Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ftanner on July 13, 2013, 04:17:29 pm

Title: first tri lam bow
Post by: ftanner on July 13, 2013, 04:17:29 pm

Just finished my first tri lam bow. Took quite a while...snake skin, hard rock maple,  padauk core, black walnut belly. The riser is made from canary wood and the tips are black walnut. String is Flemish twist artificial sinew. Bow length is just under 72 inches, 1 3/4 at the fades narrowing to about 1/2 at the tips. 15/32 thick the entire length. Didn't get a chance to weigh it but pulls between 40 and 50 lbs. (Shoots plenty fast to hunt with) Side note: bottom limb came out a bit stiffer after putting the skin on, it got noticeably thicker down the length of it. Assumed that was the cause. Still shoots the same tho. Also, the 'dont tread on me' is on there cause it was a gift for my bro in law in special forces. Figured I'd post pics and get thoughts/feedback from you guys! Thanks

Title: Re: first tri lam bow
Post by: toomanyknots on July 13, 2013, 05:38:48 pm

Very nice, paduak makes a beautiful core. Very nice! Can I ask you, how do you square up and flatten the fades for the belly lams to go on? I haven't figured this part out yet, but always wanted to try some belly lams like this. I was thinking of using a spindle sander/drum sander before the handle was cut out,I think that would work? So you could put the handle flat on the table and have the drum sander/spindle sander right at a 90 degree angle, so it would get the surface perfectly flat and ready for glue up?

Title: Re: first tri lam bow
Post by: ftanner on July 13, 2013, 06:34:02 pm

I have a belt sander so that's what I use. Just the end roller...spindle would be easier tho for sure. Fades are 6 inches long and only 1 1/2 thick. Cut it with a coping saw (dont have a band saw) then sand out paper thin using a block of wood on the bottom  of the riser so I don't break the ends off

Title: Re: first tri lam bow
Post by: lesken2011 on July 13, 2013, 06:46:39 pm

Sweet wood combo. Purdy bow!

Title: Re: first tri lam bow
Post by: toomanyknots on July 13, 2013, 08:09:56 pm

Quote from: ftanner on July 13, 2013, 06:34:02 pm

I have a belt sander so that's what I use. Just the end roller...spindle would be easier tho for sure. Fades are 6 inches long and only 1 1/2 thick. Cut it with a coping saw (dont have a band saw) then sand out paper thin using a block of wood on the bottom  of the riser so I don't break the ends off

Thank you! Very nice bow, beautiful really...