Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: gmc on July 03, 2011, 04:56:52 pm

Title: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: gmc on July 03, 2011, 04:56:52 pm

I built this bow for a friend that has been very kind to me over the years. She will occasionally drop off some bow making supplies and allow me to harvest trees for staves when I need them (can't beat that). I will also mention that she can make some very nice bows as well but has been making flutes over the past few years. I try to keep a primitive bow simple but one of the bows that inspired me in her collection was very similar to this one. Actually out of the bows that I've built, this is only the second to ever have tip overlays. The horn on this bow had been in my tool box for 17 years and obviously, the snake skins are a first. Anyway, onto the bow: 

I called this little bow "Two Snakes" as the skins doesn't match very well on the back. The skins were harvested from her property some time back and she gave me three to choose from; hope I made the right choice . All three appeared to be different in some way but the colors are pretty darn close. The bow pulls 42lbs. @ 23-inches, 52-inches ntn., stiff handle, with a parallel limb design. The tip overlays are black horn, copperhead skins, handle is linen, sealed in shellac, base finish is tru-oil.

Here is some pictures of the bow taken during my walk this morning. I'm missing a brace and draw picture that I will try to get up shortly if it ever cools down some outside. Geezzzz.

 Hope you enjoy!



(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/1lside.jpg)
 
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/2Lfrontp.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/4lupperlimb.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/3Lbottomlimb.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/5ltoplimb.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/7ctipshot1.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/6tipshot.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/8btip-1.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/9cside1.jpg)

   

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Timo on July 03, 2011, 05:40:29 pm

Really clean looking bow. Looking forward to the brace/full draw pics. I imagine they will be as nice. Great job. ;)

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: bubby on July 03, 2011, 05:43:25 pm

nice, but where is the money shot man, ;D

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: El Destructo on July 03, 2011, 06:56:17 pm

Sweet Looker....but like Bubby said....Money Shot............ :P

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Elktracker on July 03, 2011, 07:59:33 pm

Excellent bow!!!! Very well done! I look forward to a full draw :D

Josh

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: ErictheViking on July 03, 2011, 08:23:54 pm

 Can't tell the skins are different and I really like the whole bow. finish work looks incredible.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: nathan elliot on July 03, 2011, 09:07:13 pm

Nice work buddy, I love the skins. Really nice bow, a work of art to take outdoors.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: gmc on July 03, 2011, 09:17:24 pm

Couple more. Sorry, I had to crop out my white legs.  >:D

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/brace-3.jpg)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/fd1.jpg)

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: bigcountry on July 03, 2011, 09:33:01 pm

Hmm, I got me two copperhead skins and have considered this. 

Nice, I might have to copy your design.

Good job and thanks for the cropping out the white legs. 

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: druid on July 04, 2011, 02:27:59 am

Good looking bow.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Pat B on July 04, 2011, 03:25:39 am

Two Snakes is a name that has been rattling around in my brain for years  :-\ but I never had (took)the chance to use it.   Very cool little bow! Full draw tells it all!!!  8)

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Del the cat on July 04, 2011, 08:08:01 am

Yup, like the guys say, very clean not too flashy, let the skins do the talking.
Del

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: MWirwicki on July 04, 2011, 10:56:09 am

GMC:  Nice looking bow.  I really like how clean it is.  What did you use to wrap the ends of your skins with?  String, tape, paint?  What kind?  Gotta plains style that I want to decorate.  Haven't decided how.

Pat B:  You could use, Snake Squared,  Pair of Snakes, Snake-eyes,

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: gmc on July 04, 2011, 11:34:43 am

Thanks guys for all the nice compliments.

Matt,
I used serving string to cover the end of the skins sealed with crazy glue and then finished over it. I'd recommend that you pay particular attention in getting a nice smooth cut at the end of the skins, I left a little raised corner on one skin using a dull pair of scissors and it told on me.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: hedgeapple on July 04, 2011, 10:59:52 pm

another great bow, my friend.  As always.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: ken75 on July 05, 2011, 12:28:07 am

very nice bow G, love the simplicity and im a sucker for skins

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: soy on July 05, 2011, 07:09:18 am

clean work, it all come's together quite nicely. Also with the pack like the skins ;)

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: n2huntn on July 05, 2011, 11:44:51 am

Very, very nice bow.
Jeff

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Lee Slikkers on July 05, 2011, 12:03:13 pm

Very, very nice work...just putting the finishing touches on an Osage with skins as well...they really work well on that wood.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: profsaffel on July 07, 2011, 11:34:04 am

Hey gmc, I've always admired your handiwork, but this is on my favorites list. Great job.

Title: Re: A Bow Called Two Snakes
Post by: Keenan on July 07, 2011, 07:47:06 pm

Awesome bow GMC, Love the skins and how you left the tips natural, Well done. Tiller looks great