Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: EOT on July 26, 2018, 05:09:57 pm
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I've used this forum searching for tips and advice a lot during this build. So I figured I'd join, say hey, and share a couple pics of what I ended up with. The tree that this is from I intended to use to make a shelf with to put on a smoker I recently built but I ended up using an old slab of walnut for that instead. Problem was that I had already cut the tree to do that so I ended up with shorter pieces to make a bow out of.
This particular piece wasn't very straight so I was just going to using it for practice in chasing the ring. I ended up getting it shootable though. It had about 6" of reflex, and had quite a bit of curve going of to the side. I lost track of many times I steamed and bent it trying to get it straight enough to make a bow out of. I attempted to put some deflex in it as well. I wish I had taken more pictures and notes along the way.
It's in no way perfect so if anyone sees something that could've been done different or better I'm all ears. I need to get more pics of it braced and unbraced. I was having issues with uploading pics though. The bottom limb is pretty straight now but the top limb still has some reflex towards the tip. It still has some twist in both limbs but the bottom is worse in that department. I did all the tiller work with a piece of paracord.
It's 58" NTN, ~1 1/2" at the widest point of the limb, stiff handled, and pretty heavy. I'm not sure of the weight at the moment. I'll have to get a scale.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/BFF0DDA2-5949-4FFF-94E8-C1895D7C6ECB_zpswydv2uas.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/BFF0DDA2-5949-4FFF-94E8-C1895D7C6ECB_zpswydv2uas.jpeg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/0319A0E8-32DA-4F94-8E0A-09BE49BB2FE2_zpswmtj47n9.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/0319A0E8-32DA-4F94-8E0A-09BE49BB2FE2_zpswmtj47n9.jpeg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/ACBD8A0D-CD32-4420-BB19-8DF0E9013B46_zpsvbm54dcx.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/ACBD8A0D-CD32-4420-BB19-8DF0E9013B46_zpsvbm54dcx.jpeg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/7F41627E-3624-4E2F-AE09-C261F16C9BD2_zpsoh18fsfj.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/7F41627E-3624-4E2F-AE09-C261F16C9BD2_zpsoh18fsfj.jpeg.html)
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Looks good. Your top limb has a little too much bend about a third of the way up from your handle. I would scrape a little from half way out to close to the nock then fix the bottom limb as needed. The bottom limb looks tillered great though.
That's just my 2 cents.
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The more I look at it though it might just be the angle
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You have a great start for your first bow....it looks like osage?
Your full draw pic looks like the outer 2/3 of the limbs are a little stiff with the bottom limb being the stiffest and best profile. you want the only the last 8-9" of the tips stiff. I would like to see an unbraced, braced and front profile pic for more help on the tiller. I can say you did a very good job getting the crown top dead center of the bow based on the belly rings at your fades. also it looks like a thin ringed stave.
Like I said good start on your first.
DBar
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Awesome first attempt!hard to really comment on the tiller without a unbraced pic.that said if you can make your top look like the bottom your in business!don't let that reflexed limb fool you because generally they are weaker than a deflex limb.
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Yeah I forgot to say what wood it is. It is osage. I also forgot to mention it's currently braced at about 5". I'm not totally happy with the top limb. I was thinking it looks like it bends pretty well in the first third, flattens out towards the end of the first third into the middle, and then gets a little stiff. I'm not a very good judge of that though so I really appreciate all your feedback. I will probably take more off it to try and get it better. I'm also probably going to reshape the grip a little as I'm not totally happy with it.
