Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Carson (CMB) on January 01, 2015, 04:19:54 pm

Title: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 01, 2015, 04:19:54 pm
I thought I would start the year off with a bow post. I intend to post a lot more this year than last.
This was a really nice piece of osage.  It had some nice natural reflex, and only needed a little heat to adjust string alignment. This was the first bow I have made that retained all of the natural reflex. It started with 1.5” and still has 1.5” It only has about 50 arrows through it, so it might settle in a bit with some more use. The design is not pushing any limits, but it sure is quick.

It is 50# at 28” draw
65” nock to nock.

The tips are sheep horn, Abalone shell strikepate inlaid. The wood is darkened with a vinegar and steel wool “stain”. The handle wrap is dyed elk leather. Built up a rest with cork, topped with leather. The finish is shellac, topped with True-oil.
Thanks for checking it out.


(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_Leathergrip_zps2d4f1247.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_Leathergrip_zps2d4f1247.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_sheephorntipoverlay_zpsf85b0b31.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_sheephorntipoverlay_zpsf85b0b31.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_sheephorntip_zps89ea84e2.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_sheephorntip_zps89ea84e2.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_50pounds_zpsfdd4f8b1.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EchoArchery_Oregon_CarsonBrown_OsageLongbow_bow_50pounds_zpsfdd4f8b1.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6512_zpsb5455a48.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6512_zpsb5455a48.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6496-001_zps597a8f1f.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6496-001_zps597a8f1f.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/IMG_6493_zps5f098b7e.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/IMG_6493_zps5f098b7e.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/IMG_6479_zps5a267286.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/IMG_6479_zps5a267286.jpg.html)

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/Acer_circinatum/IMG_6474_zps4eed3a22.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Acer_circinatum/media/IMG_6474_zps4eed3a22.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 01, 2015, 04:21:05 pm
More pics coming...PICS added now. 
Waiting for a little better light and an assistant.

And Go DUCKS!!!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Weylin on January 01, 2015, 04:29:18 pm
Looks great, Carson. It looks like a Carson bow. You're developing a certain style. Can't wait to see it pulled back.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: bubby on January 01, 2015, 04:46:59 pm
Looks good so far Carson, but what the heck we got left coasters building osage and back east their building yew
it's all topsy turvy twilight zone like, whats the world coming too :laugh:
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: bowmo on January 01, 2015, 04:59:29 pm
That's a beauty for sure. Haven't done an inlayed strike plate for a few years now but this makes me want to again. Really nice work.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: burchett.donald on January 01, 2015, 05:34:48 pm
 Beautiful work, will be sure to check back in for rest of pics...Handle and strike look awesome 8)
                                                                                                                                                  Don
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: missilemaster on January 01, 2015, 06:06:23 pm
That is one classy looking bow man!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Danzn Bar on January 01, 2015, 06:11:00 pm
really like the stain and finish work
DBar
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Badly Bent on January 01, 2015, 06:27:16 pm
Sharp looker Carson, nicely done all around but I especially like your tip overlay shaping. 8)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: burn em up chuck on January 01, 2015, 06:40:32 pm
    well done, nice start for a new year

                                  chuck
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 01, 2015, 07:05:02 pm
Excellent bow! Jawge
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: TimBo on January 01, 2015, 07:19:03 pm
Your finish work is great!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Will H on January 01, 2015, 08:46:28 pm
NICE TEASER!!  :o
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: IdahoMatt on January 01, 2015, 09:49:41 pm
Can't wait to see more. 
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: RyanR on January 01, 2015, 10:37:13 pm
Nice looking bow, I like how the color turned out.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: steve b. on January 01, 2015, 10:51:48 pm
You're not a real bowyer if you stopped to watch a football game!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: snag on January 01, 2015, 10:58:24 pm
Love the tips!

GO DUCKS!!!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: okiecountryboy on January 02, 2015, 12:42:21 am
You're not a real bowyer if you stopped to watch a football game!

