Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Thesquirrelslinger on December 17, 2013, 07:05:00 pm
-
I am aware there was plenty of scheisse aimed at Bowslayer last year about this.
I am also aware that it is near diffucult, if not impossible, to make a good bow from an xmas tree of Frasier Fir.
I intend to do it.
It is extremely knotty.
I will probably back it with a very thin strip of 'boo or rawhide.
Probably gonna go reverse here- crowned belly, flat backed.
Haven't decided wether I shall decrown or not.
How long needed for a #30@28 bow? I am thinking 70-85".
I have approx. 7 feet of tree to work with.
I know someone made a poplar bow...
-
Good luck lol
-
I dont understand the logic behind trying something like this. If your motivation is to build it just to see if it can be done then go for it but dont expect it to make it. Christmas trees have limbs shooting out of them anywhere an everywhere making it a bad candidate for a bow even if it was good wood, but its not good wood. Boo will overpower it and im not sure rawhide will keep it from collapsing. Just my 2 cents.
-
Haha when i saw the title i thought it was my thread :o good luck. I would say if the knots arn't to big leave it as is or chase a ring. if not then just drill out the knots. im thinking about atempting it again this year. i say make it 65" long. how's about some pics. i would say go for a pyramid flatbow style bow 1.5 - 2" at fades to 1/2 - 3/4 at the tips and keep the limbs a nice 10mm thickness. and tiller from there.
p.s watch out for doors and door frames :P
-
Not this again!!!!!! :o .... :laugh: :laugh:
-
Not this again!!!!!! :o .... :laugh: :laugh:
same wood, diffrent squirrel. >:D
-
I think if you want a chance at making it, I would do 74" long ntn for a 28" draw ATLEAST. I would make it even longer just because it is so weak.
-
Don't forget to take the decorations off! ;D ;D ;D
-
Ahh come on don...I think it would look cool with the star still on top :laugh:
-
OK, on another topic kind of but I was wondering if a bow could be made of some antique maple snow skiis I saw at a second hand store. They are already recurved and just need a splice and handle. What say you?
And good luck with the tree. Sometimes a guy just has to try something for the hell of it. But not me this time ;D
-
My Christmas tree can kick your Christmas trees butt.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img11/2616/tg9v.jpg)
-Dan
-
Pfhahahahahahahahahaha!!!!! LMFAO :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: that's awesome Dan!!!!! ;)
-
Here we go again... Can't imagine how this might end. ::)
-
I can. Badly. Broke it in the refrigerator door kinda bad.
-
You guys crack me up.
-
Note to self- just research by self and ask those few who will honestly anwser the question
Anyway... I just want to do this for the hell of it.
'nuff said.
I do intend to wear a chestplate and a face mask, with bracers... lol
but seriously.
Has anyone ever messed with fraiser fir?
i could use some info.
the wood itself seems to be rather rubbery when green. i can actually tie thin parts into knots
Should I go for green lumber or season it?
-
Hahahahahaha you are the man Dan!!!
-
Hearing people say that it cant be done. Makes me want to try it. What about deflexing the stave?
-
I'm trying a doug fir bow but only because the stave is near perfect. i think the wood is better in compression than tension, but with that many knots and imperfections I don't think you'll get far. Why not try the same species with a better stave?
-
Doug fir is a different species than Frazier Fir. Frazier is a true fir, the true firs here on the west coast are quite brittle. When I was camping once I made a bow from a dead Doug fir branch. It worked quite well but at the time I new even less than I know now.
don
-
Doug fir is a different species than Frazier Fir. Frazier is a true fir, the true firs here on the west coast are quite brittle. When I was camping once I made a bow from a dead Doug fir branch. It worked quite well but at the time I new even less than I know now.
don
I hope that's not as much as you make it sound ;D
-
DGF - That's the funniest thing I've seen in a long time!
-
A #30 bow, at 28" draw, and 70+ inches long can be made with just about any type of wood. :) Cut the tree down the center, flatten the cut, and make the rounded part the belly. Theoretically, you could make two bows. I'll be willing to bet you don't even need to back them. The hardest part would be drying the stave(s) without cracking them. IMO.
I for one would like to see the results.
