Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Badly Bent on December 11, 2015, 07:32:53 pm

Title: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 11, 2015, 07:32:53 pm
Made a couple hhb bows in the past month, here's the second one and I'll post the other soon. Had to take all the pictures of this one inside because my camera went wacko and won't work in natural daylight suddenly.
This one is 59"ntn and 47.5# at my 24" draw. It is 1- 5'16" wide at the widest part of the limbs and came from a tree that was roughly 8" diameter. A few months ago Halfeye sent me the halved log of this tree which held six exceptionally clean and straight staves of bow wood within. Thanks again Rich, this stuff is a pleasure to work with my friend.
On this one I tried to make the finish resemble the wood trim in my 105 year old bungalow home, (I like old stuff).  Maybe its good that I took the photos indoors so you guys can tell me if you think it worked. :D  The handle wrap is cotton sting and my attempt there was to do a pattern that resembled a wool trade blanket. When I finished the bow I brought it home to show the wife and her first remark was that the handle looked like a pendleton blanket, so I guess I got the handle look I was going for, at least in her eyes. ;)
This one shoots pretty smooth and is whisper quiet. Thanks for taking a look.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 11, 2015, 07:35:31 pm
a few more
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: RyanR on December 11, 2015, 07:50:51 pm
Sweet looking bow Greg. The fades on the belly side look really nice. What did you color it with?
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Drewster on December 11, 2015, 07:54:18 pm
Whoa baby, that is one truly handsome bow.  How did you do those light colored edges?  I really like that look.  Exceptional!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: steve b. on December 11, 2015, 07:54:59 pm
A great bow.  What am I seeing regarding the dark front and back and the light colored edges?  I like the handle a lot.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: half eye on December 11, 2015, 08:01:10 pm
Greg ya outdid your bad self on that bow....That full draw pic is a real thing of beauty sir. I'm thinking I ought to send my bows to you for finish work as well, what ya think? 8)
rich
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: riverrat on December 11, 2015, 08:05:23 pm
thats a nice bow! Tony
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Marc St Louis on December 11, 2015, 08:06:54 pm
Very well done.  I also like the pictures you have on your walls
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Thunder on December 11, 2015, 08:16:39 pm
Nice work!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: JonW on December 11, 2015, 08:43:29 pm
Greg that is exceptional work as always man. Your bows are always cool my friend 8)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 11, 2015, 09:29:44 pm
-Ryan- the belly side is just black gel stain, really makes the grain on the belly pop on hhb. It looked more brown on the back side so I ended up going over that area with some burnt sienna and then some black oxide ground earth pigments rubbed into the wood to darken it more.
-Drew & Steve- the light color edges and the circle & dot designs were done by scraping off the finish with a razor blade to expose the wood underneath. I do this before putting the clear finish over everything.
-Thanks Rich but your finish work impresses me more than my own. Got a sister to this stave done covered with the snake skin you sent as well, will try a get pics posted this weekend. Great bow wood you sent me, many thanks.
-Thanks Tony, Marc and Thunder
- Thanks Jon, this is the second bow I've made from hhb, have  been wanting to try it again since the first.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Weylin on December 11, 2015, 09:40:32 pm
I love everything about this bow! but I especially like the design on the back. Really nice work. I want to try some hophornbeam.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: bubby on December 11, 2015, 10:46:34 pm
Great bend , outstanding finish, i think you nailed that craftsman look you were going after Greg, stellar bow and your house rocks too😉
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: JW_Halverson on December 11, 2015, 10:53:27 pm
Yup, yet another bow from you that I cannot pick a single nit from!  Dang, you build what I like!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Knoll on December 12, 2015, 12:11:04 am
Looks like it absolutely belongs in one of those Chgo bungalows! Finish also appears to match perfectly at least one of the wall hanging frames.  So, when's open house scheduled?
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Josh B on December 12, 2015, 12:11:34 am
Absolutely outstanding in all regards Sir!  But then I would expect no less.  Josh
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: sieddy on December 12, 2015, 02:20:09 am
Outstanding. I look forward to seeing the other one now!  :)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Del the cat on December 12, 2015, 02:54:18 am
+1 to all the comments :)
Classy finish, I'm not usually a fan of staining and suchlike, but that has some class.
Del
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: chamookman on December 12, 2015, 03:42:22 am
What can I add Greg, other than WOW ! Way cool Bud ! Bob
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Jjpso on December 12, 2015, 04:13:51 am
Very Nice bow, congratulations.
Could you please give me the handle and fades dimensions? It doesnt bend, correct?

Thanks and congratulations again

Joćo Pedro

Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 12, 2015, 07:35:48 am
-Jjpso  -The fades are 1-7/16" wide and just under 5/8" thick. I didn't measure the handle but it is likely around 1-1/4" wide and around 3/4" or less deep before I padded it with cork and wrapped in cotton string. I do feel it bend in the handle, maybe not as much bend in the middle as a bendy handle bow should have though.

