Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: make-n-break on June 23, 2015, 12:27:25 am
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I'm about to start on my first hackberry stave and was seeking some pointers. I read through a lot of archives to research and it seams the general consensus is a 1.75-2" wide flatbow.. Mid 60s length.
Unfortunately I have to chase down about 4 rings to get to a nice 1/8" ring, because a local gentlman I got it from really hacked up the first few rings taking off the bark. Otherwise it's a real nice stave with no knots and very minor twist.
I plan on heat treating the belly.. Seems everyone says it responds real well to heat.
My questions are: do I need to trap the back or will it do fine with a rectangular cross section?
Is it easier to bend recurves in hack with dry heat or steam and how does it bend? I've always had nightmarish results trying to bend recurves into hickory so I hope it's easier than that! Lol
Any other general advice is definitely appreciated before I dive in.
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Forgot to mention my target weight is 55# give or take 5.
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Inadvertently (don't ask) trapped back on mine and lifted splinter right on the edge. >:(
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I've made a number of hackberry bows and have never trapped the back. It does respond nicely to heat and makes a pretty snappy bow. I've not attempted to recurve one so I have no opinions on that issue. Good luck!
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2" wide flatbow is my preferred layout. It definitely responds well to heat tempering. I've never trapped the back on a hackberry nor have I seen the need to do so. Hackberry also heat bends exceptionally well with dry heat or steam. I hope that helps. Josh
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If you haven't checked this out yet it is a great guide for a successful hackberry bow.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,31738.0.html
Tracy