Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Cameroo on June 11, 2011, 11:51:26 pm

Title: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Cameroo on June 11, 2011, 11:51:26 pm
I'm starting to wonder if I should have joined in on the bow swap, it seems everything I attempt is destined for failure.  I've never had an issue with completing a bow until now :P My first one came out under weight, second one cracked in the handle, and now this happened:

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/6%20Maple%20Self/P1020022.jpg)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/6%20Maple%20Self/P1020023.jpg)

Of course they always have to go after putting 2 days of work into them too. (But I'm not bitter! :) )  As far as I can tell, the tiller was pretty good, and the bow was over-built.  It appears that there was a small pin knot where the back blew out.  Here's the last picture I have before she blew, it was pulling 50 lbs at 26".  I tillered it out to 28", put some fancy zebra wood tips on it, and fired about 2 dozen arrows through it before it went.  Again, I'm glad it happened to me and not the recipient!

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/6%20Maple%20Self/P1020020a.jpg)

I'm starting to run pretty short on wood, and time.  A while back I got some osage in a trade and was planning on using it for a couple bows for myself, but I think I may have to give one up.  At least I know these should hold up - they're also backed with hickory.

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/Osage/belly.jpg)

I'm all for learning experiences, I just wish it wasn't happening now :)  Wish me luck on my next attempt!  I think I need some!
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Almostpighunter on June 12, 2011, 12:06:00 am
...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result. So shall your next attempt not only persevere,it shall bestow unto both bowyer and recipient the blessing of the spirit of the ancients and guide you straight and true into the future.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go hug a tree.  :)

- Guru APH

(Keep pluggin' brother! It will be that much more rewarding in the end!)
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: nugget on June 12, 2011, 12:10:05 am
Make a bow. Follow what the wood wants to do. If it is low weight it still is a shootable bow. Slow down, get back to basics. A bow is a bow. Work with what you have and make the best of it.
Random words of encouragement. Good luck and keep at it. Wood is a renewable resource.  ;D
TJ
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Lee Slikkers on June 12, 2011, 12:30:04 am
Cameroo, sorry brother!  Been there too many times as of late but as the others mentioned...slow down and go back to basics.  Those Osage/Hick look like the right medicine for what ails you!



Allmostpighunter....that was too damn funny!  Sprinkle some of that spare dust my way if you have an extra pinch  ;)

Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: wildkatt on June 12, 2011, 12:32:05 am
...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result. So shall your next attempt not only persevere,it shall bestow unto both bowyer and recipient the blessing of the spirit of the ancients and guide you straight and true into the future.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go hug a tree.  :)

Now that is funy. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Sorry about the bow breaking i have had those months.  Next one will be perfect u will see. >:D


Katt
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Lombard on June 12, 2011, 01:13:17 am
Hang in there Cameroo. I've had a few failures like that with kiln dried maple, even though the grain was flawless.
Thing is it happens, and sometimes it can be hidden flaws in the wood that you just can't see.
Just know you are not alone, it happens to all of us, and it always stinks.
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Cameroo on June 12, 2011, 02:00:36 am
...And I lay my hands upon the pile of fairy love dust and sprinkle it thusly upon the wind so that it might be carried to you and cover your projects with positive energy and good result

Thanks man, I think that might just be what I was missin'.  Fairy dust, combined with osage dust... should be the ticket!

Follow what the wood wants to do.

I just wish she would tell me what she wants to do before I invest 2 days into her.  Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me ;) )

And to the rest of you, thanks for the encouragement.  I feel like I can't fail now!  This is the one!

BTW, this is my first experience with osage, and I'm already lovin it.  Smells so good when the shavings fly!
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: soy on June 12, 2011, 03:59:16 am
Just curious might the wood have been to dry???
tell u what im not in the trade,so bestow the bad onto me and the next shall be...well just plain AWESOME  >:D O:) >:D
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: aznboi3644 on June 12, 2011, 04:03:12 am
possibly some grain issues with that board?
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: blackhawk on June 12, 2011, 11:56:08 am
Looks like a grain run off break to me.
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Pat B on June 12, 2011, 01:01:21 pm
Get back on your pony and ride.   ;)  Bkoken bows happen. If we learn from them they are not wasted. Have you studied why each bow broke? If so are you using those learned lesson on the next bow?
  Those hickory backed osage staves will make very nice hunting weight bows. Don't try to make something special! Make the best bow you can with what you have to work with. Take your time and make every minute you work on it a thoughtful one.  ;)
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: JW_Halverson on June 12, 2011, 04:21:31 pm
"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 >:D
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Lee Slikkers on June 12, 2011, 05:04:47 pm
"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 >:D


Spent most of your time chasing "cheese burger & motel 6" type of women?   >:D
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Cameroo on June 12, 2011, 05:23:14 pm
"Kinda like wine-and-dining a lady and then she tells you "Let's just be friends" (not that that's ever happened to me  )

Never been told the "Let's just be friends" or never wined-and -dined?
 >:D


Spent most of your time chasing "cheese burger & motel 6" type of women?   >:D

You guys are too much!

I never had to chase em Lee  ::)  I learned from hunting to let the game come to me  ;D

But seriously, if I was to attempt to, both the food and the wine would likely come in a box :)
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: wildman on June 13, 2011, 01:03:42 am
If ya ain't breakin em you ain't make em  (fairy dust never hurts) ;D
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 13, 2011, 01:13:21 am
That's the way it goes. Saddle up and start another. A pin knot on a board seems to result in a break for me too. Jawge
Title: Re: Trade Bow - Just not meant to be!!
Post by: Cameroo on June 13, 2011, 01:41:31 am
That's the way it goes. Saddle up and start another. A pin knot on a board seems to result in a break for me too. Jawge

Got another going already :)  Had a bit of time today after getting the stray dog that wondered into my yard all settled in.  I can see why you guys south of the border like working with osage so much now.  I've never seen such long curls come off my scraper.  And it also seems like it's a lot more tolerant of pin knots etc., especially with a hickory backing.  It's coming along nicely.  Just got the tiller balanced nicely today, and pulling to about 18 inches on the long string.  I'll brace it tomorrow.

No pictures this time though, that seems to be jinxing me!  ;D  I'll wait until it's actually done and shot in this time.