Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: sleek on June 16, 2015, 07:21:04 pm
-
Many of us just build bows and concentrate on making a good performer. Im sure we all put a finish on one every once and a while. Id like to challenge folks for just one bow, to make the finest aesthetically pleasing bow they can and post it here. Im starting one now. Its a bow I want to put all my energy into and make a master piece. I know my wood skills are good but id like to push mynlimits to find out exactly how good and what I can do. Id love to see other join in.
-
I like the sound of that. I'm down. I just wish I had some prettier wood to work with. Haha
-
I put 100% effort into the finish on all of my bows. I only make about 6 a year. If I go to all of the work of building a selfbow I'm going to finish it up the best that I can. I'm putting the first coat of tung oil on a kids bow tonight. It will get the same effort and treatment as the best bow that I built.
The exception was my hunting bow. I went with an ugly no glare TB3 finish. I wanted a plain stick and string to hunt with.
-
I put a pretty standard mild-gloss oil finish on all of my orders. If people want stain I stain them, and so far nobody's ordered paint so I just practice on scrap when I can. I always work my tips to how I like them, good and light, and recently did put this antler tip on a mollegabet.
(http://i.imgur.com/wVkBUIy.jpg)
Long story shot I have to put a consistently attractive finish on almost all of my bows. I'm a little lazy with my personal pieces but it it leaves my possession you bet it'll be spiffed up first. I'm building several mollegabets from straight to reflex/deflex, some with padauk and some with antler, one of my modern interpretation holmegaardes that really isn't a holmegaarde, and a 75" 60#@33" flatbow with antlers-- all about par for the course as far as finish work goes for me.
I'm building a bat-bow for my bestie up in Poulsbo, getting the black dye and intricate tip treatment as well as 3-4 scallops, reflex/deflex, and reflexed levers. Maybe I'll use that one. I'm only planning a basic 40-45#@26" bendy molle for myself, nothing special. I like the idea of see others' best, though :)
-
I have to admit that I really admire a well finished bow but I see it as one of any niches bow makers fall into. Any style bow can be finished nicely so no real excuse for not finishing except that I have no real reason to. I seldom show bows or give them away. My 3-d and favorite hunting bows I do a good sanding job and tru oil but thats about as far as I take it.
-
Huisme - careful with padauk for tips overlays it has a nasty habit of failing 'down the line' for little reason. I learnt the hard way with it as core wood in lam bows. If you want red i'd recommend either bloodwood or bubinga.
-
Huisme - careful with padauk for tips overlays it has a nasty habit of failing 'down the line' for little reason. I learnt the hard way with it as core wood in lam bows. If you want red i'd recommend either bloodwood or bubinga.
That's news to me but I'll definitely keep on eye on it. I might try simulating high weight on padauk overlays in my clamp at different angles and see what wears it down the most. In the mean time I'll see about getting some bubinga, I like the name better ;D
-
Sounds like a worthy gold, but like Steve, finish work is my weak suite. Can't make myself spend more time finishing a bow than making one, I see some that that is what they really want to do and that is fine, but be careful, I have seen a lot that rush the build just so they can get to the finish work and make them pretty. :) Good luck to all, looking forward to seeing them, I love pretty bows. ;) :)
Pappy
-
To a large extent it's a problem of photography rather than the actual bow.
Even a simple horn nock can be photographed to look dull as ditch water or can be lit to make it look shiny and cool.
Prettiest bow I did was an ELB for a 12 yr old girl, I went to town on it as it was for her Mum to give as her birthday present.
Red leather grip from Rolls Royce upholstery leather MOP arrow plate, Black Water buffalo nocks with white streaks in it.
It was still pretty plain and simple by some standards... no deep gloss finish.
Mind I do have some of the Outlaw's Osage and a pair of snake skins from Cip' that I'm looking to marry together sometime :laugh:
There, you've got me hooked now!
Del
-
I accepted that challenge early on and try to make every one of my bows as pleasing to the eye as they are to shoot. I want each of them to represent the best I'm capable of, so perfect fit and finish is my goal every time. No corners or flat surfaces, good flow end to end, flawless glue joints, no tool or sanding marks, tasteful dye work, professional grade or better finish, you get the idea. All of my mentors were meticulous about such things and it rubbed off I guess.
I apologize in advance to Huisme, I don't like to be critical of another's work unless they ask me to... but for instance, see that little gap on the antler tip in his picture, where it fades out onto the limb? If that got by me somehow (it wouldnt) I'd cut it off, sand it flat, and reinstall it. I'm cursed I tell ya :^)
-
I think your backwards. Many already make the best bow they can every time, and a few half ass stuff requiring a "challenge" to put any effort forth.