-
My Christmas tree can kick your Christmas trees butt.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img11/2616/tg9v.jpg)
-Dan
Now that is my kind of Christmas tree
-
On the same line I opted for A yew Christmas tree this year >:D
-
Go long and go wide - 100% you can make a low poundage shortish draw bow from it.
Why?? Well that's upto you, everyman chooseth his own challenge!
-
So can someone help me with making mine into a bow cus I have a fake tree? ??? :laugh:
-
So can someone help me with making mine into a bow cus I have a fake tree? ??? :laugh:
Is it PVC? I hear you can make excellent bows from PVC with a heat gun.... ???
-
So can someone help me with making mine into a bow cus I have a fake tree? ??? :laugh:
Please tell me its not efingglass. :o
-
3 courses of tinsel backing will raise your draw weight about 10%, but it only sticks with reindeer hide glue. ;)
-
Make sure you heat treat the belly by holding it over steaming eggnog. Otherwise you increase the risk of the belly getting merrychris-als. A nice simple ribbon will suffice for the grip, finished with a bow.
Don't forget to add two jingle-bells tied into the string about 6 inches from each tip. It will let the reindeer know you're coming when you shoot.
Reindeer antler for nock overlays of course.
-
Tinsel backing...hehe. That was a good one.
If this thing works then I'm with Will, reindeer antler overlays would be a must. If you want to go overboard you can drill out the knots like Jez said and get one of the battery powered Christmas lights strands to stick thru the holes up and down the bow.
-
I was going to suggest Elf skins for the backing, ...but then I remembered that those dudes control the Naughty List and changed my mind.
OneBow
-
Who says history doesn't repeat itself? :P
I personally wouldn't waste my time. If I'm gonna take the time and effort to make a bow, I want to get a good shooter out of it. But hey if that is what turns your crank then go for it.
-
Sitting Here laughing a bit. But as I think about it, what better way to recycle a Christmas Tree, and have some fun to boot...Just don't tell Santa :laugh:
-
Make sure you heat treat the belly by holding it over steaming eggnog. Otherwise you increase the risk of the belly getting merrychris-als. A nice simple ribbon will suffice for the grip, finished with a bow.
Don't forget to add two jingle-bells tied into the string about 6 inches from each tip. It will let the reindeer know you're coming when you shoot.
Reindeer antler for nock overlays of course.
Nice. You've given me an idea
-
yep...
so I might actually try that lights idea...
lol I intend to actually make this thing.
Wills, you made my day.
Mr. DGF, I would be happy to swap Xmas trees ;)
Would a linen backing be a good idea?
Yes, I know this is stupid....
but I came across Bowslayer's post last year, and thought, challenge accepted.
;)
-
yep...
so I might actually try that lights idea...
lol I intend to actually make this thing.
Wills, you made my day.
Mr. DGF, I would be happy to swap Xmas trees ;)
Would a linen backing be a good idea?
Yes, I know this is stupid....
but I came across Bowslayer's post last year, and thought, challenge accepted.
;)
yeah go for it. and where are the pictures of the stave. i need to go find a bow worthy x mas tree now. is your wood seasoned?
-
Doug fir is a different species than Frazier Fir. Frazier is a true fir, the true firs here on the west coast are quite brittle. When I was camping once I made a bow from a dead Doug fir branch. It worked quite well but at the time I new even less than I know now.
don
I absolutely love this quote. Specifically the "It worked quite well but at the time I knew even less than I know now." part. It just demonstrates perfectly how, sometimes, what we know can be more of a detriment, than a benefit. Try to do something that you know you can't do, and your bound to fail no matter your real chances of success, and vice versa.
-
merrychris-als
;D
-
I would say if the knots arn't to big leave it as is or chase a ring. if not then just drill out the knots.
What does this even mean?
-
whatever you do, I wouldn't think backing it with bamboo would be a good idea.
-
I would say if the knots arn't to big leave it as is or chase a ring. if not then just drill out the knots.
What does this even mean?
he means drill out the 3,000 pin knots that are present from the branches. I will probably just take off the bark, make the belly freakishly crowned, make the bow about 2" wide, and 80+ inches long... for a 25-35#@26 draw weight/length.
-
Note to self- just research by self and ask those few who will honestly anwser the question
Ever wonder why lawyers wear suits in court and not ice skates, a pink tu-tu, a Nixon rubber mask, and scuba tanks? Because they wish to be taken seriously.
