Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jb on August 27, 2009, 07:40:29 pm

Title: sapling bow
Post by: jb on August 27, 2009, 07:40:29 pm

hi..I made some flat bows out of maple..thinking of trying to make a bow from a sapling like choke cherry...what is the general process.I was guessing the back would remain round and the belly would be tillered..Is there a problem with the excessive crown on such a bow..any related knowledge would be appreciated thanx JB

Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: Dauntless on August 27, 2009, 07:53:06 pm

I think it is advisable to make the bow a couple inches longer if the crown is excessive.  Making a bend in the handle bow is just as effective. 

I've made a couple of chokecherry sapling bows and none have broken... even the one I tillered back and belly. 

Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: Pat B on August 27, 2009, 08:13:20 pm

jb, check out Gordon's build along with a hazelnut sapling bow. Lots of good info there.

Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: jb on August 27, 2009, 08:17:19 pm

hey thanx..where would I find gordon,s build along

Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: Little John on August 27, 2009, 10:06:45 pm

I decrowned an osage pole (gift from Pat)  and backed with sinue, 64"  holmie design. I like it a lot except that it came in under weight for an elk bow. The 1/2 pole reflexed naturally and held 2". Had to glue on a piece for stiff handle, wraped with gut and TBIII. The Belly is flat and the back has a trapizoidal cross section.    Kenneth

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Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: Pat B on August 28, 2009, 12:10:50 am

jb, you can find it in the How To and Build Along section of this site.
  Kenneth, that bow came out nice. My half of that pole got a crack across the back. I will remove that layer of sapwood and maybe even sinew the back. Pole(sapling) bows work well but are a challenge to make.

Title: Re: sapling bow
Post by: jb on August 28, 2009, 09:04:42 am

nice looking bow Little John..thankx for photos and response..jb