Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Gordon on May 01, 2010, 11:09:22 pm

Title: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 01, 2010, 11:09:22 pm
Here is a bow that I made for Bob Moon. It’s a D-bow design made from a vine maple sapling that I harvested from a friend’s property in the high Cascades. This one has a lot of knots and undulations which made tillering interesting. It bends through the handle though you might not think so looking at the full-draw – that’s because there is some natural reflex in the handle area which transitions to some deflex in the lower mid-limb. But you can feel it working nicely when drawing. I left a few branches sticking out of the back to give it a bit of a wild look. The bow is 60” ntn and draws 53# @ 27”. I gave it a Strunk style handle wrap with no arrow rest. It’s stained with a combination of green and light brown leather dye with a Tru-Oil finish. I think Bob will like it.

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow_01.jpg?t=1272763592)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow_02.jpg?t=1272763631)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow_03.jpg?t=1272763662)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow_04.jpg?t=1272763498)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow_06.jpg?t=1272763703)

(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/BobsVmBow/Web/bobvmbow07.jpg?t=1272763173)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Josh on May 01, 2010, 11:21:32 pm
Gordon, you have done a beautiful job with such a difficult piece of wood most would shy away from.  Your work never ceases to amaze, inspire and teach me.  The grip, tips, and tiller all look great as does the dye job of the limbs.  I really love the character as well and you have every portion of both limbs working equally.  I bet she's amazing to shoot.  Great work brother!   :)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: NTD on May 01, 2010, 11:21:41 pm
Beautiful as usual Gordon!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: horseapple on May 01, 2010, 11:49:54 pm
Bob Moon, thats a name I havent heard in awhile, he is a selfbow nut, nice bow Gordan.

JD
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: medicinewheel on May 02, 2010, 03:12:10 am
Very nice bow Gordon!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 02, 2010, 03:36:58 am
What a nice compliment Josh, thank you!

Thank you NTD.

Thank you JD. Yes, Bob seems to really like self-bows.

Thank you Frank. I'll get that stave out to you soon.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: ricktrojanowski on May 02, 2010, 07:16:03 am
That is a beauty Gordon.  I really like all of the "character" in that one. 
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: gmc on May 02, 2010, 08:58:57 am
No need to see the master behind this one, the tiller says it all.

gmc
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: sailordad on May 02, 2010, 09:39:43 am
Gordon, as usual another work of art  ;)

what you can do to a stick and make it into a bow is amazing.
only two words to say to this one "LOVE IT"

does he get all the extras that are in the pics with it too?
if so,damn lucky guy

i think i will give you your congrats now,because this looks like a BOM to me
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Timo on May 02, 2010, 09:53:14 am
Very nice work Gordon, Tiller is spot on especially with all the character. Nice pics also. ;)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 02, 2010, 10:09:17 am
Excellent work! Quite impressive. Jawge
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: barebo on May 02, 2010, 10:48:41 am
The pic showing full draw could very well be the most Iconic example of the selfbowyer's art that I've seen !!! Truly CLASSIC !!!
Your work and presentation never fail to leave me saying simply.....WOW !!!!!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 02, 2010, 11:10:03 am
Thank you for the kind words Rick.

Thank you gmc. The tiller was a bit tricky on this one. I had to keep telling myself it's ok when certain areas looked like they bent more or less than they should.

Thank you Tim. I much appreciate the compliment. Actually I traded Bob the stone knife in the picture. I own the quivers which where made by Ron York.

Thank you Tim. This one had a bit more character than I'm used to, but I think it turned out well.

Thank you George. That is a fine compliment coming from someone of your skills.

What a nice compliment barebo, thank you.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Barrage on May 02, 2010, 11:50:59 am
Another inspiring bow Gordon.  Beautiful bow.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Justin Snyder on May 02, 2010, 12:32:13 pm
Great looking bow Gordon. It is a beautiful finish.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Blacktail on May 02, 2010, 12:41:32 pm
hey Gordon that is a great stick...and you work is all ways enjoyable...i can see with the humpys that it had some challenge in it..lovely work..john
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: zenmonkeyman on May 02, 2010, 04:12:44 pm
Clearly, the gloves are off for May... The race is on!


--for runner-up, anyways...

Once again Gordon removes the excuse "My stave was too messed up to make a decent bow out of".  Thanks for the continued inspiration, Gordon!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: oneeye on May 02, 2010, 04:25:25 pm
Beautiful bow, great tiller, nice profile! Scott
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: knap_123 on May 02, 2010, 05:55:40 pm
beautiful and rustic with class!!  you inspire me sir.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: acker on May 02, 2010, 06:38:54 pm
Very nice bow  :) :) , I allways like to see your work , good piece of craftsmanship :)

new hat ?

acker
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: snedeker on May 02, 2010, 07:01:43 pm
Thats a beauty Gordon

Davef
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: kerryb on May 02, 2010, 09:58:30 pm
outstanding craftsmanship, beautiful bow.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 03, 2010, 02:48:56 am
Thank you Barrage.

Thank you Justin.

I thought you might like a character stick like this John.

Thank you Zen, what a nice compliment.

Thank you Scott.

Thank you for the kind words knap.

Thank you acker. Same hat, different side.

Thank you Dave.

Thank you for the compliment Kerry.













Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Keenan on May 03, 2010, 08:10:00 am
Truly awesome Gordon, The fulldraw is better then I had even imagined. That is character with some serious talent to bring out the beauty of a bow hidden inside.  You are truly an inspiration Gordon. ;)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Rich Saffold on May 03, 2010, 02:22:42 pm
Now that's a killer tiller on that wavy stick ;D Very nice Gordon.  By any chance are you or friends going to the Mammoth shoot in July?

