Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 11:24:48 am

Title: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 11:24:48 am
Hope you guys don't mind a lot of pictures.
This is the other half of the Elm Hall elm stave I made bubby a bow from last month. This half had a bit of natural deflex in the middle with the top limb slightly reflexed and the bottom limb pretty much straight.
Used steam to add a bit more deflex at the handle and dry heat to shape the tips. As you'll see in the pics.
I didn't exactly get all the curves even and balanced. :o  All tiller critique is more than welcome cause it looks a little funny to me but shoots smooth, fast and accurate. She's had about 200 arrows through her so far and returns to original unbraced profile within a couple minutes of unstringing, tips riding 3/4" in front of handle and no additional set or changes in either limb. Gave her a bark gray colored finish cause I'm thinking this one will see some deer hunting next fall. Thanks for looking.
57.5" ntn
50- 53# @ 24"
1.5" at widest part of limbs
handle padded with cork and wrapped in jute
earth pigment and acrylic paint with tru oil finish
10 strand d-97 string with beaver fur silencer
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 11:26:45 am
some more pics.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 11:27:44 am
last few
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: osage outlaw on February 22, 2015, 11:34:56 am
Great looking bow BB
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: adams89 on February 22, 2015, 11:38:33 am
very nice! I really like your finishing style! 8)
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: burchett.donald on February 22, 2015, 11:56:24 am
  Greg your eye's are better than mine cause I can't see one thing I don't like bud... 8) 8) 8)  That color is awesome and if you lean that one up on a tree it might disappear...Beautiful work as always...
                                                                                                                                               Don
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Aaron H on February 22, 2015, 12:17:30 pm
Beautiful profile, and I absolutely love the finish work.  Gorgeous
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: half eye on February 22, 2015, 12:24:22 pm
Sweet Jesus man, can you not make even one thats a little off.....your makin us look bad. Ya make a mighty fine bow sir!!!!!
rich
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 12:32:34 pm
Thank you OO
Thanks Adams
Thanks Don, I took a few pics. with the camera on another setting and you almost couldn't make out the bow against the bark of that big maple tree.
Thank you Aaron
Thanks Rich, still not sure if this one is off or on but it sure shoots nice.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: PNewton on February 22, 2015, 01:20:37 pm
Another fine looking bow. Nice job Greg.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: icu812 on February 22, 2015, 01:24:02 pm
Dang. That thing looks awesome. I like the handle, limb artwork, and the grey bark finish. Cool combo and very effective camouflage! Don't leant it up against a tree out there!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: blackhawk on February 22, 2015, 01:32:07 pm
Looks like a smooth hunter there Greg!!!! :)
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: bubby on February 22, 2015, 01:39:31 pm
that look's great to me Greg, look's like it belongs in the woods
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 22, 2015, 01:44:57 pm
That finished off sweet Greg. I don't blame you a bit if you hunt it, I would! Looks like we will be snipping a few more of those Michigan elms this summer ;) You knocked both of yours out of the park.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: owlbait on February 22, 2015, 01:49:34 pm
Nice  job Greg. Like the rest, I'm admiring the finish and the lines on that. Great wrap on that handle, I can't ever seem to get those wraps that tight and tidy!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 22, 2015, 02:06:11 pm
That is one sweet looking hunting bow for sure! I'm with everyone else, the finish is absolutely stunning! I think your tiller looks pretty good to me! With your curves unbalanced it's hard to pick out anything wrong. Now I'm no tiller expert by no means. But I was told once, if it feels good and shoot good then it is good! Well done Sir! Patrick
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: JW_Halverson on February 22, 2015, 02:25:52 pm
That style recurving is what I like to call a "slow sweep".  It looks flat-out butt ugly in the unstrung position, sorry If I offend.  BUT at full draw they are dead sexy!!!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: wizardgoat on February 22, 2015, 02:27:58 pm
I love you style, on every bow. Bend looks great
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 02:52:29 pm
Thanks ICU, the handle feels great and my leather work is crappy so I think I'l do more of these.
Thanks Paul, I appreciate it
Thanks badhawk, I value your opinion and it does draw and shoot smooth my friend.
Thanks bub, it will see the deer woods if it lasts till fall.
Thanks Chris, by all means lets do a little more pruning when we're up there again.
Thanks Mike, I set it in titebond 3 then burned the frayed ends off and brushed on more glue with some pigment mixed in to get the desired color.
Thanks Patrick, after getting it out to 22" draw I basically tilled by feel until it drew & shot smooth.
Thanks JW, not offended in the least bit but to me it looks funnier at brace.
Thanks wizardgoat, I'm really into your bows as well.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: sieddy on February 22, 2015, 03:10:39 pm
Holy cow that is a truely brilliant peice of craftsmanship- I love that bow.
I was nuts about the last one too!  :)
