Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bootboy on November 21, 2007, 03:49:46 pm

Title: backing in the old days
Post by: bootboy on November 21, 2007, 03:49:46 pm

Can anyone give me a good idea of the tools and techniques used to join wood laminations together?

Prefferably iron age composite bows. I would imagine saws, chisels, planes, maybe a drill.  Man how would you do all of that by eye. Ive seen the cross section of a few bows like the Egyptian  composite, and a very old bow from India. If they did not have jigs or anything like that I am profoundlyawed by that craftsmanship/
What do you guys think?

Title: Re: backing in the old days
Post by: PatM on November 21, 2007, 04:43:57 pm

 With a simple  sharp blade and patience you can make all those laminations. They also used clamping techniques that can offset any slight irregularities in gluing surfaces.
 Tim Baker would have you believe these bows are only possible with highly advanced culture and tools but there isn't always a huge amount of complexity involved in scraping two pieces of wood until they match closely enough to make a good joint..
 Pat

Title: Re: backing in the old days
Post by: markinengland on November 21, 2007, 06:39:27 pm

Bootboy,
Email me at markdesignhill@aol.com
I'll send you the little I have on the ancient two wood bow. This was an action wood backed bow dating back thousands of years. There is an atricle you can pay to view that tells you more.
Mark in England

Title: Re: backing in the old days
Post by: Dane on November 21, 2007, 06:41:43 pm

Quote from: PatM on November 21, 2007, 04:43:57 pm

With a simple  sharp blade and patience you can make all those laminations. They also used clamping techniques that can offset any slight irregularities in gluing surfaces.
 Tim Baker would have you believe these bows are only possible with highly advanced culture and tools but there isn't always a huge amount of complexity involved in scraping two pieces of wood until they match closely enough to make a good joint..
 Pat

And that not only goes for bows. Look at the amazing carpentry and furniature of the Amish and especially the Shakers. They only had simple hand tools, and their work is sheer artistry. Seeing thier work in person is an eye opener.

Dane

Title: Re: backing in the old days
Post by: bootboy on November 21, 2007, 07:17:05 pm

high 5 to the amish !!
hahahahaha! I love hand tools and so far havent used any in bow making.
just a machette and a few files.....and a chisel.

 ......and some sandpaper and a plain and surform