-
I'll try harder next time... I promise
-
I apologize in advance to Huisme, I don't like to be critical of another's work unless they ask me to... but for instance, see that little gap on the antler tip in his picture, where it fades out onto the limb? If that got by me somehow (it wouldnt) I'd cut it off, sand it flat, and reinstall it. I'm cursed I tell ya :^)
No, you're right, it's a flaw I asked the owner to let me fix but he thought it didn't matter. I'm not saying there are any hard feelings there ::) ;D
I still thought it was pretty enough to take a picture of considering I just haven't seen any others done this way damaged or not. And yes, I'm doing it again on another bow ;)
-
Flaws add more character ;)
I may be cursed to strive for perfection, but certainly don't don't proclaim to have ever acheived it :-\
-
Flaws add more character ;)
I may be cursed to strive for perfection, but certainly don't don't proclaim to have ever acheived it :-\
At least the problem is more the impossible goal than your work ;D
-
I am a mural artist professionally. Trying to make my bows look amazing actually hurt me quite a bit when I first started building. Now that my failure rate is decreasing I'm getting a little fancier. I have a couple in the works now that I'll post here when finished if the thread is still alive by then.
-
Some of the prettiest bows I've seen have had minimal finish work done to them. Just enough to make them waterproof I guess. But, to each their own... :)
-
I think your backwards. Many already make the best bow they can every time, and a few half ass stuff requiring a "challenge" to put any effort forth.
Hey! I resemble that remark! The half assed part anyway. But I must protest the insinuation that I would abandon my trademark single-cheek finishing system just because someone threw out an open challenge. If I'm not going to put the effort forth on my own initiative, I'm certainly not going to do it on someone else's. Lol! Josh
-
This post wasnt for folks who dont want to try something new or perfect something they arent familiar with. It was to inspire those who wanted to or were open to the idea. Im trying somehandle and tip carving I have Lways wanted to try but never did. Im going to post on here when im done. My goal is to get out of the norm, and not make a big rut in my bow making. I know the path I always take well and am good at it. Just thought it would be fun for others who are willing to do the same and compare experiences. That is all.
-
Sleek Logan my oldest grandson asked for a new bow and asked for some carving on it so I'm gonna carve on the bellysides of the handle fades and the horn tips, don't worry good or bad I'll post it :laugh:
-
I started messing around with some veneers recently, with decent results.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo19/mikemeusel/Hickory%20Backed%20white%20oak%20pyramid/P5040026_zpsfkp2dire.jpg) (http://s357.photobucket.com/user/mikemeusel/media/Hickory%20Backed%20white%20oak%20pyramid/P5040026_zpsfkp2dire.jpg.html)
Did the same thing around the tips as well.
-
Now that's a heck of an idea. I think that type of stuff is what sleek is talking about. Something you don't normally do or something out of your comfort zone. Maybe think outside of the box some. Just my thoughts, Patrick
-
This post wasnt for folks who dont want to try something new or perfect something they arent familiar with. It was to inspire those who wanted to or were open to the idea. Im trying somehandle and tip carving I have Lways wanted to try but never did. Im going to post on here when im done. My goal is to get out of the norm, and not make a big rut in my bow making. I know the path I always take well and am good at it. Just thought it would be fun for others who are willing to do the same and compare experiences. That is all.
I think I came across wrong. I was bagging on myself not what you're trying to do here. Quite the opposite in fact. I rather look forward to seeing what masterpieces are made in this effort. Sorry if I came across in a negative manner. Josh
-
I like the idea. I see so many beautiful bows on this site, and many of them are beautiful in their sleek, simple, and well formed lines etc. I think what the OP is going for is a challenge to do some over the top decorations, something most of us who appreciate primitive styles of most anything don't normally go for. Super fancy finishes, veneers like posted above, carved art tips, even just painted patterns/designs, that sort of thing. Kinda the difference between a masterfully made bow of war which has it's own beauty, vs a bow of that same quality but decorated for an emperor or king etc. Is that what you were going for Sleek?
-
I have always been more interested in the functional aspect of a bow but the fit and finish does play a part in it as well, just not as important.
-
I like the idea. I see so many beautiful bows on this site, and many of them are beautiful in their sleek, simple, and well formed lines etc. I think what the OP is going for is a challenge to do some over the top decorations, something most of us who appreciate primitive styles of most anything don't normally go for. Super fancy finishes, veneers like posted above, carved art tips, even just painted patterns/designs, that sort of thing. Kinda the difference between a masterfully made bow of war which has it's own beauty, vs a bow of that same quality but decorated for an emperor or king etc. Is that what you were going for Sleek?
