Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Will H on December 18, 2011, 01:41:38 am

Title: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 18, 2011, 01:41:38 am
I've had this bow finished for a few weeks now, shot it and hunted with it ALOT before I got her all slicked up. I finally got around to taking a few pictures today while hunting and a few after when I made it down to the cabin. This is the first bow Ive had a chance to make at the Twin Oaks bow shop. Working with the advice from Pappy and a few others around shop, I have to say this is one of the best bows Ive made yet! Thanks again you guys! 


She turned out 66"tt, 58#@27", 1 1/2" at the fades tapering to 3/8" tips. 1 1/2" reflex after standing with pappy style "flipped" tips. I used brain tanned buckskin I made from my first stone point killed buck for the handle and went with an 8 strand D97 string for extra performance. I used elk leg sinew to trim out the skins just for looks and the tips are whitetail antler. As for the finish. I decided to try helmsman spar urathane in high gloss. I did 7 coats sanding with 600grit between coats to get the skins glassy smooth then finished with a coat of satin in the spray can.


The wood was a gift/trade from Pappy and Shannon, the beautifully matched  copperhead skins I received from Shannon as well  ;)  I cant thank you guys enough for all your help and overwhelming generosity!!! Yall are really something.  :) :) :) 


Anyway, here's "Miss November" my new sweetheart ;D  Thanks for lookin :o
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 18, 2011, 01:45:16 am
 :) :) :)
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: osage outlaw on December 18, 2011, 01:47:04 am
WOW!  What a beautiful bow.  Everything about it is perfect.  Well done.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 18, 2011, 01:49:49 am
 >:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Cameroo on December 18, 2011, 01:52:19 am
That's a nice one Will, well done!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Justin Snyder on December 18, 2011, 02:14:20 am
Nice looking bow.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: gstoneberg on December 18, 2011, 02:21:19 am
That's a beauty!!  Nice work.

George
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: medicinewheel on December 18, 2011, 02:56:35 am
Oh WOW, what a beauty!!!
...and she will look even better at age, when the wood takes the basic color of the copperheads; I know because that happend to mine.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: medicinewheel on December 18, 2011, 03:05:59 am
PS: really like the set of pictures, too!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: TurtleCreek on December 18, 2011, 03:47:45 am
Beautiful bow!  The contrast of those skins and the osage is perfect- looks great in the woods.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: criveraville on December 18, 2011, 04:01:57 am
Will,

It is apparent that you have come into your true being. That is a package deal right there. Great finish work. The pictures capture the southern woods that we all love. Congratulations on making a fine bow.

Cipriano
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: dbb on December 18, 2011, 08:41:22 am
What a beauty! i think ill have to make an addition to my xmas wishlist ;D
Very good finish and attention to details.
Well done!

/Mikael
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Otis on December 18, 2011, 09:03:39 am
Will, that came out great.  You did an outstanding job.

                                                                   David










                                   





Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: tattoo dave on December 18, 2011, 10:45:15 am
Awesome bow Will! Copperheads are my favorite.

Tattoo Dave
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: hammertime on December 18, 2011, 11:03:03 am
Awesome  bow,great detail work and great pics-Hammertime
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Lee Slikkers on December 18, 2011, 11:08:09 am
WOW, simply stunning as usual Will!  Those Copper Head skins are to die for...I HAVE to get my hands on some for my next Osage build.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: adb on December 18, 2011, 11:10:32 am
I think that's one of the nicest bows I've seen on here in a while. The full monty. Nice work!!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on December 18, 2011, 11:22:20 am
That is a FINE bow Singer/Songwriter Will Harrison. Very nice skin job man.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Parnell on December 18, 2011, 11:49:16 am
Hi Will,

I'd say the Twin Oaks style has shown up in that bow.  It's beautiful and it's nice to see it with the background of pictures.  Great work Will, all the details.
Keep your eyes open for the package on Wednesday!

