Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: RedSpectre on March 07, 2017, 12:48:47 pm
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So I don't even know where to begin but, I want to get into the world of making my own bows. It's easy and probably much safer to up and buy one but as an artist, there's something to be said about using things you've made yourself.
Anyway, a lot of you guys seem really knowledgeable about this sort of stuff so I figured Id ask here.
The idea is to make a takedown style riser, wooden, leaning toward ilf style.
I've heard a lot of things about impregnated wood from it being virtually moisture and water proof to it being brittle and running the risk of cracking.
Id just like any and all input on your experiences on which woods and general material combinations are best suited for bow risers, if impregnated woods are the way to go, and what processes are good for ensuring a stable and long lasting riser.
Please excuse the fact that I am a complete newbie at this and I thank you for your help.
Limb tuts are also welcome.
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This reminds of the story of the motorist in Ireland who stops to ask the way.. the pedestrian scratches his chin and says:-
"Ah, to be sure, if I were you I wouldn't start from here" :)
Seems to me you are wanting to start from the wrong place...
Forget ILF, takedowns, impregnated stuff.
Get back to basics, what is a bow for? How has mankind managed to make 'em for millenia?
How did you make a bow as a kid? Just do the same but using the skills and knowledge you have accumulated over the years... don't confuse complexity with quality or performance.
Keep it simple.
The clue is in the forum title... ;)
If that sounds too negative, don't despair, there is plenty of time to make fancy stuff once you have mastered the basics, say a 40# 62" long simple board bow or bow from a nice clean stave.
We learn from our mistakes and a complicated design will have complicated mistakes which may be beyond your understanding.
The key thing is training your eye to see the simple even curve of a bow. Your artists eye may pick it up quickly>
Good luck.
Del
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I made an I-beam riser using purple heart and goncola alvas. Both are dense, heavy woods. I think a TD riser is a great use for such woods. They hold the inserts tightly in place and allow for a more slim profile due to their strength.
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Heck Pearlie, you're just encouraging his foolishness ;) >:D
That's no beginners bow! I think that's Phd level :)
Del
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Go like this... :BB
Hey everybody look! I used one of the new emoticons!!!
My advice...background yourself. Where are you? Find a mentor. Start with a good stave and someone to show you hands on what to do. Design an overbuilt forgiving flatbow. Go to the TN Classic or one of the bow building events nearest you this year. Meet people - see how they do what they do. Start from the beginning. Go from there.
Welcome to PA, hope you enjoy the ride.
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I'm curious why the detail of impregnated wood being necessary in any way? I mean I know the benefits but why did this leap out as the first concern in the whole project?
Reminds me of people who have never made a bow already being concerned that sinew needs to be kept dry.
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What the heck is impregnated wood, and do I even want to know? ???
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Pressure treated with resin.
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Love that profile Pearly...man that is sweet...
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Pressure treated with resin.
Whew! :laugh:
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Actionwood is another name. While it is strong and consistent, I don't thinks it is pretty in the least. It all looks the same from bow to bow to bow.
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Pressure treated with resin.
Whew! :laugh:
Funny! Once it sunk in. Talk about being into a hobby.
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DC, I knew I could count on you to take it even one step further. ;D ;D ;D
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Most commonly called stabilized wood most prevalent in knife handles :KN
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Welcome to PA RedSpectre,not trying to talk you out of anything but I would tend to agree with Del. Very few first attempts at bows are really good let alone perfect. Many break or under perform. Having said that I completely understand your wanting to build your own bow. I also want to say when you shoot your bow for the first time it feels so great you won't want to put it down. But please do long enough to at least build another and another and you will keep learning and building better bows. Everyone here is wants you to succeed. Good Luck
Bjrogg
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This reminds of the story of the motorist in Ireland who stops to ask the way.. the pedestrian scratches his chin and says:-
"Ah, to be sure, if I were you I wouldn't start from here" :)
Seems to me you are wanting to start from the wrong place...
Forget ILF, takedowns, impregnated stuff.
Get back to basics, what is a bow for? How has mankind managed to make 'em for millenia?
How did you make a bow as a kid? Just do the same but using the skills and knowledge you have accumulated over the years... don't confuse complexity with quality or performance.
Keep it simple.
The clue is in the forum title... ;)
If that sounds too negative, don't despair, there is plenty of time to make fancy stuff once you have mastered the basics, say a 40# 62" long simple board bow or bow from a nice clean stave.
We learn from our mistakes and a complicated design will have complicated mistakes which may be beyond your understanding.
The key thing is training your eye to see the simple even curve of a bow. Your artists eye may pick it up quickly>
Good luck.
Del
Thanks. You are absolutely right.
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It starts with a piece of wood. It can be a board but it should be one that has pretty straight grain in all directions. I haven't built from board, just staves ( basically logs). Not sure how much you know if anything. Have you watched any YouTube?
Bjrogg
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Welcome there is some good build alongs on the how to page also I dont know what you have for reading material but the TBB series might be a good place to start I would keep your first bow as simple as possible maybe a bend threw the handle d bow this craft can be deceptive there is a lot to learn & some hard knocks to take for most along the way not being negitive just honest there is a lot that cant really be taught other then hands on exsperience good luck with your build !
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It starts with a piece of wood. It can be a board but it should be one that has pretty straight grain in all directions. I haven't built from board, just staves ( basically logs). Not sure how much you know if anything. Have you watched any YouTube?
Bjrogg
I do most of the time. Ive honestly never built one in my life, but Id love to start. Im from New York City and you'd think they have resources here but ironically enough they don't. Or if they do, you're paying an arm and a leg for basics.
All the money and time can be spent just getting the tools and getting my hands dirty.
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http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/board,6.0.html is the link to the build-a-longs on this site. There are thread building selfbows, laminated bows, and tri-lam bows... have fun.
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There are good threads on this site and also some pretty decent YouTube videos. The video helped me get a understanding of the basics and the terminology of making bows. This site helped me greatly improve all aspects of my knapping, arrow and bow making, and even my hunting. If you can get to one of the primitive meets, I highly recommend it. Once again good luck, I'm sure you can do it if you stick with it. My first bow broke after about 150 shoots but by then I was hooked.
Bjrogg
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http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,35312.0.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh2lHHFKV6M
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This is such an awesome, challenging, addicting, rewarding and ever-evolving hobby to get into. When I think back over the years two suggestions come to mind... keep your enthusiasm and never give up. A wood bow looks so simple and easy to make, but it's not! So many things I've had to learn the hard way. One of the well-respected and experienced members here says, "if you ain't breakin, you ain't makin. He's right.
Hopefully you'll stay with it and we'll hear about your progress as your journey continues. Cheers! :)
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NYC! I think you are the first person I've seen over the years. I'm not surprised at all to read you are challenged to find the resources to get started. Honestly, that area of the country NYC area/NJ/Connecticut is remarkably underrepresented which I think is very interesting.
Anyhow, do you have much space? All materials needed can be ordered and you've come to the right place. There are guys from all over the country that can help you and I'd get a major kick out of seeing an Osage self bow representing the NYC!
I recommend people start with a good stave. Too many have the logic of "I don't want to ruin it" but I say...garbage in = garbage out.
Let me know if I can help answer questions regarding materials, your starting point, etc., please feel free to PM me. I lived in NYC for awhile in the 90's and appreciate your pursuit.
Stephen Parnell
P.s. Good luck, hope you enjoy the ride...be warned, it can be highly addictive!