Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Barefoot_Jake on March 03, 2013, 02:32:26 pm

Title: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Barefoot_Jake on March 03, 2013, 02:32:26 pm
Alright so i finished my very first bow it was alot of fun!
T2T 48"
N2N 47"
draw length 22"
the wood is either Swamp Bay or Laurel Oak either way they are in the same family

Its a small bow but it was my first so im still just practicing. I let the stave dry out a few days before I started to use it so it really didnt get to season. But it work and im proud of it! i dont know what the # is but guess maybe some where around 20-25. the bottom limb had sorta of hinge I was able to work some of it out but its still there a little bit. also the one limb slightly bends to the left but I left it as is it wasnt that bad and it still shoots fine!

also it just because its a short bow that when its unstrung that the limbs bend or did i do something wrong?

dont mind the pink sting :P I dont have any good bow string on hand
(http://i.imgur.com/NkERD17.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/otaLe2f.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xWXCFBG.jpg?2)
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Pat B on March 03, 2013, 02:36:02 pm
Nice bow and especially for your first. Probably the reason it has taken on set after unbraced is because the wood wasn't seasoned. Probably why you got so much bend in that short of a bow too.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Barefoot_Jake on March 03, 2013, 02:42:42 pm
Nice bow and especially for your first. Probably the reason it has taken on set after unbraced is because the wood wasn't seasoned. Probably why you got so much bend in that short of a bow too.

ok thought it might have to do something with seasoning it, does that negatively effect the bow?
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Jodocus on March 03, 2013, 02:47:52 pm
Cool handle! Nice first bow overall anyway.
 
Every bow takes on a bit of the bend, right after unstringing it can be quite a bit. Seasoned wood and a longer bow will reduce it some.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: bow101 on March 03, 2013, 02:56:05 pm
Nice bow and especially for your first. Probably the reason it has taken on set after unbraced is because the wood wasn't seasoned. Probably why you got so much bend in that short of a bow too.

ok thought it might have to do something with seasoning it, does that negatively effect the bow?

Oh yes big time the wood is still fresh, kind of like a wet noddle.  The wood fibres will take more set.
Cool little bow for your first shooter.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Pat B on March 03, 2013, 02:59:48 pm
Seasoning bow wood hardens the wood cells and fibers making it less apt to take on set or at least much set. Once you have disfigured the wood cells it is hard to get them back to normal if you can at all.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Danzn Bar on March 03, 2013, 04:18:35 pm
nice first bow
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Slackbunny on March 03, 2013, 05:04:26 pm
Looks pretty good for a first bow, nice work.

 From your full draw picture it looks like you might have tillered it whip-ended, which means that the outer parts of the limb are bending too much and the inner parts aren't bending enough. But that could be just the angle of the picture because the brace looks good. Keep it up, you'll only get better and better.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Arrowind on March 03, 2013, 05:13:08 pm
 Good job on you first bow! 
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: raghorns on March 03, 2013, 07:14:04 pm
When I was your age, I thought a hinge was something on a door...you will be a fine bowyer...keep up the good work. You're doing the right thing by seeking advice from these great guys on here that love to help young people learn.

Lyle
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Squirrelslayer on March 03, 2013, 07:15:23 pm
Looks pretty good for a first bow, nice work.

 From your full draw picture it looks like you might have tillered it whip-ended, which means that the outer parts of the limb are bending too much and the inner parts aren't bending enough. But that could be just the angle of the picture because the brace looks good. Keep it up, you'll only get better and better.

+1 i think that it's a good bow but as it dries it will take set, twist and it may break. i would leave it alone for a month (unstrung) and then come back and maybe re-tiller. while you wait try and find a good board and make a bow from that. just my opinion. SS
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Roy on March 03, 2013, 07:18:00 pm
Very nice for your first bow and green wood. You will do well making bows.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: mwosborn on March 03, 2013, 07:59:18 pm
Yep. Your on your way. Very nice start.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Barefoot_Jake on March 03, 2013, 09:34:58 pm
I just want to thank all you guys for the support and tips! maybe one day il be as good at bowyering as yall!
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: DuBois on March 04, 2013, 06:05:51 am
Way to go man!
Feels good to get one that shoots, huh?
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Del the cat on March 04, 2013, 06:21:04 am
As the bow drys and seasons, you may find it starts to chrysal on the belly (or even break). Don't worry, that's just life :laugh:
Great bow and a good way to start, green wood is more forgiving and it's got you started.
If you get some seasoned wood make the bow longer and don't expect such a tight bend, but on the plus side it will shoot harder and faster with less set.
Good job.
Del
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Pappy on March 04, 2013, 08:26:17 am
What has been said is very good advice,but that is a very nice effort ,especially on your first.Lot of bend it that little stick.Very cool. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Parnell on March 04, 2013, 10:44:47 am
Nicely done, they'll only improve!  Cut some more wood and let it sit, a year will go by in no time...
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Barefoot_Jake on March 04, 2013, 11:41:30 am
Nicely done, they'll only improve!  Cut some more wood and let it sit, a year will go by in no time...

I dont think i can wait that long haha!
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: burchett.donald on March 04, 2013, 11:47:43 am
  Jake, rub some black shoe polish on that string... >:D  I know this has got you wanting to build another and another...Keep going at it, I like your bow for a first, way to go.
Title: Re: First bow ever Finshed!
Post by: Jesse on March 04, 2013, 12:15:09 pm
My first was made from underseasoned wood and it looked the same strung as un strung. Start seasoning some wood but until then you can have a lot of fun making bows from seasoned or kiln dried boards. My advice is to find a bow you like and try to copy it but make it a bit wider and longer to start with. The help on here you can help you get good very fast and you will  be producing hunting weight bows in no time. Keep up the good work. 8)