Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Academonicon on February 09, 2014, 03:20:11 pm
-
I've been a member of the forum for a couple of months, and it never really occurred to me that it might be a good idea to post about my bows.
I just started bowyering about six months ago when I made a Mollegabet bow for my wife as a birthday present:
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1004464_680881238592561_145039548_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/t1/1001749_679723908708294_234165422_n.jpg)
It was a 57" red oak board-bow, based on the tutorials by BoarriorBows on Youtube. I tried starting it out with just a small four-way rasp, which got tiring incredibly quickly. I'm not a particularly strong guy, and I also tend to be impatient as hell, so (not knowing any better) I went straight for the power tools. I used what I had, since I couldn't afford to buy anything new: a circular saw to rough out the shape, which was an absolutely terrible tool for that task, and a rotating sander on the end of a drill for refining the shape and taking down the weight. I've learned since then that power tools are seen by some as a no-no, but they did the trick for me.
I put a rawhide backing on it using a softened-up giant dog bone (thanks again to BoarriorBows), and wrapped the handle in black suede cord. It pulled about 45# at 28", and 35ish# at 25" which works well for my wife. It was an exciting first project, and naturally left me craving a bow of my own.
My second project (at least the second completed project - I broke one bow before finishing a new one) was similar: a 61" red oak board-bow, made with the same process as the first one, but unbacked and a little heavier, pulling about 50-55# at 28". It felt great to shoot, and I loved having my own bow.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1002129_686588054688546_1814147536_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1/270205_686588098021875_225089125_n.jpg)
In the subsequent months, I took a couple of commissions for similar bows, and got to recoup some of the costs I'd had to pay so far. I had a really good time, and I even started incorporating a bench plane into my arsenal - a good step in the traditional direction.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1511380_774820142532003_733490740_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1511409_778712138809470_1739407156_n.jpg)
Finally I'd had enough playing around with this design, so I decided to try something different: I made a 63" pyramid bow from a maple board. I decided also to add slightly recurved tips by a little red oak and mahogany to the back of the tips - I was too nervous about the maple to try steam-bending it, though I plan to try that next time.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1517612_793253127355371_357291264_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/482485_793253190688698_196135360_n.jpg)
As you may be able to tell, the tiller was WAY off the first time I took it out to the range. It actually worked out okay in the end, because the draw was heavier than I wanted anyway, so I fixed both problems simultaneously. Now it's about 50# at 28", and it shoots beautifully. Unfortunately I'm a terrible marksman, so I don't really do the bow justice. Probably better for everyone that I'm not a hunter. I'd just end up wounding and pissing off a lot of wildlife.
Anyway, that's what I've got so far. I'm really looking forward to trying new things and improving my skill as my knowledge and tool collection keep slowly growing. I'd welcome any advice or tips that anyone might have for me. I've read the entire Traditional Bowyer's Bible series, but I just haven't had a lot of experience, so I can use all the help I can get.
-
All of those are nice looking bows. Looks like you're learning very quickly. Now get that right elbow down on full draw and you'll find out how accurate they are. I've been trying my own hand at this bowyering for awhile and can't say that my first ones were near as good as what you are showing.
-
If you are a bad marksman, maybe hunting grizzly is something to prioritize towards the end of the list! >:D
Yeah, the whole powertools thing can really be a bone of contention with some people. I refuse to use band saws, detest the dang things anymore after ruining several staves by not watching closely enough. But then I will have a bow 99% done and I will reach for my DeWalt quarter sheet random orbital sander with absolute gusto!
Before you make your mind up on power tools, ask yourself what goals you are out to achieve. Personally, if someone told me I would never pull another bow again in my life, I don't think I would shed a tear. Never again releasing an arrow would not be that great a loss to me. But tell me that the last set of handtools in the world had just been melted down to make an iPod docking station and I would be looking for a rope and a stout tree branch. Making shavings and curls is what this is all about to me. The soft sounds of rasping compared to the whine of a belt sander is all the difference in the world. Do you just wanna have the bow done and shooting, or is it exploring the many intertwining paths on the way to finishing the bow? Or is it something else altogether. It's up to you to figure out this conundrum each and every time you start a new project.
And as for the projects you have posted so far, I gotta say you seem to getting a pretty good grip on things! I have around 200 bows under my belt and I still have yet to work up the courage to do a molle-ish build. Good for you!
Keep posting! I like your work.
-
They look like a great start! :)
I too have floating elbow syndrome, more so when the camera comes out.