Rich
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Mark Anderson on May 03, 2010, 08:54:59 pm
Simplicity at it's finest!
Great job, and absolutely stunning.
Mark
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: PeteC on May 03, 2010, 10:26:46 pm
Excellent bow Gordon.Great job on a challenging piece of wood. God Bless
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 04, 2010, 12:25:36 am
Keenan, that's a fine compliment coming from such a skilled bowyer as yourself.

Rich, thank you. I'm not familiar with the Mammoth shoot. Where is it being held?

Thank you Mark.

Thank you for the compliment Scott.

Thank you Pete.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: AncientArcher76 on May 04, 2010, 01:16:32 am
Gordon nice bow! I have to say the quiver and the arrow and the nice knapped head are equally as nice.  Have a good day!

Russell
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Rich Saffold on May 04, 2010, 01:58:47 am
Gordon,

It's just north of Bishop according to the Eastern Sierra Bowmen website. I've never been to it, but the southland Paleo crew raves about it, and I'm trying to add it to the family vacation in the area.  I realized after the fact its still a heck of a drive from where you live.

Rich
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: dragonman on May 04, 2010, 09:08:28 am
I agree with all the above, nice bow
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: OldBow on May 04, 2010, 01:03:53 pm
What amazes me is how Gordon makes a primitive weapon look so GREAT! Bookmarked, too, for May Self BOM fun.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 05, 2010, 03:14:00 am
Thank you Russell. I can only take credit for the bow. The quivers and arrow were made by my friends Ron York and Bryan Briand respectively. The knife was traded for the bow.

Rich, I used to visit that area when I lived in the Bay area. The scenary is stunning. You are going to love it there.

Thank you dragonman.

Thank you for the nice compliment Don.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Ghost Dog on May 06, 2010, 12:42:50 am
 Bob Moon here. I have to tell you guys that Gordon is WICKEDLY talented! I collect selfbows, and my collection represents many, many talented bowyers. I can comfortably say that no bowyer I know of, and I know the best, could have made a better bow out of this challenging and beautiful vine maple stave. It is not only a beauty though, it is a smooth drawing, fast shooting bow that is very, very quiet. Gordon's finish work is flawless, too. I am a happy camper! Thanks Gordon!

Hey JD!!!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: DanaM on May 06, 2010, 11:45:30 am
Another beauty Gordon :)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 06, 2010, 02:36:31 pm
Bob, I'm so pleased that you are happy with the bow. And what a nice compliment. Thank you!

Thank you Dana.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: juniper junkie on May 07, 2010, 01:40:31 am
another fine weapon!!! hope you can bring it to the gathering. great job!!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Matthias Wiltschko on May 07, 2010, 08:00:06 am
She's a real beauty with an impressive drawweight for a sapling.
Sure is a fine shooter too.

Matthias
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 08, 2010, 01:40:52 am
Thank you Dave. Unfortunately I will not be able to bring the bow to the gathering as it has already been sent off.

Thank you Matthias. It's generally not too difficult to make hunting weight bows from saplings, but character in the stave can greatly complicate things.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: bowkee on May 08, 2010, 04:27:59 am
Gordon Is that Beading on the quiver? real nice.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 08, 2010, 10:48:34 am
Bowkee, both quivers were made and hand beaded by my friend Ron York.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: venisonburger on May 08, 2010, 01:21:30 pm
Gordon, thats a knarly looking bow, looks really nice. Has anyone ever told you that you resemble Fred Bear? Your full draw picture reminded me of his pictures.
VB
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: bowkee on May 09, 2010, 12:54:26 am
Gordon, your Friend He does Most excellent Work also :)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: mox1968 on May 10, 2010, 04:17:42 pm
great looking bow simple but effective looks like it could be self bow of the month already sorted out for this month!!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: james parker on May 10, 2010, 05:06:31 pm
gordon that turned out super nice,you sure are the man on that vm.......james
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 11, 2010, 03:00:03 am
Thank you VB. Perhaps there is a resemblance, but I sure can't shoot like Fred Bear  ;D

Bowkee, Ron is a master native American artist - as good as they get.

Thank you for the compliment Mox.

Thank you James, I appreciate the compliment.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Pappy on May 11, 2010, 07:33:29 am
Beautiful Bow Gordon,very well tillered and the finish work is great as usually.Sweet. :) :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 11, 2010, 09:58:29 pm
Thank you Pappy, your nice words are much appreciated.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: DirtyDan on May 11, 2010, 11:18:56 pm
Great bow as usual, Gordon.  You seem to be such a patient bowyer who pays great attention to detail.  Your bows are an inspiration to all of us.  This one has character galore and precision.  Great combination.

Dan Spier
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: tombo on May 11, 2010, 11:21:58 pm
That's simply outstanding! My kind of weapon. Tom
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Shadow Walker on May 11, 2010, 11:54:28 pm
there's positive proof that a primitive bow can look just as beautiful as one made with all the modern "bells and whistles!" Awesome job! I really like the quiver too. That knife looks like it could do some damage as well!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: GregB on May 12, 2010, 08:56:41 am
Beautiful work as always! Definitely inspiring! ;)
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: Gordon on May 12, 2010, 05:54:08 pm
Thank you Dan. IMO staves with character often require more precision in making than would be otherwise needed.

Thank you Tom. I'm glad you like it.

Thank you Shadow Walker. Both the quiver and blade were finely crafted by their makers and I am proud to own them.

Thank you for the compliment Greg.
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: zodiac703 on May 17, 2010, 06:10:57 pm
signs of a very experienced bowyer-nice work!
Title: Re: vine maple D-bow
Post by: okiecountryboy on May 17, 2010, 10:52:21 pm
can"t say anything that hasn't already been said!

Functional art at its best :o :o

Ron