Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: aznboi3644 on December 01, 2021, 07:28:22 pm

Title: Crepe Myrtle “Creek Bow”
Post by: aznboi3644 on December 01, 2021, 07:28:22 pm

A few months ago I went on a little vacation to the smokies.  Rented a tiny cabin next to a creek for a week.  I had this crepe myrtle stave split from summer 2020.  It was a very small sapling about 2” in diameter. 

I made this bow with some hand tools I brought while sitting next to the creek.   No tiller tree.  Just drawing in hand to check tiller.  Free handed heat treating it over a fire.  One limb took on just a hint of deflex maybe an inch.  The other limb stayed straight.  I have a short draw of 23-24”. 

The bow draws 45lb @ 24” and has zero set after shooting.  Just the hint of deflex in the one limb from the heat treatment. The back of the bow still has the bark on that I lightly sanded.  Finish was just bacon grease heated in over a fire with a layer of paraffin wax heated in after that.  Shoots well. 

Well I don’t know why the pics loaded sideways.  Hmmm

Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle “Creek Bow”
Post by: RyanY on December 01, 2021, 08:46:51 pm

Nicely done. I need to challenge myself and make one without the tillering tree one of these days.

Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle “Creek Bow”
Post by: PlanB on December 01, 2021, 09:58:04 pm

Exactly the kind of bow I love to hear about.
Direct.

Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle “Creek Bow”
Post by: Parnell on December 02, 2021, 11:39:56 am

Great post.  It’s important to remember to have fun with the craft!

Title: Re: Crepe Myrtle “Creek Bow”
Post by: gutpile on December 02, 2021, 01:44:44 pm

sweet stuff right here..gut