Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Marshrat on July 07, 2008, 06:54:45 pm

Title: Black Locust Help
Post by: Marshrat on July 07, 2008, 06:54:45 pm

First of its been a while so Hey to Everyone.
Got a BL stave I worked at down to 1 ring got the sides rough shaped and let it finish drying. I took it out to start making it a bow. I knew i was going to have to straighten the bottom limb but now its got a twist. So I need to get some help with fixing this. And also there is a crack from the handle down the same limb can i back it with bamboo or something else to help this? Or have it got myself a piece of firewood LOL. This will be my first  stave to bow so any help is Welcomed
 Thanks To All
  Dennis 

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: sailordad on July 07, 2008, 07:08:34 pm

ya know ive grown to love saying this

pictures,pictures we need pictures lol
   
seriously though,pictures will get advise from the smart and talented folks on here.
dont worry i'm not one of them,i'm a newbie but this is good cause i think i may be cutting some bl and suger maple tonight >:D

                                                                                  peace,
                                                                                        tim

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: Marshrat on July 07, 2008, 07:19:47 pm

I have no way nor do I know how to post pics. But will try and get someone to help me get some on here.

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: bigcountry on July 07, 2008, 08:38:20 pm

I am getting ready to cut a BL, and want to try to work it, but it sounds like it will crack in a heartbeat. 

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: Marshrat on July 07, 2008, 08:41:02 pm

The crack i have is only in the back and real small thats why I think backing may do it.

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 07, 2008, 09:28:35 pm

Did you go to a heartwood back? Did you seal the back? If not do it. Sand it and get it ready for final finishing and put the fainal finish on it. How much twist in the limb? Jawge

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: snedeker on July 07, 2008, 09:30:04 pm

1.  Crack.  If it runs vertically down the back, its not too important. Leveling off this stave for bamboo backing would probably be more than you'd want to get into.  You can work in some carpenters glue and clamp.  It that area needs to be heat treated for twist, wait till after.  If its a horizontal crack, report back for another strategy.


2.  Twist.  BL responds well to dry heat.  If you don't have a heat gun, you can use a range top burner or a grill burner.  Heat the belly side a few inches away (you can get closer when you know what you are doing) get it uncomfortabley hot to touch and then a little more - a touch of scorch.  Secure in vise.  Clamp two wood slats, 1/2" x 2" x 20" long of so out past twist and use to gingerly lever in place.  Thats one strategy.

Dave

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: snedeker on July 07, 2008, 09:31:28 pm

Goerge's point is good.  My suggestiions assumed a heartwood back.

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: Marshrat on July 07, 2008, 09:40:50 pm

Thanks Guys yes its heart wood back I did seal before I set it up to dryI had brought it down to one ring then sealed it. The crack runs from whats to be the handle straght down the bottom limb almost in the center.  Sound I get it down ready to tiller before I try to straighten or do it now Sides are shaded and brought down to one ring is about as far as ive gotten

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: Hillbilly on July 07, 2008, 10:59:21 pm

How long is the crack? If it's not too big and it doesn't run off the side, just shoot some thin supergue in it and clamp it up.

Title: Re: Black Locust Help
Post by: richpierce on July 08, 2008, 05:06:32 pm

Straighten the twist before you glue it up, else the glue will melt anyway.