It's unAmerican not to stop for football, and a very nice bow....
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: wizardgoat on January 02, 2015, 04:01:03 am
cool lookin bow lets see her bend!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: koan on January 02, 2015, 08:54:28 am
Sweet! Cant wait to see the rest.... Brian
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Renacs on January 02, 2015, 09:51:39 am
 Beautiful bow. Gotta try the vinegar stain. Gives it a nice patina. 


            Go BUCKEYES !
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Sidewinder on January 02, 2015, 11:04:38 am
I already know when we see the bend that it will be classic Carson with the perfect tiller. Nice job all around.  I'm intrigued by the vinegar and steel wool stain. I think I saw some like that done by Ralph Renfro at OJAM. It'll sure take the brightness outta that yella wood. I've thought about trying that but never did. Just get mezmerized by the gold and wait for it to turn naturally.  I like it. Good job.   Danny
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Aaron H on January 02, 2015, 12:11:21 pm
Well done Carson
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: portlandfire on January 02, 2015, 05:40:42 pm
Gorgeous.  Really looking forward to seeing it this weekend

Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 02, 2015, 06:49:36 pm
Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment on it. I still havent gotten the full draw photo taken. These short winter days seem to slip away from me.  Tomorrow will get the photos taken for sure. 
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Blacktail on January 03, 2015, 11:53:38 am
that is a great one carson...maybe you can bring it to the gathering this spring..john
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: vinemaplebows on January 03, 2015, 02:06:33 pm
Nice Carson. :)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: simson on January 03, 2015, 02:21:32 pm
Very nice work all around - wood, leather, stain, finish,  GREAT!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 03, 2015, 08:38:58 pm

Looks good so far Carson, but what the heck we got left coasters building osage and back east their building yew
it's all topsy turvy twilight zone like, whats the world coming too :laugh:

bubby, It's a crazy mixed up world! 
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 03, 2015, 08:51:00 pm
Thanks again for the comments. Ducks really put on a show! Lookout buckeyes!  :laugh:

Shot just a couple of arrows through her today at the sylvan archery range with some good company.  It sure is a nice shooter. Good balance of smooth draw and snappy shooting. First time I had shot it after stitching on the elk hide handle wrap. That thick elk hide completely dampened the little kick it had when bare handled. Hard bow to let go of.


Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Sidewinder on January 03, 2015, 09:09:45 pm
I knew the tiller would be killer.The more I look at the stain the more I like it. I'm gonna try that on the next one. What do you? Vinegar and steel wool in a glass bowl and it has a chemical reaction and then you wipe it on?  Danny
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: H Rhodes on January 03, 2015, 09:45:24 pm
I always enjoy seeing your work.  That is a fine looking bow and + 1 on the Ducks!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 03, 2015, 09:54:38 pm
Thanks Danny.

The vinegar and steel wool stain I learned from aaron, a member here on PA. I use household white vinegar, but I imagine any vinegar or maybe even any acid will work. Might be worth experimenting. I keep a big glass jar full of the vinegar and I regularly add old bits of steel wool pads that are not practically useable anymore. it seems to take several weeks of aging before it really affects the wood.

I use a paper towel or scrap of cotton t-shirt. I apply it before finish sanding. Used between each successive grit of paper, it functions to stain and raise the grain between sanding. It also makes it easier to to track your sanding coverage and highlight any tool marks. apply one last time after your last sanding coat and first finish coat.

One issue I ran into on this bow was that I got a little sloppy with applying the first couple coats of shellac, which required sanding some runs out with some 220 grit. The issue was when this exposed patches of bright osage where sanding out the runs. Reapplying vinegar/steel wool to these areas worked well enough.

I like the aged look and the grain standout, but it does have greenish hue that makes it look sickly to me. It looks more like authentically aged osage after some time in the sun. I am not to fond of the look of this stain on yew, but it looks great on ash, and vine maple.

aaron recently posted a vine maple bow that he used this vinegar/steel wool applied after applying a tannin rich solution to the wood surface it significantly darkened the effect.


Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 03, 2015, 09:56:14 pm
Thanks Rhodes!  :)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: steve b. on January 04, 2015, 02:44:23 am
Nice job on that one.  It is almost identical to the bow you gave me but mine is about 10 lbs. heavier, and a real rocket launcher.  I shoot 800+ grn arrows from it and they fly great.  Still has reflex, and the world's smallest tips and handle.  It is my go-to hunting bow.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: burchett.donald on January 04, 2015, 12:23:02 pm
 Carson, came back to check the bend...A+ man :o
                                                                                                              Don
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on January 04, 2015, 12:39:59 pm
Steve, Glad to hear you are still shooting that bow. The fact that it is your go to hunting bow is the best compliment I could ever receive.
Now that you mention it, those two bows are very similar. I remember really falling in love with how that bow of yours shot.

Thanks Don!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on January 04, 2015, 01:56:08 pm
Another beautiful bent stick sir!  I really like those overlays, they're almost translucent.  Killer tiller also
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: RLimerick on February 18, 2015, 07:15:08 pm
Nice bow and nice target range!  The wide limbs make it look like an elephant slayer!  Great tiller!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: wapiti1997 on February 18, 2015, 07:21:46 pm
Great job, beautiful bow!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Accipiter on February 18, 2015, 08:07:31 pm
That full draw is exceptional, what a beautiful bow!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Arrowind on February 18, 2015, 08:14:55 pm
BEAUTIFUL!   
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: jimjimmysticks on February 18, 2015, 09:00:40 pm
nice rich mean looking bow but smooth an silky yet out standing job
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Dvshunter on February 18, 2015, 09:44:01 pm
I don't know why I missed this one Carson but I'm glad I came back to it. Beautifully simple bow.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: SLIMBOB on February 18, 2015, 10:35:48 pm
Missed a few earlier this year.  Glad I got a second chance on this one.  Really nice.  Not fond of staining Osage as a rule, but I like the looks on this one.  Tiller looks awesome in that shot. 
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on February 19, 2015, 10:41:50 am
Thanks for the nice compliments guys.  :)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Josh B on February 19, 2015, 11:25:33 am
I'm late to the party I know, but nicely done Sir! On the steel wool and vinegar, if you use apple cider vinegar it will give red hues to the stain if you want to try something different.  Josh
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: simson on February 19, 2015, 03:00:25 pm
A masterpiece again. I like that front profile, the stain job and the leather work is gorgeous.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Del the cat on February 19, 2015, 03:16:26 pm
Sweet, smooth fluid lines, beautiful bow
Del
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Bryce on February 19, 2015, 04:13:37 pm
Oh my wow!!! What a stunning bow!

That tiller is perfection!

When should I expect it at my door?! 😂😂😂
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Hans H on February 19, 2015, 04:48:39 pm
it`s a beauty, great job all around
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Keenan on February 19, 2015, 08:34:50 pm
Great looking bow Carson
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Renacs on February 19, 2015, 09:04:56 pm
 Beautiful bow.   Go BUCKEYES!
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on February 19, 2015, 10:31:15 pm
It is so nice to get these great comments from people who's bows I have admired from the beginning of this bow making adventure.  Thanks  :)

Sorry Bryce, not this one.  ;)

Renacs, those buckeyes were just too tuff for our ducks. Hell of a football team you guys have over there.

Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: mikekeswick on February 20, 2015, 11:09:39 am
That's a classy bow  8)
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Cloudfeather on February 20, 2015, 11:21:22 am
I'm curious how you go about working the horn for the tips. I tried cow horn tip overlays once and they were very prone to delaminating along the layers. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: Carson (CMB) on February 20, 2015, 12:23:49 pm
Sled, this is sheep horn.
 
I have had that issue with bovine horn. I try to select tips that don't have obvious delams going on.  If separation appears, then I grab the CA glue.  CA glue and horn love eachother. I do avoid setting a nock grove to a depth that puts string stress on a glued horn separation.

Gun Doc, I am going to have to try that apple cider vinegar. I think that would look much better over osage.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: PAHunter on February 21, 2015, 11:29:09 pm
Really nice work man!  Good lookin bow.
Title: Re: Osage longbow 50# @28", abalone inlay strikeplate..FD PIC added to first post
Post by: ---GUTSHOT---> on February 22, 2015, 09:26:59 am
Sharp bow