Here's a some more pics.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/E8A6785A-EE74-4012-957F-FD905B4A69C1_zpsomop65n0.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/E8A6785A-EE74-4012-957F-FD905B4A69C1_zpsomop65n0.jpeg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/2170D1B8-FB66-4F6C-83BC-09B4BBF0BA5F_zpsh2wsq5wb.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/2170D1B8-FB66-4F6C-83BC-09B4BBF0BA5F_zpsh2wsq5wb.jpeg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/4532B425-7B5B-402B-8DAC-D2CD1B01CB11_zpszzi725wa.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/4532B425-7B5B-402B-8DAC-D2CD1B01CB11_zpszzi725wa.jpeg.html)
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And here's another full draw pic. It looks a little different than the first one. I should also mention that I'm only pulling it back about 25" because of how heavy it feels.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/4DE6D2E8-06BD-4428-91FB-C93AB5C3EF53_zpsxuogzdhn.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/4DE6D2E8-06BD-4428-91FB-C93AB5C3EF53_zpsxuogzdhn.jpeg.html)
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EOT,
You have done a good job on you first bow based on those profiles. First I would make a caul and make both limbs (with dry heat) side profile the same (adding some reflex) as is you can see the top limb is working much more than the bottom limb. Once the limbs look the same in the side view I would thin the last 1/3 of each limb in width (side to side). Then look at the tiller. Thinning the last 1/3 (side to side) might make the tips bend a little more, and reflexing the bottom limb will make it stiffer.
I know I have laid a lot of info on you, but take your time and you will do well. I can tell you have the nack for it.
Not that it matters much on you first, but what poundage are you shooting for? and what is your draw length?
DBar
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EOT,
You have done a good job on you first bow based on those profiles. First I would make a caul and make both limbs (with dry heat) side profile the same (adding some reflex) as is you can see the top limb is working much more than the bottom limb. Once the limbs look the same in the side view I would thin the last 1/3 of each limb in width (side to side). Then look at the tiller. Thinning the last 1/3 (side to side) might make the tips bend a little more, and reflexing the bottom limb will make it stiffer.
I know I have laid a lot of info on you, but take your time and you will do well. I can tell you have the nack for it.
Not that it matters much on you first, but what poundage are you shooting for? and what is your draw length?
DBar
+1.That narrowing on the outer third of each limb will bring those limbs around nice without losing too much poundage.Heck of a nice first bow though as it is.Congrats.
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I'm assuming a caul would be like a form? I can certainly give it shot. I did put a couple coats of tru oil on it since I thought it might have to sit a couple weeks while I work on building some furniture for our unborn child(due in January!) I've been banned from steaming it with my wife's stock pot so I guess I can borrow a heat gun from my work.
The whole deal has been quite an experience but I do enjoy it even though I've had to walk away frustrated quite a bit. I had no goal for poundage on this one. Just wanted something shootable honestly. The way it's turned out though I'm hoping it'll be heavy enough to fling 600-700 grain arrows at deer. The only other bow that I've shot is my compound and it's a 28" draw. I was shooting for 27" on this one.
Thanks to all for the opinions and kind words!
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When you stick and eat a deer...... even a big doe doesn't have to be a buck, with a rig you built yourself, there is no feeling in the world like that. I hope you have the opportunity. Your have a good start.
DBar
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Great lookin' first! :OK
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I'm assuming a caul would be like a form? I can certainly give it shot. I did put a couple coats of tru oil on it since I thought it might have to sit a couple weeks while I work on building some furniture for our unborn child(due in January!) I've been banned from steaming it with my wife's stock pot so I guess I can borrow a heat gun from my work.
Yes a caul is a form.... and I can understand about the Misses. if it is your first bow, shoot the heck out of it and enjoy it. Start another and learn from the first.
Main thing is have fun doing it don't stress out. It relieves my stress.
DBar
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Danzn Bar has you on the right track...Good call Bill...I like the fact that you have them fades moving, a lot of first bows don't have this...A touch on the outers and it will be money...
Don
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Considering the unbraced profile the full draw is showing a pretty darn good tiller
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Couldn't agree more, Marc. Fantastic first or fiftieth bow.
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Nice Job! How does it shoot?
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When you stick and eat a deer...... even a big doe doesn't have to be a buck, with a rig you built yourself, there is no feeling in the world like that. I hope you have the opportunity. Your have a good start.