Stephen
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: sadiejane on December 18, 2011, 11:50:18 am
simply stunning!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: JonW on December 18, 2011, 12:07:22 pm
When I think of "Snakey Osage Bow" this is the picture that comes to mind. Very nice work.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: coaster500 on December 18, 2011, 12:17:41 pm
Oh my!!!  Beautiful bow!!!

one question...  Who was holding the camera :)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/IMG_1646.jpg)

Very, very nice bow !!!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: CherokeeKC on December 18, 2011, 01:30:56 pm
That is one fine looking bow!!!!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: cowboy on December 18, 2011, 01:38:53 pm
Looks like a live snake in the grass there Will, or leaves i should say :). Beautful peice of work there! You TN guys can do no wrong i dont care if you were transplanted from Arkansas ;) :) :).
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: _Jon_ on December 18, 2011, 01:57:52 pm
Now that's a mighty nice bow if ever I saw one.  Well done friend!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: mullet on December 18, 2011, 02:16:14 pm
Very nice, will. That's the one you were working on when I was thereisn't it?
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Keenan on December 18, 2011, 02:41:42 pm
Exceptional bow in every way. Your skills as a bowyer really shine through with that bow. I love seeingbows that are detailed in every category, from tips to handle wraps. The color of the exposed tips are a very nice compliment with the skins and the handle wrap accents as well. Congratulations Will.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: ErictheViking on December 18, 2011, 03:37:52 pm
outstanding total package Will. love that you wrapped the handle with your own leather.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Shaun on December 18, 2011, 04:15:54 pm
Oh bow trade please hurry up...

You did a wonderful job on that one and seem like the kind of fellow who will keep the bar set high. That bow looks like a hunter in every way.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Buckeye Guy on December 18, 2011, 05:22:27 pm
That's one nice bow!!
Congratulations !
Guy
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Timo on December 18, 2011, 10:10:22 pm
Really nice looker there! I see some Walker influence?:-)
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Arrowind on December 18, 2011, 10:20:46 pm
THAT is a seriously sweeeeeet bow!  Nice job! 
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Dvshunter on December 18, 2011, 10:38:36 pm
Cool bow and great pics. I cant find that special bow for my copperheads. One thing for sure though, it will be osage. Seasoned wood definitly feels like better bow wood to me as well. I really liked that handle too. I bet it feels awesome!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: ken75 on December 18, 2011, 10:39:26 pm
wow ! lots of work in that one Will . turned out great
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 19, 2011, 12:30:47 am
Thanks for all the kind words you guys! I really appreciate it :) 

Otis- Thanks Dave, that means alot ;D


Parnell- thanks buddy! Ill be watchin out for it  ;)


Coaster500- Thanks, that was Pappy taking that pic, apparently hes not 2 worried about my shooting skills.  ;) :) :)  No, Im just holding the arrow to make it look like im shooting.  8)


Cowboy- Thanks Paul! Ive always loved the way a copperhead just blends in with the leaves. Just had to take that picture.  ;)


Mullett- Thank you! Yep thats the one  ;D


Keenan- Thank you very much fella. That means alot coming from you  :) :)


ErictheVicking- Thanks man, I got about 3 days into that buckskin...it was hard to cut it up. But it sure makes a good feeling handle with some extra "mojo" to boot.  :)


Shaun-  I hear ya man, Ill try.  ;)  Thanks


Timo- I appreciate it Tim. You might be right bout the Walker influence. My problem is Im mortal, hes not... :laugh:   ;) :) :)


