Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Nicole on March 29, 2013, 02:23:35 am
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I have a nice piece of Hickory about 2 in BY 2in. I was wondering how to turn it into a stave so i can build a bow with a completely round cross section.
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If it's 2 x 2 square, it isn't going to happen. Bows aren't completely round. Only way to get a bow that is rounded over somewhat on the back is with a smaller diameter stave that is cut from a very narrow tree.
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why?
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Because you need the back of the bow to be of one Continuous growth ring. Otherwise it will blow apart when you bend it.
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oh ok. thanks for the info
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Some woods you can chase a ring on a board to turn it into a stave (hickory ain't one of them), but unless your board comes from the very center of the tree, you're not gonna get a rounded back. Go chop down a small suitable sapling, I'd say an inch to an inch and a half, let it dry, and make a bow out of that.
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i dont have access to that good saplings. all i have is lumber wood. are u sure i cant chase a growth ring on a hickory. looking at the way it was cut i think i would have enough wood.
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Post some pictures of your board please. Get a good shot of the end and the grain running down the length of the board
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So long as the rings are in the center of the board, you can do it. Pics, would help allot.
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ok. i'll get some up as soon as i can.
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Of course you can chase a ring on any board as long as it's big enough. ::) Why on earth would you not be able to?
Bows DO NOT need to be one single growth ring on the back - what matters is that the fibers aren't violated for the length of the back - these are different things.
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I dont know what it means to violate the fibers. Can u explain?
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Welcome to the site Nicole. I'd suggest getting a copy of the Traditional Bowyers Bible vol 1 - it'll have answers to Your questions and help You on Your way. Between the book and all the GREAT People on this site, You be makin' shavings in no time. Have FUN - Bob.
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1. you don't have to have a single ring on the back of a board bow
2. you can chase a ring and get a single ring back if you are so inclined
3. post some pics and ask lots of ??
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I have the first 2 volumes already. and it definately has answered some of my questions. thanks
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A completely round cross section is a bad choice for hickory. There's not many woods that can handle a round cross section. Why do you want to make a round cross section in the first place? It's difficult (but not impossible) to turn a board to a round bow. Far easier - esp. for a beginner - to make a square-ish cross section out of an already square board.
To add to that, a board of only 2"x 2" is likely cut at an angle from the tree. Even the slightest angle will mean you cannot follow the grain continuously and still end up with enough wood to make a bow. A 3"x 3" would give you a lot more leeway.
Read the first chapter of TBB1 to get more info about wood properties.
Post some pics of the board so we can see the growth rings running along the entire length.