I believe that is exactly what he was trying to get across in his original post. The idea is, something above and beyond. Like me personally, I've never done any painting or carvings on a bow. So for me that would be over the top, or above and beyond for that matter. Patrick
-
Good idea, I never strive for a perfect finish or a good looking finish I just like to keep the wood protected from moisture. For the most part I end beating the finish up pretty good on most bows after a year or two. I usually try to sand bows down and get every single tool mark out but lately I've been leaving a few marks in because it doesn't really bother me anymore. I might take on your challenge tho 8)
-
I think your backwards. Many already make the best bow they can every time, and a few half ass stuff requiring a "challenge" to put any effort forth.
I think he's trying to say, build a bow that's out of your comfort zone and do something out of the norm. Just go completely all out on decorations and so on. I'm sure just about every one puts their best effort into every bow but he's saying to build something far beyond what you normally build, thats how I took it.
-
You guys are pretty much getting the idea. I look forward to seeing what yall post!
-
A well-executed bow is inherently beautiful.
-
I have just recently the past couple of years started finishing bows. I have to admit I enjoy the finished product. I never add any frills. I can't afford as many staves as i used to go though so finishing takes up a lot of the time I used to spend making. Not unusual for me to spend all week on a bow anymore.
-
A bow does not need frills added to be beautiful. An excellent recent example of this is simson's centershot osage bow.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52962.0.html (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52962.0.html)
Simson's bow is a no-frills basic self-bow. It lacks decorations, tip overlays, intricately laced handle, decorative laminations, etc. And yet by any measure it is a masterpiece of a bow. And the reason for this is that it is that the design is so perfectly suited to the wood and skillfully executed that it is intrinsically beautiful to the eye. I appreciate a good skin job, artful handle wrap and other frills as much as anyone, but a perfectly executed bow - that is the truest measure of a master bowyer.
-
Frills are handy for wiping your arrows on ::)
But Tassels are more traditional :laugh:
Del
-
Sometimes the simplicity is the beauty . Graceful lines. Masterfully executed . When I build a bow , first and foremost ..........................it has to shoot! They're made for performance. I also like to have something in my hand that is completely and without a doubt unique. Does a rifle with a Carpathian walnut stock shoot better than one with a birch stock ? No . Not necessarily. But it doesn't shoot any worse ;).
-
How cool is that tip!! 8)
-
Hears a few more.
-
Now that bow is truly a masterpiece! I think you nailed what sleek is talking about. Patrick
-
Now that's what I'm talkin bout! Those nocks are awesome....
-
Lost arrow, I have been ininspired by your work for years. Your hummingbird tips are by far a crowing jewel.
Yes, stuff like this is what I mean. But not exclusively. Otherwise it would be a decorative challenge. I also mean as inthe most gnarly stave, difficult character you got, or can get. Or bow design perfected. I didnt set pparameters because I didnt want to be exclusive. Point was, get out of the ordinary andnmake something wild by your own definition and go beyond your normal scope.
-
the ones that stand out in my mind are some of those graceful beauties That Del makes, gnarly pacific Yew That our west coast friends turn out, Misslemaster's graceful buckthorns, Chuck Loefler's horn bows . Really when you think of it , any stick that gets turned into a good shooting bow is absolute magic!!!!!
-
I love the idea Sleek! I am just starting off and definitely are just trying to get the shaping and tillering down first. I am excited to see what y'all come up with!
-
A bow does not need frills added to be beautiful. An excellent recent example of this is simson's centershot osage bow.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52962.0.html (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52962.0.html)
Simson's bow is a no-frills basic self-bow. It lacks decorations, tip overlays, intricately laced handle, decorative laminations, etc. And yet by any measure it is a masterpiece of a bow. And the reason for this is that it is that the design is so perfectly suited to the wood and skillfully executed that it is intrinsically beautiful to the eye. I appreciate a good skin job, artful handle wrap and other frills as much as anyone, but a perfectly executed bow - that is the truest measure of a master bowyer.
I agree Gordon.
But unless simson did it unconsciously (and that is a possibility seeing his work ;) ) He did everything to make that bow look good,he didnt NEED to angle the sides on the fades that way e.g,that is done to look good.Its not simplicity...it is subtleity .
-
I think your backwards. Many already make the best bow they can every time, and a few half ass stuff requiring a "challenge" to put any effort forth.
Like pealie said here, simson even on a simple bow has a signature look and wouldn't let a bow go that wasn't right