-Mike - Drop in anytime your in the neighborhood, we're always open for the nickel tour. :)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on December 12, 2015, 07:41:05 am
Perfect bow Greg. The color scheme and theme really caught my eye. I don't know how you do it my friend.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: TimothyR on December 12, 2015, 07:48:12 am
I love this bow. How thick was the cotton thread you used for the grip? I really like the grip!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: BowEd on December 12, 2015, 07:51:58 am
Very nice bow in all aspects.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Danzn Bar on December 12, 2015, 08:14:41 am
Yet another beautiful Badly Bent bow,,,,,, ;) sweet
DBar
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: burchett.donald on December 12, 2015, 08:15:22 am
  Greg,
            A perfect bend...And yes I can use the word perfect here without anyone disagreeing...I already know that bow can whisper an arrow...That bow is bent Sir 8)...
                                                                                                                             Don
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                     
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: osage outlaw on December 12, 2015, 08:20:15 am
You sure have those HHB bows figured out Greg.  That bow is a work of art. 
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Hrothgar on December 12, 2015, 08:43:48 am
Very unique, great finish!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: rps3 on December 12, 2015, 09:14:32 am
You sure know how to bring out the best from a piece of wood.  Love it !
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: koan on December 12, 2015, 09:30:54 am
I know with self bows that "perfect" is a matter of opinion....but dang man!..looks like one of those bows that you dont make, but "find" in the wood and freed...  Outsanding finish work to!.... Brian
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: bushboy on December 12, 2015, 09:44:55 am
Another beauty!full draw and finish looks great!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: richardzane on December 12, 2015, 10:59:47 am
has it all -- dedicated simplicity, intricate beauty,  perfect tiller and it'll zing arrows....
what more could anyone ask for?
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 12, 2015, 11:04:46 am
-Tim - The cotton string is a small diameter 4 ply cheapo stuff from the knitting section of wally world. Not very strong stuff so had to be careful to stretch it tight but not break it while wrapping. Coated with tite bond 3 three times to hopefully keep water out.
Just came in from shooting some more arrows in the backyard, typical of the bows I make it is not a speed demon by any stretch
but it is fun to shoot none the less.

Thanks again to all for the compliments, much appreciated.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: PNewton on December 12, 2015, 11:16:47 am
Sweet looking bow Greg. Nice artwork on the bow and the walls.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: wizardgoat on December 12, 2015, 03:48:06 pm
Greg I love your bows!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Aaron H on December 12, 2015, 08:22:23 pm
Outstanding Greg!  I really do admire your bows,  everything about them, especially the bend and the finish.  I think you knocked that hhb out of the park!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: blackhawk on December 12, 2015, 08:32:17 pm
Unbraced says it all...full draw is immaculate!!! Killer lil hhb bow buddy...love a good piece of hhb,n it looks like this one is just that, and you more than did it justice.  :D
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Will B on December 12, 2015, 09:18:46 pm
That is a beautiful bow. I love the grip and the back is incredible. Excellent job!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Buckeye Guy on December 12, 2015, 10:15:01 pm
Sweet bow
over the top finish
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: dantolin on December 13, 2015, 08:17:59 am
Chapeau!!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Swampman on December 13, 2015, 10:34:17 am
That is a great bow.  I love the finish and handle.  Top notch work.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Sidewinder on December 13, 2015, 01:00:05 pm
Really cool looking bow. As everyone else said the tiller is great and the finish work is what makes it special. Good job.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Dvshunter on December 13, 2015, 01:45:43 pm
Another great looking bow  Greg.  I really like the looks of those colors. You did a grest job. :)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Hans H on December 13, 2015, 02:29:37 pm
Looks very nice in all aspects, Hans
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Blackcoyote on December 13, 2015, 08:15:19 pm
Nice lookin bow Greg!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Pappy on December 14, 2015, 04:59:48 am
Very nice Greg, beautiful bow in all aspects. :)
 Pappy
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: H Rhodes on December 14, 2015, 10:04:10 am
Top notch work as usual!  That tiller is perfect.  Bring that one to Tennessee so I can see it up close.  Great work buddy.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Sasquatch on December 14, 2015, 11:43:49 am
Man, your bows are the prettiest! I love the dye jobs and painting. Your artwork is the best in my opinion. I wish you could give a how to on some of your paint. But I understand if you are trying to keep it hush hush. You stuff is so cool.
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Onebowonder on December 16, 2015, 11:02:38 am
<snip>- the light color edges and the circle & dot designs were done by scraping off the finish with a razor blade to expose the wood underneath. I do this before putting the clear finish over everything.<snip>

So, am I to understand that you scraped with a razor blade those perfect little concentric circles and those sharp straight lines enough to remove the surface stain and expose the HHB natural color underneath???  WOW!  :o  Most impressive work sir! 8)  If I had attempted such it would look like 8 bit graphics from the 80's with jagged lines and nicks all over the place.  Beautiful work there sir.

OneBow
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Badly Bent on December 16, 2015, 06:48:32 pm
Howard, I'll bring it along for our annual spring get together buddy.

Nathaniel, No hush-hush here my friend, maybe I'll try to document a finish along on a few one day. Most of it involves putting on and removing the first attempt because I don't like the results and then experimenting till I come up with something I like. That makes for a lot of extra steps that most of us don't want to have to do.  ;)

Eric, Thats right the edge of a razor blade to scrape away finish on the circles. I can't do circles freehand well so I cut out contact paper rounds and used the edges of those as a guide by scratching around the perimeter. That part of the project only took a bit over an hour to complete, so not to bad on my patience. ;)

Thanks again to all for the comments, really a good feeling when this group appreciates your work. :)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Danzn Bar on December 16, 2015, 06:54:20 pm
Just had to take another look at this one... :o wow....love the unbraced, braced and full draw....perfect.... puts a smile on my face :)
DBar
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Drewster on December 16, 2015, 07:09:47 pm
Just had to take another look at this one... :o wow....love the unbraced, braced and full draw....perfect.... puts a smile on my face :)
DBar

I agree DBar.  This bow ran up to the top of my "favorites" list really fast.  Just excellent work!
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: paulsemp on December 16, 2015, 08:13:32 pm
Another greg classic 8)
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Selfbowman on December 17, 2015, 02:07:00 am
I agree with Marc . Very nice bow and paintings. Arvin
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Jodocus on December 17, 2015, 04:09:01 pm
absolutely super lovely.  :-*
Title: Re: Finished hop hornbeam bow
Post by: Scottski on December 17, 2015, 06:57:07 pm
Good looking bow nicely done.