Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: patrickegray on August 08, 2016, 10:30:46 pm

Title: My first bow project
Post by: patrickegray on August 08, 2016, 10:30:46 pm

I am working on making a bow out of Black locust. I had to straighten one of the limbs a significant amount and came across this crack when I was unclamping it this evening. Am I fubar? If I narrow the limbs will it be ok?

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: Knotty on August 08, 2016, 10:35:36 pm

Welcome to PA first of all!
Well, it depends on the location of the crack,if it's more into the last 2/3's of the limb it'll most probably go away when tapering the width.

You can always superglue it after all!

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: patrickegray on August 08, 2016, 10:40:51 pm

Measuring from the center of the handle the limb is 36 inches. The crack is 11.5 inches from the center of the handle

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: Knotty on August 08, 2016, 10:43:21 pm

I think it wont be a problem for you, if the crack doesn't disappear after the final desired shape of the bow, fill the crack in with superglue and sawdust and just sand it smooth.

Good luck with your project and let us know how it turns out!

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: Pat B on August 08, 2016, 11:04:13 pm

Patrick, it was nice meeting you at the camp-o-rama 2 weekends ago.
  Is that crack on the belly side? If so just super glue it and keep on with tillering. You may eliminate most of it as you continue.

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: patrickegray on August 09, 2016, 12:29:04 am

Yes it is on the belly side.

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 09, 2016, 08:01:41 am

Patrick, that's a lot of wood to straighten.
It is probably a good idea to rough out the bow, floor tiller and then straighten if you have to.

That crack may come out as you work the stave. Be sure to draw knife from the side away from the opening.

More on my site.

http://traditionalarchery101.com/

Jawge

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: patrickegray on August 14, 2016, 02:46:25 pm

So I am still working on getting the limb straightened out and the crack seems to be getting worse. Should I start steaming it instead of just heating it?

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: Knotty on August 19, 2016, 06:00:00 pm

That'll probably end up failing.. How's it going so far?

Title: Re: My first bow project
Post by: patrickegray on August 19, 2016, 06:24:29 pm

kinda stopped on it because I wasn't sure if I should start using steam or if I should saturate the wood to get it straightened