Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: WhistlingBadger on May 09, 2025, 11:01:29 pm

Title: Juniper/elk sinew/bullsnake 40#@27"
Post by: WhistlingBadger on May 09, 2025, 11:01:29 pm
This was the most complicated bow I’ve ever made, and the most pleasing to my eye. Got lots of good advice from a lot of you guys.  Much appreciated!
Locally harvested Rocky Mountain juniper, backed with elk sinew, covered in a bull snake skin.
All done with hand tools.
Steam bent tips.
Elk hoof tip overlays.
Home-tanned elk leather handle wrap, sewn with sinew.
Decorated with mineral pigment egg tempera.
Finished with lard/beeswax/pine pitch varnish.
Pulls 40 lb at 27”.
I’m not completely thrilled with the handle wrap, and disappointed with the low draw weight (I was going for 55#), but she’s fun to shoot and rather easy on the eyes, if I may say so.

(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1779-jpeg.366658/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1780-jpeg.366659/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1781-jpeg.366660/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1782-jpeg.366661/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1783-jpeg.366662/)
Title: Re: Juniper/elk sinew/bullsnake 40#@27"
Post by: WhistlingBadger on May 09, 2025, 11:03:30 pm
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1784-jpeg.366668/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1786-jpeg.366669/)
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1787-jpeg.366670/)

Ignore the goofy lookin' guy.  This is about the bow.
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1788-jpeg.366671/)
Title: Re: Juniper/elk sinew/bullsnake 40#@27"
Post by: WhistlingBadger on May 09, 2025, 11:24:23 pm
(https://www.fishforums.net/attachments/img_1791-jpeg.366691/)
Title: Re: Juniper/elk sinew/bullsnake 40#@27"
Post by: mmattockx on May 10, 2025, 12:36:03 pm
Very nice, tiller looks excellent. Juniper sure is a beautiful wood.


Mark
Title: Re: Juniper/elk sinew/bullsnake 40#@27"
Post by: WhistlingBadger on May 10, 2025, 01:13:19 pm
Thanks, Mark!  I'm very happy with it, overall.  Juniper is beautiful stuff for sure.  Already have another piece of heartwood in the pipeline...