Primitive Archer
Information and Resources => Trading Post => Topic started by: steelslinger on January 14, 2012, 03:25:36 pm
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I am just getting started on this self bow thing, and I broke my first bow. I was wondering if there was anyone in the Portland metro area who would be willing to trade my welding and fabrication services for bow stave's of any type. Even if they are not the best wood. I just want the practice. I also have a bunch of cedar arrow blanks that I will be shaping soon that I would be willing to trade. I can fabricate in steel, aluminum, and do some basic blacksmithing. Money is tight right now, but if you have something that you just wanted a few bucks for I might be able to swing that.
Please just let me know what you need, and what you have and we will work something out.
Thanks in advande for any help.
Steel
I can send pictures of some of my work if needed.
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I don't have any staves that are ready to work right now. However, since you're in metalworking, you should make buckets full of trade points, knife blades and axe/tomahawk heads to trade for things on here. I think they'd go like hotcakes and you'd probably be able to get the wood of your choice. Just a thought. Best of luck in finding some wood.
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I done have a scale to weigh the points. I am under the impression that weight is important, is that true.
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It means a lot, yes. They're measured in grains. 125 and above is most common
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You can get a cheap digital kitchen scale for around $16 at walmart. They don't measure grains, but you can find the conversion calculation online.
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Trade points would definitely go fast on here!
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I got my digital scale on the auction site for $9.99 including shipping. Works great, measures, grains, grams, carats and a few other things. Would definitely recommend investing in that, trade points would go quickly for sure.
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I have never made a trade point. What types are the most popular. What is the best means of attachment provision.
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Trade points are easy to make. These were made from a couple reciprocating saw blades( demolition blades)
Heat treated and tempered...Around 130 to 137 grains.
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/HickoryBill/0501011608.jpg)
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These points are tie on points, meant to be attached with pine pitch/tied with sinew or epoxy/tied with sinew.They are about an inch wide.
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Very nice!
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I will try to make some up this week.
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Steelslinger, I live in the Portland area (SW, Hilsdale area). I have lots of staves. Most are still green, but some are ready to be worked, including some real nice vine maple, osage, Oregon ash......and I just so happen to need some welding services. I have an old toyota tercel wagon with a cracked subframe (enigne is out and frame is accessible). Also have some cancerous rust spots in the body of my hunting rig that need to be cut out and replaced with sheet (nothing fancy, just need rusty metal gone). What do you think?
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I have a black shiny rock to trade. The rock is about 8x6x4".
I think this is obsidian.
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just added new picture of a trade point.
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That trade point at the top is awesome looking. I like how it creates a serrated blade. How much do they way approximately?
~Barry
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steeelslinger- you should get in touch with CMB (above)- he is a great guy and generous with his trades!(thanks again carson) That rock IS obsidian, glass buttes rainbow by the look of it- however it doesn't look like it would be good for knapping. I also have some staves, and I live out at the coast- but CMB is closer to where you live. Collecting bowstaves is as simple as driving out to the coast range (tillamook state forest) and looking for some vine maple. vine maple dries fast and makes a good beginner bow wood. It's plentiful and fairly easy to ID by it's smooth green bark with moss covering it.
good luck!
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I am in contact with CMB. I do not have a bunch of money so a trip to the beach is hard to swing, but I do plan on trying to collect some bow woods myself this year. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the kind words. That trade point is 185gr but I can easily make it 125gr. I will definitely make a set for myself to hunt with.
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Steelslinger, did you get that ash stave turned into a bow yet? ;) I just picked up some nice ocean spray today, couple full length staves and a pair of stout billets.
No prob Aaron. I am glad that bow is working out for you.
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It is roughed out. I bought a spokeshave and a heat gun, and will work on it some more this week. I will bring it next time I see you.