Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Badger on June 07, 2010, 12:45:47 pm

Title: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Badger on June 07, 2010, 12:45:47 pm
  A friend of mine dropped off a bow he was working on last week. He wanted about 85# and was told the most he could get out of this 62" stave was about 50#. Looks to be about 1 3/4 wide. I put it on the scale and it was some dense hickory. Thought I would put my mass theory to the test. It predicted I could get 90# @ 30" so I figured I had nothing to loose so would go for it. I got the 90#@30" with 1" set. I believe this is the most I have ever gotten from a stave this size with a stiff handle. I wished I could draw it back and test it out. If he doesn't come by to test it out I may just hook it up to my shooting machine. Not much to look at but I bet it has some killing power. Steve
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Pappy on June 07, 2010, 12:56:21 pm
Hickory is some amazing stuff for sure,I do a lot of Hickory and one that wide and that length I see no reason it wouldn't do that,I know when I use to make them wider,say 2 inches at the fads you had to get them really thin to get them down in the low 50s ,especially ones in the 64/66 range. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Lombard on June 07, 2010, 01:07:06 pm
That is awesome Badger. I try to come close to the mass numbers from your calculator. That and your no set tillering, have given me superior results.
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 07, 2010, 02:05:06 pm
Yes, indeed. What no pictures? Jawge
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: gmc on June 07, 2010, 07:33:36 pm
Hickory is amazing for a lot of us. I'm still looking for a white wood that will compare, although there are still many woods that I haven't tried yet but within the density range of Hickory I am slowly running out of options. I've got some pretty dense Mulberry on deck though. I've got to get it dry first, but nothing in the range of that draw weight, my shoulder would be screaming for help.

Very respectable outcome considering the draw weight to length comparison. I agree, pictures would be nice.
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Badger on June 07, 2010, 08:16:52 pm
  I will get some photos when Steve comes by to pick it up. Too hard for me to hold the rope and take the photo. Steve
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: PeteC on June 07, 2010, 08:31:57 pm
I agree Steve,dense hickory is an incredible bow wood.The last several I've built, using your mass principle,have turned out exceptional.I also have very good success with high density "slippery elm",but,I have yet to make the chart recommendation for bow mass with the elm yet.But I'm still trying. Also,thanks for your contributions to our form of archery.God bless
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Wolgen on June 07, 2010, 11:13:16 pm
 :o  Getting out the popcorn, staying tuned. I'm riveted.
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: hedgeapple on June 08, 2010, 02:15:40 am
Badger, this is like the 3rd or 4th in as many week that I've seen a referrence to your no-set tiller method.  Did I miss that post along the way.  Or, should I look else where for it.  Heck I'd even learn the secret handshake even if it meant being semi nekkid, standing on one foot and crowing like an asmatic rooster.  :)
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Diligence on June 08, 2010, 02:31:41 am
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,17294.0.html

I believe this is the "no-set tiller" thread.

J
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Traxx on June 08, 2010, 02:33:28 am
I believe,that for an unbacked bow,its the best wood,for my high desert climate.
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: hedgeapple on June 08, 2010, 12:28:46 pm
Thanks Diligence.
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Del the cat on June 08, 2010, 12:49:44 pm
Dunno why we don't seem to have Hickory growing in the UK :-[.
Del
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: gpw on June 08, 2010, 01:12:16 pm
 Del , we don't have Hickory growing here, but we do have Pecan , which makes a pretty decent bow ...  seems tough like Hickory ... but we make them slightly wider.. 
Title: Re: Hickory amazes me
Post by: Del the cat on June 08, 2010, 02:14:17 pm
Del , we don't have Hickory growing here, but we do have Pecan , which makes a pretty decent bow ...  seems tough like Hickory ... but we make them slightly wider.. 
Ta, I shall look it up. So many different trees so little time. ;D
Del