Dvshunter- Thank you! It does  ;)


ken75- Yes there was but it was well worth it. Thank you

Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Pappy on December 19, 2011, 09:00:40 am
I think I have seen this one before. ;) ;D ;D Beautiful work Will. :) Coaster if you ever seen him shoot you wouldn't worry either the safest place to be is in front of him. ;) ;D ;D :D Just kidding Will. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 19, 2011, 11:26:51 am
I seen that coming a mile away Pappy... :laugh: Thanks buddy! I sure had a blast workin this one with ya! You are truly a master of the bow. :)
~Will
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 19, 2011, 10:35:06 pm
I thought Id share a couple more pics if anyones interested. The first is from the bales and a couple from down at the creek. Thanks for lookin :)
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Blacktail on December 19, 2011, 10:44:36 pm
you guys back east are cranking out some sweet bows...i love the stick...and copperhead allways looks good on osage....john
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 19, 2011, 10:53:24 pm
Thanks blacktail! After seeing a couple folks with copperhead bows around twin oaks I just had to have one. >:D  Im just glad I ended up getting such nice perfectly matched skins.  :)  I have been very blessed since I moved to TN O:) ;)
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: FlintWalker on December 20, 2011, 12:41:01 am
Ya know...If I was gonna make a new bow...it would look almost EXACTLY like that one! ;D  Love it
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Almostpighunter on December 20, 2011, 12:55:02 am
Incredible. Just incredible.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 20, 2011, 01:21:10 am
Sawfiler-I never would have guessed that Shannon ::)  :laugh: thanks again buddy! You are two kind :) :) :)

Almostpighunter- Thank you man!

Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: dwardo on December 21, 2011, 04:28:35 pm
Great resting, brilliant tiller, lovely snakey character, wonderful finish and not an gram to spare on the tips.....Pretty amazing package. Ticks every box.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: PeteC on December 21, 2011, 09:06:08 pm
Very nice.The skins look real good.God Bless
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: BakhSA on December 22, 2011, 09:45:10 am
Great bow and great pics Will.
 Bakh
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: iowabow on December 22, 2011, 09:46:38 am
Will that bow is really nice.  How do you prepare the snake skins? Do you just skin the snake scrap and then dry them out? Are they then rewet and glued on? Looks like you did it perfectly. That handle looks real good on that bow? 
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 22, 2011, 09:57:35 am
Dwardo- Thank you! Very kind feller! :)

PeteC- Thanks :)

BakhSA- Thank you  :D
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: swamp yeti on December 22, 2011, 12:58:37 pm
That is one nice looking snakey osage,nice job.Like those snakeskins to.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: tdog on December 22, 2011, 02:39:50 pm
Wow! What a nice looking bow. You guys at Twin Oaks really know how to bend some wood!

Mark
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: criveraville on December 23, 2011, 04:44:16 am
Good shooting Will and I like the new pics.  Congrats on joining 8)

Cipriano
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 23, 2011, 10:33:34 am
Thanks swampyeti, tdog, and criveraville :) And Merry Christmas!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: snag on December 23, 2011, 01:05:31 pm
Like others have said the results of your labor of love is outstanding. I really like the shape of the grip area. I think I just changed my ideas for the grip on the bow I am making right now! Thanks for posting these great pics. Did you say what finish you used? Guess I should re-read....
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: ChrisP on December 23, 2011, 06:54:00 pm
Thats why i love osage. Every piece seems to really have its own character
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Jeremy Holden on December 23, 2011, 09:32:59 pm
Love the bow and the wool too!

-Jeremy
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Gaur on December 24, 2011, 11:50:09 am
That's an awesome bow Will.  Those snakey staves seem hard to come by.  Never tried a real snakey one like that yet.  Merry Christmas.  Do you have a few more days to hunt before your season ends?
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: swamp monkey on December 24, 2011, 04:51:23 pm
absolute perfection.  wonderful.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 24, 2011, 10:35:37 pm
Thanks again you guys!


Snag- I used high gloss helmsman spar urathane for 7 coats and then finished with the same in satin spray can.


ChrisP- Thanks, Im a sucker for character wood  ;)  Thats why I love Osage so much.
 
