final bow...ah good times, good times.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: recurve shooter on August 22, 2009, 07:13:49 pm
looks like a fun one. man thats a skinny little feller to be pullin a 70 lb bow. im 6ft5, 330 lbs, and i wouldnt be comfortable with that.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 22, 2009, 07:16:42 pm
well, he can work up to it!  He's in the gym all the time, he's not even 15 and he's close to 6 feet tall...i figure if it's 70# at 30", then he can't break it if he pulls it to 29...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 23, 2009, 12:13:24 am
some more pics of the details....

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture004.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture005.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture006.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture007.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture009.jpg)

the lower limb
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture011.jpg)

the upper limb
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture012.jpg)

50# at 16"...
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture015.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: recurve shooter on August 23, 2009, 12:17:10 am
better be a future linebacker!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 23, 2009, 12:18:48 am
he's a rugby champion!  He actually scored a try in a mock game (6 players to 9, i think he said), kids on his team against the Canadian Men's rugby team...they lost!  But he was very proud to tell me he scored a try!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: recurve shooter on August 23, 2009, 12:25:45 am
awsome. i know absolutely nothing about rugby, but if we had it down here i would choose it over football. i think it takes a lil more........testicular fortitude.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 24, 2009, 03:33:24 pm
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture016.jpg)

Chasing it down...the bow is getting very thin, compared to how it started...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 24, 2009, 03:33:53 pm
as you can see, this is a stiff-handled bow,
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: Parnell on August 24, 2009, 04:51:07 pm
Awesome.  You gotta re-post with pictures of him drawing it when it's there.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 24, 2009, 04:52:13 pm
oh i will, you bet i will...this bow is getting to look all weird, where i have to rasp out the belly to fit the hump in the back...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 25, 2009, 06:16:38 pm
Getting there...

This one is now drawing ~65# @ 23" from the back.



(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture024.jpg)



due to the knots, the bow limbs are not uniform in thickness or width ANYWHERE.  But they are started to bend pretty evenly...   

It is 72" long, which i find a pain to string (push/pull method and i'm used to shorter bows)...kid  better like it!


It needs tip overlays because it has a crack in it...i think i'll make that the next step, for both this one and the little holmie...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: mullet on August 25, 2009, 09:00:31 pm
 Scott, to be on the safe side, I'd soak some Super-Glue into that knot in the fades on the right side. And don't over pull it while you are testing the Tiller. Looking good, so far, just take it slowww.

  Trey, I played Rugby a few times in a league down here, It is fun and crazy. To me it was like playing, to be politically correct, "Get the man with the ball". ;)  A lot of running and getting smashed.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: recurve shooter on August 25, 2009, 11:23:11 pm
Scott, to be on the safe side, I'd soak some Super-Glue into that knot in the fades on the right side. And don't over pull it while you are testing the Tiller. Looking good, so far, just take it slowww.

  Trey, I played Rugby a few times in a league down here, It is fun and crazy. To me it was like playing, to be politically correct, "Get the man with the ball". ;)  A lot of running and getting smashed.

i know exactly what you mean mullet. we used to play "get the man with the ball"  ::) alot when i was younger. southeastern has a team, hopefully in two years when i get there i will try it out. no one was ever able to hurt me with football, guess i got to find some way to get some injurys huh? (by the way i know how arrogant that sounded, just jokeing around. i got plenty of scares, and a jacked up knee and shoulder>)
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 26, 2009, 12:34:08 pm
thanks Mullet...yeah, i've got superglue in there, you bet.  What happens is, i put some in, rasp it down, sometimes it gets to a void, then i drip in more superglue...never ending process.

I've got the thing drawing 65# @ 23" from the back.  Last night i put on tip overlays of zebrawood, cutting past the cracks in the sapwood and eliminating the problem altogether, i hope. More pics later.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 26, 2009, 12:39:07 pm
Looks good. I don't like that one knot that runs off the edge. Glad you soaked it. I'm wondering if you are asking a lot from that stave. Not saying. Just wondering. :) Jawge
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 26, 2009, 12:53:16 pm
Well Jawge, i like to push the limits...my last yew bow had killer knots in it and survived ... so far...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: recurve shooter on August 26, 2009, 05:25:02 pm
lookin like she's gunna be a monster.  ;D
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son
Post by: radius on August 26, 2009, 06:21:08 pm
dude, my back is killing me from yesterday's session.  Just stringing the   thing is uber hard, and it's only braced at 4" by now.  If it's 5# an inch, then at 30" it would be ... about 100#?  Better thin it down some...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 01:46:30 pm
okay, guys!  With the too-reflexed bow drying out after yesterday's session in the steamer, i got back to work on this one.  I have been reluctant to work on it, because i hurt my back last time, but the boy's birthday has come and gone, so ....

The bow is just over 72" long, about an inch wide at the center, and 1.25" thick.  The tips are basically half-inch circles.  Zebrawood tips.  As for the draw weight, um, not sure.  On my scale i got it to 60# or so at 26, but i can pull it to 29", so maybe 70 or 75#????

You can see how initially i tried to go for a non-bending, thick, dish-handle grip.  But i now get it.  Having gotten my start in bowmaking with board bows, i am used to make flat-style limbs.  "narrow and deep of core" is my mantra for yew staves now, having read that somewhere.   I finally understand why they are made this way.  My yew flatbows are good, but this thing is amazing.  It shoots with such incredible force that the arrow broke in the box-target, and you can see what it did in a picture down below.

I'm sold.

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture006-1.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture036.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture038.jpg)



Here's a couple pics of my new roomie trying to pull it.  He's great at ultimate frisbee and stuff, so he'll rock at archery, but he hasn't got the hang of it yet!