You have to admit your initial post was something of a silly nature and you should not be surprised to get silly answers. Albeit, the tinsel backing answer was not only funny, but thought provoking. Salting the sinew with strands of tinsel would create an interesting effect...if only there were some way to get hide glue to bind with tinsel.
My serious answer to your question? I would tiller out a pine 2x4 with good grain first. That will teach you some of the wood's characteristics upfront. THEN think about tackling what would be considered a character stave.
-
Lol.......Apparently the west coast natives made bows from the Sitka spruce.
-
Funny folk on here.. Ardilla do it and post pics..
Cipriano
-
Note to self- just research by self and ask those few who will honestly anwser the question
Ever wonder why lawyers wear suits in court and not ice skates, a pink tu-tu, a Nixon rubber mask, and scuba tanks? Because they wish to be taken seriously.
You have to admit your initial post was something of a silly nature and you should not be surprised to get silly answers. Albeit, the tinsel backing answer was not only funny, but thought provoking. Salting the sinew with strands of tinsel would create an interesting effect...if only there were some way to get hide glue to bind with tinsel.
My serious answer to your question? I would tiller out a pine 2x4 with good grain first. That will teach you some of the wood's characteristics upfront. THEN think about tackling what would be considered a character stave.
I shall do so...
-
I was going to suggest Elf skins for the backing, ...but then I remembered that those dudes control the Naughty List and changed my mind.
OneBow
A couple years ago I was wanting to get as deep in the naughty list as possible. I figured it would be more fun and I wanted the coal to do some forging (far better than the usual gifts).
Anyway, I was able to arrow a reindeer and couple elves. Reindeer hide is great, but I would caution you to elves. They are not the easiest to skin as the hide really holds tight. They are also greasier than heck and a good commercial degreaser is really needed to make them into decent rawhide and especially to tan them. Finally, if you have never smelt the smell of elf innards... stay away. I thought it would be sweet and pepperminty BUT NO... foul as the sulfurous bowels of Hades!!
IW
-
You're using the wrong kind of elf. From your description I'm guessing you were hunting the Western Woodland Elf. What you need is a genuine North Pole Christmas Elf. They are much easier to skin and aren't as greasy. Also, as long as you cut off all the fat they are tasty as sin. I prefer them seasoned and bottled myself.
-
I'm guessing you were hunting the Western Woodland Elf. What you need is a genuine North Pole Christmas Elf. They are much easier to skin and aren't as greasy. A
Ahh... you see I thought they were North Pole elves as they came Christmas time. Could have been immigrant labor that Santa was using. Being that he profits so little, he needs to find cheap labor. Those North Pole elves demand too much pay.
IW
-
I'm guessing you were hunting the Western Woodland Elf. What you need is a genuine North Pole Christmas Elf. They are much easier to skin and aren't as greasy. A
Ahh... you see I thought they were North Pole elves as they came Christmas time. Could have been immigrant labor that Santa was using. Being that he profits so little, he needs to find cheap labor. Those North Pole elves demand too much pay.
IW
Just seasonal work. Woodland elves get hired out at the end of the year for that last big toy push.
-
How do you make a snow man ride a icicle? :o
-
whatever you do, I wouldn't think backing it with bamboo would be a good idea.
No no no!...
, you need to back it with Boo... rasp off the pine and then put an Ipe or Yew belly on it.. ;).. 8)
Del
-
Don't tell the round jolly fella that you heard it from me <wink>, but there are a few illicit dealers in 'spare' elf parts that can be solicited if you are willing to pay the price for their wares. They are very skittish and don't deal with people that they have any suspicion might be affiliated with the NPPD. ...but I hear there is a guy that knows a guy that can get you some really well prepped elf skins for discreet projects. And the kewl thing is that these are all harvested from 'road kill' or 'natural causes' elves, ...so if we didn't use these parts, they'd just be going to waste!
OneBow
-
Go for it. If it doesn't break you could paint it like a giant candy cane. :laugh:
-
There is this one shapely brunette North Pole Elf helping Santa down at the local mall...mmmm!
-
these are all harvested from 'road kill'
OneBow
Don't you mean sleigh kill elfsHow do you make a snow man ride a icicle? :o
The answer is. ... put a B in front of icicle "B-icicle :laugh: