Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: JoJoDapyro on March 22, 2015, 08:56:20 pm

Title: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: JoJoDapyro on March 22, 2015, 08:56:20 pm

JeffP51 just asked to see some progress on my sinew backed Utah Juniper. I cut the stave on a friends property in like August. I started a thread about only using non modern tools and materials to make a bow. I split the stave with a axe, and reduced it with a draw knife. Using dimensions I found on this site for an Ishi style bow. It is 52 inches tip to tip. Flat bow style, from  1 3/4 inches at the handle to sinew hooks for the string. It tapers from 3/4 thick at the handle to just over 1/4 at the tips. I added 1 ounce of whitetail back sinew for the first layer, and another half ounce foebthe second, mostly down the middle of the back. I used knox gelatin as the glue. I did not induce reflex as I added sinew, but it still ended up with close to 1 1/2. The total weight is 12.74 ounces. Strange as it weighed 12.3 ounces before I added the half ounce. I have mostly used 60 grit to tiller as my scraper doesn't work on this soft wood. Here are some photos so far.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: JoJoDapyro on March 22, 2015, 08:58:21 pm

The last. For now.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: Drewster on March 22, 2015, 09:09:52 pm

WOW, that bow is super light.  Can't wait to see the finished product......most interesting.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: jeffp51 on March 22, 2015, 11:40:50 pm

you have it bending yet?  Is your scraper tearing it?    I have about 3 inches of reflex at the base of the recurves and about 6 at the tips.  60" overall.  I have a couple of knots on the belly that I worry about.  I think it will work anyway. I have about 2 1/5 ounces of sinew on the back                                                                                                 

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: JoJoDapyro on March 23, 2015, 08:45:09 am

It is bending. Not a whole bunch yet. But I m impressed. I have some really good knot clusters, and they don't seem to keep it from bending.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: jeffp51 on March 23, 2015, 12:08:52 pm

what are you using for paint there?  I was thinking about something similar perhaps.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: Markus on March 23, 2015, 12:20:38 pm

Looking good. Markus

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on March 23, 2015, 02:00:34 pm

Looks like a sweet project.  I love Juniper

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: JoJoDapyro on April 03, 2015, 12:50:16 am

Here are some updated photos. As this is a gift for my friends 50th birthday I decided to name it after him. "Naputs Kuna Monchom" Old man fire beard. 55# @24. The knots scared the crap out of me on this one, but not a tick from it. The handle is catfish skin, the limbs are carp skins from Madcrow. Full draw and braced photos tomorrow I hope. It has been crazy around here.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: JoJoDapyro on April 03, 2015, 12:51:00 am

A few more.

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: wizardgoat on April 03, 2015, 12:55:37 am

Looks cool, those carp skins are beauty

Title: Re: Utah Juniper. almost there
Post by: jeffp51 on April 03, 2015, 02:15:46 am

You have been busy.  Looking forward to the full draw