Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: SiongSA on January 23, 2011, 03:43:17 pm

Title: Ash stave
Post by: SiongSA on January 23, 2011, 03:43:17 pm

Hey guys,
Cut a Ash (white ash i think) sapling today, bout 2" one end 3" the other, full of knots, got a big natural curve but has i nice grain and no insect/weather damage so i decided to fell it. Obviously this piece needs to season first but i was wondering what design would be best for this wood and remember guys i cut a sapling because all i have is a pocket knife so i can't tiller a 8" log, any way any ideas what to do with this? also lots of paper mulberry around were i cut the ash, whats the design for this, flat bow or elb? (bare in mind i can only work with smaller diameter staves.

Sion,
South Africa

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: koan on January 23, 2011, 03:53:05 pm

A small stave makes for a high crowned back. If you stick with a basic flatbow/ flat bellied bow, you wont be disappointed! This combo makes for outstanding cast. Or you could make a shorter(just long enuff for your draw) bend thru the handle bow.Bend thru the handle shorty's are my favorite, and the high crowned(sapling) staves really shine here..IMO...Brian

p.s..... clamp or strap that small stave to something for awhile, they like to twist and take on massive reflex as they dry. It will save you straightening time later.. goodluck

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: sailordad on January 23, 2011, 04:20:29 pm

just a little food for thought

you say you only have a pocket knife.
thats the only tool you have to make a bow with?
if so then you might want to take it down to near bow demendiosn whiel green and then clamp it to a 4x4 untill dry
the drier the wood gets the harder it will be to reduce with just a pocket knife

like i said,just food for thought  ;)

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: SiongSA on January 23, 2011, 04:25:56 pm

Quote from: sailordad on January 23, 2011, 04:20:29 pm

just a little food for thought

you say you only have a pocket knife.
thats the only tool you have to make a bow with?
if so then you might want to take it down to near bow demendiosn whiel green and then clamp it to a 4x4 untill dry
the drier the wood gets the harder it will be to reduce with just a pocket knife

like i said,just food for thought  ;)

thanks, i'll start tomorrow then

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: youngbowyer on January 23, 2011, 04:41:15 pm

don't forget to seal up the ends with glue

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: youngbowyer on January 24, 2011, 09:59:50 pm

If you have a large kitchen knife you could use that as well to rough out the bow

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: John K on January 24, 2011, 10:05:53 pm

Good luck, lets see some pictures !

Title: Re: Ash stave
Post by: crooketarrow on January 25, 2011, 09:05:11 am

   Go to lowes and get some pestide or you may end up with worm holes I spraty all of my staves exspeicaly white wood. Unless your going to cover the whole stave with something.