DBar
Bills given you some great advice. Congratulations on your first selfbow. Only thing better than first shooting your selfbow is hunting with one you made. Best of Luck and happy Hunting.
I also agree with Marc. You can see the unbraced profile in the full draw. Pretty darn good for your first bow. Doubting it'll be your last.
Bjrogg
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Congratulations and welcome aboard! These guys really know their stuff and are glad to share! They are a real personable and social group! If you live close to any of them, link up in person. Good luck with the new baby, and be ready to build a kid's bow down the road!
Hawkdancer
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Thanks again everyone for the advise and critique. This site is real treasure of info with all the knowledgeable and helpful people on here.
My boss didn't have any issue with me bringing the heat gun home from work and I grabbed some scrap 4x4 as well. Hopefully I'll find time to mess with making a caul this weekend. And try thinning the sides down to get it bending better and further.
I can only imagine how fulfilling it would be to shoot a deer with a bow you've made yourself. I just started bowhunting last year with a compound my buddy sold me for a good price. I was never interested enough to buy a bow before. I've never been that thrilled with the idea of a wheel bow but it was a lot more rewarding than rifle hunting even though I haven't actually get one with the bow yet. I can't afford to buy a good longbow this year so I figured I'd give making one a shot.
Considering I haven't shot a bow like this, and I haven't been able to pull it past about 24-25", I'm pretty happy with how it's shooting. It just feels good to shoot! I've only got about 50 shots through it as I'm doing a number on my forearm without a proper arm guard.
I guess one question I have for you guys would be: Do you think that shooting it too much as it is would do any harm to it? I'm sure it would be better to get it bending even better. And it's probably one of those things that is to hard to really guess?
Also, I tried to get the weight of it at work on an antique scale but my stick was only ~25" long. I got almost to the end of the stick(probably 24") and it was roughly 60#.
I doubt it'll be my last bow either. I hope put this one to use hunting something this year even if it's only rabbits. Hopefully the next one I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing and will make a better one. And yes I should definitely make one for our kid someday!
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Considering the unbraced profile the full draw is showing a pretty darn good tiller
Just wanted to say the same, Marc was quicker.
But if this is really the first - I take my hat off.
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Nice work
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Had to work all weekend but I made time to work on this some more so here's an update.
I put some reflex into the bottom limb. I didn't get the 4x4 to the shape I thought would work so I did this instead.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/451822E4-1E74-467A-9CB0-1C6D78FFAA79_zpsaakmik4q.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/451822E4-1E74-467A-9CB0-1C6D78FFAA79_zpsaakmik4q.jpeg.html)
I did it twice in two areas about an inch apart just moving a small amount. I didn't take a pic of it at rest afterwards but it made the bottom and top match pretty closely. The tips were 1" forward of the handle at this point.
The next day I removed a little (very little I thought) from mid limb out on the top, and from the entire bottom limb and ended up with this at 22"
(Top limb is on the left in theses pics.)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/8E71BE73-1AC1-4E86-8CB2-A9DACFEB010A_zpsgh8gt2eu.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/8E71BE73-1AC1-4E86-8CB2-A9DACFEB010A_zpsgh8gt2eu.jpeg.html)
Not what I had hoped for.
I worked on the bottom limb removing wood with sandpaper for a while and ended up with this.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/EEBF3B16-B6EA-4E3D-BBE8-068A18E94DE3_zps3fxkurbr.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/EEBF3B16-B6EA-4E3D-BBE8-068A18E94DE3_zps3fxkurbr.jpeg.html)
Not much better. But I figured I'd better quit for now before I get too carried away. Still need to get the outer third/half of the upper limb moving better but I focused more attention to the bottom since it's quite a bit stronger.