-
Great job on your firsts. They look great. I do a mix of power and hand tools. It works great for ME. I use a bandsaw for the really rough stuff like thickness tapers, cutting at an angle to create a peak in the center, on the belly. Then removing that with hand tools i.e. rasp and or scraper. I like to use the bandsaw on my front profile shape too. At least that's how I skin cats :o
-
Thanks for the tips, folks! I didn't even know I was doing something wrong with my elbow, so I'll work on that. As far as the tools are concerned, I supposed my goals are a combination of process and product - I really enjoy making the bows, but I also find a finished product really satisfying. Honestly, I tend to find a job more satisfying if I've really had to put a lot of work into it, so moving in the direction of hand tools is probably the way to go - I just need to find money for a draw knife, spoke shave, cabinet scraper, hatchet/axe, etc.
-
As for scrapers they are quite easy to make. If you have an old circular saw blade lying around, you could make one out of it. Just cut out a rectangular shape and put a bur on the edges. I like to round off a couple of the corners with slightly different curves. They come in handy. The first scraper I made was from a pull saw blade. I took the same steps to making that one. In the end the pull saw was not quite aggressive enough. I keep it around for more delicate tasks. If you have any other questions you can either PM me or just ask here ;)
Matt
-
What do you use to cut the metal into the shape you want?
-
Do you have access to a angle grinder or drimal. If not a hacksaw and elbow grease is good too
-
On the pull saw scraper I used tin snips and agression :).
-
Hah! Well, I've got a 12-week old daughter, so I've got definitely got aggression to spare. I'll give it a try, thanks!
-
Academonicon, My apologies for the critique on your form. I meant it as constructive and not derogatory. I find that the better my bows perform the more satisfied I am with my results. We all seem to suffer in the beginning from the flying elbow and my intentions were only to point it out for your benefit.
As I stated earlier your bow work is admirable and I hope to see more of your work as you progress.
Keep at it and enjoy!!! Fred
-
My 1st scrapers were a pair of scissors that broke apart.. That gave me one flat and one convex scraper and they really work well... Brian
-
Don't worry about it, Fred! No offense taken. I appreciate the advice!
-
ive noticed sometimes the cameraperson takes their time snapping ,not realizing ,,your really pulling 60# ...dang it...its always the wife too...lol >:D
-
I was wondering when I'd see you here ;)
I use my machete as a scraper and do fine, but I do all but the most delicate tillering with my farriers rasp. A pocket knife, draw knife, flat file for sharpening and round file for knocks complete my arsenal, and I do just fine most of the time. I have a band saw but I only used it to rip one stave.
My only advice is still to keep thinning those levers, you'll have some serious performance bows in no time.
-
Some nice looking bows - sounds like your hooked!
-
Welcome and nice lookin bows. Doobs
-
Welcome Sir. Nice looking start!
-
You are doing an amazing job for how new you are! I say use whatever tools you prefer. However, personally I enjoy taking my time with the bows and embracing the process.
-
Look'n good!
-
Very nice! That certainly is a good start. Jawge
-
Hey Man, those look really nice! Can't wait to see more of your work as you build more
-
Man those are sweet first bows keep'm coming enjoy seeing them
-
Cool man..... your off to a good start there!!! ;)
-
If you are a bad marksman, maybe hunting grizzly is something to prioritize towards the end of the list! >:D
Yeah, the whole powertools thing can really be a bone of contention with some people. I refuse to use band saws, detest the dang things anymore after ruining several staves by not watching closely enough. But then I will have a bow 99% done and I will reach for my DeWalt quarter sheet random orbital sander with absolute gusto!
Before you make your mind up on power tools, ask yourself what goals you are out to achieve. Personally, if someone told me I would never pull another bow again in my life, I don't think I would shed a tear. Never again releasing an arrow would not be that great a loss to me. But tell me that the last set of handtools in the world had just been melted down to make an iPod docking station and I would be looking for a rope and a stout tree branch.
JW, you crack me up every time you add you humor to your knowledge with these posts!
Academonicon: your board bows seem really nice and very uniform, maybe its time for a raw chunk of a tree to fall into you hands!
-
NeolithicMan, I couldn't agree with you more. I'll be working on getting my hands on some osage in the spring/summer.
-
If you lived nearby I would bring you some wood myself but alas, the internet covers more ground than Im willin right now!
-
pretty impressive for only having six months of scraping under your belt!!
-
Using power tools on board bows is par for the course....they have already felt the cold mindless touch of the electric blade. ;D
Very nice work. Welcome!
What type of tree is this?
-
Re: Carson - I think it's a maple. It's one of a couple trees (a mulberry and possibly a plum) in my back yard that will probably become staves when summer rolls around.
-
Looks like there are some staves in it to me. If you decide to get some hand tools, let me know I can put together a good package deal for you. Just shoot me a PM.
-
Duly noted - thanks!
-
Very nice bows! Really love the profile of that one you are pulling on the last picture!
PS: a little note on that M.Thompson quote: He is wrong at this point, the lyre was first, so the bow evolved from art, not vice versa. There are flutes carved from mammoth ivory twice the age of the Holmegaard.