Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: wapiti1997 on August 07, 2015, 02:05:06 pm

Title: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: wapiti1997 on August 07, 2015, 02:05:06 pm
15 or so years ago I planted a couple pecan trees... Divorced, then remarried and last year my wife said "I need you to cut those trees so my flowers have sunshine on the porch" 

I split one of them into 4 staves debarked and dried in the shop.  I decided to make her a bow, since she once commented "when are you making me a bow? You make them for everyone else..."  Well, hello "Sunshine"!

(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/0806151947a_zpsficfdoji.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/0806151947a_zpsficfdoji.jpg.html)
It twisted a bit as it dried, I tried heating it straight and did get a little back.  I side tillered a little to make the limbs line up better for the draw.

It's backed with turkey feathers from the bird she killed this year.  I sized the bow with Titebond III, had the feathers trimmed and ready to dip in a water glue solution then applied to the damp surface. I then simply polyurethaned 6-8 coats over top.. Looks good to me, we'll see if it holds up?
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/0806151947_zpsv251l6yx.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/0806151947_zpsv251l6yx.jpg.html)

She had a leather purse that got stained, and was no longer of any value, so I hoarded it for future use! Made the handle wrap and shelf and strike plate covering of it..
Deer antler overlays .
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/0806151948b_zpswsxrfaur.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/0806151948b_zpswsxrfaur.jpg.html)

It took about an inch and a half of set, and from the full draw pic looks like the outer limbs aren't bending, it doesn't look like that on the tillering tree, I think it's the angle and trying to get a self portrait with a cell phone... lol
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/joelacefield/0806151950a_zpsv8zfrhwx.jpg) (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/joelacefield/media/0806151950a_zpsv8zfrhwx.jpg.html)

It's 63.5" ntn, 37# at 27", and her birthday present...  Since she got me a Stave Press for Father's Day... :D

Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: lebhuntfish on August 07, 2015, 02:26:14 pm
Beautifully! Great story too, I like how you used things that would make it sentimental to her as well. I wish my wife would show a bit more interest. I would love to make her something like that. I may have to steal your turkey feather idea! It looks great! Patrick
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 07, 2015, 02:29:38 pm
Cool story, not many can claim they planted, harvested and built a bow from one tree.
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: Danzn Bar on August 07, 2015, 05:48:12 pm
Joe,
I can tell lots of thought went into that bow.......great story....And you know I love the turkey feather backing.. :) ;)
DBar
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: osage outlaw on August 08, 2015, 12:32:05 am
Great job on that one Joe!
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 08, 2015, 08:54:43 am
Excellent story and very nice bow. Jawge
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: Drewster on August 08, 2015, 09:09:40 am
That will always be a special bow for your wife......nice job and thanks for sharing the story.
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: wapiti1997 on August 08, 2015, 07:54:54 pm
Thanks guys! I try to make something special into every bow.  The one's that aren't "inspired" in some way are standing in the corner half finished...
Title: Re: Meet "Sunshine"
Post by: Pappy on August 14, 2015, 09:12:16 am
Nice story and nice bow, I am sure she will love it. :)
 Pappy