So now I feel like I've gone the wrong way with this thing. I probably shouldn't have messed with the top limb at all and just focused on the bottom one. Too late for that though. So is there anything I can do to salvage this without making it into a kids bow? (I'd estimate it at around 50 ish pounds at 26" right now.) It was only meant to be a practice piece but I was getting hopeful that it might turn out heavy enough to hunt with. If not I'll just get it as good as I can for a plinker and start another and see what I can do.
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Your right on them outers bending more.....shoot it and have fun with it....start another and learn from your experience.
You have a great start, and I think you understand the tillering process from your experience with your first bow.
DBar
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Ok I'll probably mess with this some more as time allows and see what I end up with. Definitely going to start another soon too. I'll update this as if I get it bending better. Thanks for the help.
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That's great if your good with that it....you have learned so much with your first build...good job.
DBar
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Once again...Your fades are excellent...Incorporate this in your next one Sir...Thanks for sharing your work
Don
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EOT,
your full draw looked pretty good but the last TT shot has definite problems.
I'd begin by getting more near handle wood bending. Get the wood at the end of the fades on left limb moving. Right limb looks good.
Jawge
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Update: I've been slowly working on getting this thing bending better (especially the upper limb) just sanding and checking every 20-30 strokes with the 80 grit. It has improved but but still isn't perfect.
Braced
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/64F0E474-0951-432B-959A-DAD304049FE0_zpsx2lkkyhl.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/64F0E474-0951-432B-959A-DAD304049FE0_zpsx2lkkyhl.jpeg.html)
At 26" on the tillering stick
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/40780EF4-077B-4FF1-9958-4C87BA8928F6_zpswuxycau1.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/40780EF4-077B-4FF1-9958-4C87BA8928F6_zpswuxycau1.jpeg.html)
And at about 27" in my hands.( sorry for the glare)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/jrenzinator/first%20bow/E8DCA0C1-1B09-4C28-9324-D72EBA90B703_zpsc7p39ylo.jpeg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jrenzinator/media/first%20bow/E8DCA0C1-1B09-4C28-9324-D72EBA90B703_zpsc7p39ylo.jpeg.html)
I thought it looked quite a bit better in the full draw pic than it did in the tillering tree so I ended up shooting it for a bit after the full draw pic. After unstringing it I noticed the back has a small splinter starting to lift, in the same spot in the upper limb that is bending too much in the tillering tree pic. So I'm probably done working on this for now. I've seen where it might be possible to salvage it but I'm probably not qualified to do it at this point. It's not firewood yet because I don't like to give up easily. Hope to get some sinew from this years hunting.
I hope to start bow #2 soon. I feel like I've learned enough to do at least a little better on the next one.
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I thought it looked real sweet about the time Marc and Simson said he liked the tiller. Looking close at the unbraced and drawn photos it seemed great. You must have put a lot of thought into tillering on non matching limb profiles so great work. Did you need to remove more to reduce weight?
I have a habit of trying to "get that little bit better" when something is already fine.
You've got a great start going!
PS: might do you well to make a tiller tree/pulley system so you don't have to leave limbs strained for too long.
Sorry I'm late to the welcoming committee but welcome!!
Marco
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Honestly I did need to drop the weight down a little but it also wasn't bending as good as I wanted. After some weight was dropped I was able to pull it a couple extra inches. Maybe it would have lasted longer if I'd left it heavy and only drew it back 25"? Hard to say but I did learn a few things that hopefully will help with the next one.
For now this one is sitting. I hope to be able to repair it. I need to get the "Bowyers Bible" and I'd also like to get "Hunting the osage bow". Seems there's a lot of info in those books and I enjoy reading anyway. So far I've been reading through some of the topics you guys have covered on this forum. Lot's of great info and tutorials.
I am wanting to make a pulley type tillering tree. Just need to get after it I guess. I can definitely see how it would be better for the bow to only strain it for a second or two.
Stave #2 is in the vise now for ring chasing. It's the same overall length but much straighter. So hopefully it won't be as difficult to work with.
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Glad your hanging in there EOT...That last picture of full draw in your hand looks real nice...Looking forward to your second...
Don