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture030.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture031.jpg)


Here's me trying to pull it!

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture047.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture046.jpg)


here it is on the tree

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture.jpg)

Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Josh on September 29, 2009, 02:07:27 pm
tiller looks great Scott!  (Great scott!   ;D  LOL)    :)  -josh
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 02:11:53 pm
thanks, Josh!  First time with a bow like this, too.

I put on my psycho face just for you, by the way, my friend!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Josh on September 29, 2009, 02:14:11 pm
Gotta love those "action shots"!  I just thought you were straining from the weight of the bow!!!   >:D  ;D   -josh
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 02:20:00 pm
well, my roomie was having a hard time with the camera, so i had to hold it quite a while...and at this poundage, no finger tab...well i'm surprised i still have fingertips left
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Parnell on September 29, 2009, 03:42:33 pm
Awesome!  That looks like a really fun bow to shoot.  Does it have much of a stack at that length and weight?  Very cool!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 03:53:37 pm
it doesn;t seem to stack, no...one long   draw to full power...when i release it the arrow stands out of the target.  Doesn't even travel across the space.  I let go, it's in the target.


i like that hick flatbow you made, dude.  simple is best.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Herm from Bavaria on September 29, 2009, 04:36:33 pm
that bow is great! i like it! ::)
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 04:41:41 pm
thanks, Herm!

Now, i just gotta get some laburnum to try out.  It grows everywhere here.  You ever try it?
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: bigcountry on September 29, 2009, 04:47:40 pm
Dad gone you are the "mad bow maker".  I love these yew bows.  Just hate the price of yew.  Good job.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 29, 2009, 04:52:03 pm
thanks BC...this yew cost no more than the price of gas and a few hours work...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: medicinewheel on September 29, 2009, 05:32:53 pm
Bow looks really good!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on September 30, 2009, 02:53:32 pm
Bow looks really good!

thanks Frank!  God, I'm sold!  These yew longbows are great, i get it now. 

I've put out some feelers for laburnum...you ever work with that?  Apparently it's as good as yew.  It grows here like crazy, so it should be easy to get some.  How lucky am I?  To live where great bow woods grow?

Nice.

But this bow is a good 75 pounds...be a joy to watch my kid try to pull it!

Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: nathan elliot on September 30, 2009, 04:33:06 pm
Nice looking bow dude, you like yew, you will love laburnum!

Nat
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Kent D. on October 01, 2009, 03:07:03 pm
Great looking bow and kid.   Ive never had an opportunity to work with yew, but look forward to it some day.

Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Dave 55 on October 01, 2009, 03:18:28 pm
Great lookin bow,Ive had the chance to work with yew once and loved it,looks like it might be the short course on short drawn and snap shootin for the boy tho.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 01, 2009, 03:19:30 pm
he's pretty strong!  bids fair to be much stronger than me, and taller, and soon
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 01, 2009, 04:15:06 pm
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture049.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture050.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture051.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture052.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture053.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/NomadArchery/Jacali%20Bow/Picture054.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Josh on October 01, 2009, 04:16:01 pm
sweet got the rune mark!  -josh   :)
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 01, 2009, 04:17:00 pm
sweet got the rune mark!  -josh   :)

all my yew bows get the rune mark...
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Kegan on October 01, 2009, 05:07:56 pm
Beautiful bow! I wouldn't worry about your son not being able to handle the weight. I'm proof that looks aren't everything :D!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 01, 2009, 05:10:30 pm
i'm not worried at all...he'll just keep pulling it until he can!
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Kegan on October 01, 2009, 07:07:48 pm
Just hope he doesn't ask you to pike it for more weight ;D
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: medicinewheel on October 02, 2009, 03:42:24 am
Again: really nice bow!
SCARY knot!!!
I never made such a D-bow but that's on the top of my to-do list, so I have a question: The picture where you pull it (the one with certain face expression, if you know what I mean...  >:D )  it to me looks as it had a lot of bend in the handle!?
Or is that just my impression (the tiller tree pic looks different)??
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: Del the cat on October 02, 2009, 04:04:12 am
Man, I love the tiller, almost semicircular...I love to see some bend, can't stand the se 8 foot bows with 24" draw...
BTW Your Son's arms grew two feet??? Aren't hands more usual ::)?
Del
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 02, 2009, 09:57:05 am
Radius, from top to bottom this thread made me smile. Nice to see your son involved. Congratulations on your bow. :)  Jawge
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: wannabe on October 02, 2009, 11:59:09 am
I am in awe. Beautiful work.
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 02, 2009, 01:58:13 pm
Radius, from top to bottom this thread made me smile. Nice to see your son involved. Congratulations on your bow. :)  Jawge

thanks Jawge!

i sent my kid a link to this thread on facebook, and he wrote, "wow, dad, that's freakin' awesome!"
Title: Re: Yew longbow for my son--full draw pics finally--hurts just to look!
Post by: radius on October 02, 2009, 02:01:34 pm
Again: really nice bow!
SCARY knot!!!
I never made such a D-bow but that's on the top of my to-do list, so I have a question: The picture where you pull it (the one with certain face expression, if you know what I mean...  >:D )  it to me looks as it had a lot of bend in the handle!?
Or is that just my impression (the tiller tree pic looks different)??

it bends all the way through, yeah.  I guess my hand has more shape to it than the top of my tiller tree, so the thing can bend more completely.  Man, i feel like i could just keep pulling this thing and the tips would touch before it broke!  Maybe we can get Pat B's tall friend to try it? 



Thanks for the kudos, guys, i'm really happy about this bow.  First d-shaped yew-bow ever.  Love it.  Now i know why they make em this way.