Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Muskyman on August 23, 2022, 05:37:36 pm

Title: Knot holes
Post by: Muskyman on August 23, 2022, 05:37:36 pm

Making my third bow from hickory I cut down in my woods.
It’s got a couple pretty big knot holes in one limb a little off center. Should I fill those?
Probably about a half inch +- around on the bigger one.

Any thoughts
Thanks

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: Pat B on August 23, 2022, 06:11:11 pm

Welcome to PA.  Pics would help to make a decision but if they are clean knots or knot holes and have enough room around them you should be OK to just leave them as they are. You can fill them if you like.

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: Muskyman on August 23, 2022, 10:43:06 pm

Trying to post pictures

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: Pat B on August 23, 2022, 11:11:11 pm

If the back ring is unviolated into the knots you should have no problems with the knots. Keep the tiller a bit stiffer at the knots.

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: Muskyman on August 23, 2022, 11:27:18 pm

Back is okay, fill them?

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: ShorterJ on August 24, 2022, 01:34:03 am

If it were mine I would just follow the grain around the knots and leave them alone.  Filling them should be fine too if you want.  Hickory is pretty tough stuff.

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: bownarra on August 24, 2022, 01:45:11 am

When laying out a bow with knots you simply follow the grain around it. DO NOT cut straight lines either side of them! EG. on your width taper.

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 24, 2022, 09:12:15 am

All good advice. Also, leave the knotted areas wide enough with wood equal to the width of the bow. Jawge

Title: Re: Knot holes
Post by: Muskyman on August 24, 2022, 05:35:09 pm

I’ll keep that in mind on my next one. To late for this one, but sound advice I’m sure..
I’ve seen pictures of some of the bows on this site and I’ve seen bows that just leave me in awe.
The bow in my picture is floor tillered and on the rack with a tillering string.
I figured if it blows up on me I’ve still learned a few things.