Jeremy- Thanks, I love my wool in the winter woods.  :) :)


Guar- Thanks man, Merry Christmas to you as well! We can hunt here in TN till Sun, Jan 1. So Ill maybe have 2 or 3 more times on stand with her.


swamp monkey- That was nice. Thank you


Merry Christmas
~Will
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 25, 2011, 10:06:14 pm
Oh! Sorry Iowabow, I seem to have missed ya. Thank you kindly and yes that's pretty much how I did the skins. I used TB3 slightly watered down to apply them. Then came back with a sanding block to feather them in on the sides. Gettin all the scales off was the tricky part, I tried steel wool and every other method that was suggested to me but the only way I could get it done was to pick em off with my fingernail. Very tedious to say the least but it's well worth it. Also, thanks about the grip. I have about 3 days of work in that hide so I'm a real fan if that grip myself. I noticed you figured out the braintan as well;) yours looks awesome! Very even smoke :) good job buddy! Hope you had a great Christmas!
~Will
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: gmc on December 26, 2011, 03:09:55 am
Will, that's one awesome bow.

Love the front limb profile and skin work.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: dragonman on December 26, 2011, 10:19:39 am
I agree , awesome bow, no set and looks beautifull with the snake skin and those snakey lines, I've yet to make a snakey bow, looks more difficult than the stuff I do....one day I'll try one, but i wil have a hard job finding snake skin over here.....
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 27, 2011, 12:27:33 am
gmc- Thank you man!


dragonman- Thanks man, it actualy kept 1 1/2" of reflex and as you can see in the pics stands dead straight right after unstringing. Got to love osage ;)



Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Riounis on December 28, 2011, 12:48:21 am
Wow!!! That is absolutely amazing! I love this bow!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on December 29, 2011, 02:11:53 am
Thank you very much Riounis! Welcome to PA  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: artcher1 on January 03, 2012, 04:52:55 pm
That's some awesome work and a great looking bow Will! Very nice indeed...........Art
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Bear on January 05, 2012, 11:25:51 pm
It was fun watching this one come along. Had it next to Voodoo Child (my snakey BOM from May 2009) and I have to say the detail and finish are better than mine. (Damn, did I say that out loud?! ;D) Anyway, it is. Will won't let me shoot it though, something about 30" draw makes him nervous... go figure.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: DRon knife on January 06, 2012, 12:13:52 am
Truly a craftsman,very nice tiller and attention to detail !! Did you have to influence it with heat at all?
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on January 06, 2012, 01:38:44 pm
Thanks Art! Im almost done with your arrowheads man, I'll let you know when I get em n the mail ;)

Bear- Thanks Alex  ;) I love voodoo child. Absolute beauty! So that's a real BIG complement!! You are 2 kind buddy!

DRon knife- Thank you sir :) I did put it in the caul to induce a bit of reflex and take all the prop out... Then flipped the tips "Pappy style"
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: DRon knife on January 07, 2012, 12:04:22 pm
Cool Will,I cant stop looking at that bow...Its Awesome!!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: bowtarist on January 19, 2012, 12:42:23 am
Will, Just happened on this post, nice freakin job Man! Can't wait to see it in the next issue!!

Congratz Buddy, dpgratz
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Will H on January 19, 2012, 10:50:55 pm
Thanks again everybody! Its an honor to win BOM!  :o   :) :) :)
~Will
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Gaur on January 20, 2012, 05:05:56 am
Congrats on winning BOM with that.  Well deserved.
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: DirtyDan on January 20, 2012, 03:52:09 pm
Outstanding, Will.  I love the antler tips, the flip on the ends, the handle, everything.  A masterpiece!  Well done.
Dan
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: PAHunter on February 07, 2012, 02:49:14 pm
Beautiful bow, gratz!!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: Stiks-N-Strings on February 26, 2012, 06:02:42 am
Congrats on a well deserved win!

 Love those snaky bows!
Title: Re: Snakey Osage Bow w/Copperheads
Post by: swamp monkey on February 26, 2012, 05:23:29 pm
This bow gathered a lot of attention for obvious reasons,  Attention to detail, good bowyering, and wonderful character stave.  Congrats and well deserved.