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: RyanR on February 22, 2015, 03:14:05 pm
As always Greg, nice stick. I like the braced profile and finish. I hope you have it at Marshall so I can get a closer look.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Arrowind on February 22, 2015, 04:22:48 pm
AWESOME!   I like every thing about it. Very nice work!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Marc St Louis on February 22, 2015, 04:36:20 pm
A fine looking bow
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Hans H on February 22, 2015, 04:42:46 pm
a very nice work, all around, like it
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: H Rhodes on February 22, 2015, 05:14:38 pm
That's another fine looking hunting bow Greg.  I love the way that finish work blends in with the surroundings.  Lots of times a well finished bow just doesn't look right in the woods.  That is not the case with that piece of elm.  I believe that bow wants to go hunting.  Great work my friend.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: JonW on February 22, 2015, 07:12:41 pm
Wow man!! That color is killer. Another sweet bow my friend.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: IdahoMatt on February 22, 2015, 07:16:36 pm
Man oh man Greg that thing is sweet.  Is that the one you were telling me about.  She turned out saweeeeeet.  Looks like a smooth shooter.  That is probably my favorite that you've posted.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 22, 2015, 07:30:33 pm
Thanks sleddy, I appreciate the compliment
Thanks Ryan. I'll be sure to bring it to Marshall
Thanks Arrowind, Marc & Hans
Thanks Howard, I started this one with making myself a new hunting bow in mind
Thank ya Jon
Thanks Matt, this is the one I told you about. I'm digging this one so I hope nothing changes in the way its performing, need to get more arrows thru it to be sure.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Blackcoyote on February 22, 2015, 07:39:09 pm
Looks like a natural born killer to me!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: paco664 on February 22, 2015, 07:56:16 pm
that is just a sweet looking bow...  congrats
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: paulsemp on February 22, 2015, 07:56:55 pm
Man greg... that thing is killer!  To bad i broke the mirror image of that bow  :'(
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Carson (CMB) on February 22, 2015, 10:41:58 pm
Nice work Greg. Cool bow design and great designs in the finish work. Very visually balanced, primitive and well designed and executed bows you make.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: rps3 on February 22, 2015, 10:47:15 pm
Such a nice visual tone that bow strikes at the very first glance, full draw looks great to my eyes too.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Drewster on February 22, 2015, 11:25:25 pm
GEEZ, looks like "Bow of the Month" material to me.  Super nice work.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: simson on February 22, 2015, 11:49:44 pm
Beautiful bow, brother.
Nothing wrong with tiller, all profiles just fine. A bow from you can be found out of hundreds, your style is consequent. I like your finish work, stain and painting - top line.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: steve b. on February 23, 2015, 12:32:58 am
Yes, very nice.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: chamookman on February 23, 2015, 05:21:31 am
What can I say Bud - outstanding! Bob
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: missilemaster on February 23, 2015, 07:31:52 am
I want to build bows like that when I grow up. That turned out really nice Greg.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: SLIMBOB on February 23, 2015, 07:43:24 am
Fine looking bow.  Love all the profiles, and the finish work looks great.  Nice work Greg.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Pappy on February 23, 2015, 08:10:01 am
That's a beauty, see nothing to critiqued on that one. :) I think you may be just a little Hard on yourself it you think that bow needs anything except shooting. ;) :) :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Buckeye Guy on February 23, 2015, 12:52:14 pm
Throw that junk away and get some of that yellar wood  ;) >:D :laugh:
Don't you know by now you can't make a bow from that junk

Looks like good one to me but would not expect any thing else from you
see ya soon
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: DGF on February 23, 2015, 04:50:03 pm
Another outstanding bow Greg. Love your style of bows.

-Dan
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: missilemaster on February 23, 2015, 06:02:36 pm
This guy is going to have to change his handle on the forum. Nothing bad about the bend of his bows!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on February 23, 2015, 07:02:34 pm
Thanks everyone for the kind words, all you guys in the PA community are just to nice.
Now I wish we would get out of the deep freeze here so I could get out and shoot this bow a little more, this
frostbite weather stinks. :)
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 23, 2015, 07:13:33 pm
I hear you buddy, it's been super cold here for a week or so. Only one day above freezing and most days in the single digits to the teens. But when all the snow and ice melt then we will have the mud! Patrick
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Dvshunter on February 23, 2015, 08:01:30 pm
Nice one greg. I never get tired of looking
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: sleek on February 23, 2015, 11:02:24 pm
Thats my favorite wood and my favorite tip design. I build all my tips with that degree of reflex if I reflex them at all that is. Makes the most sense to me.  I love that bow.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: GB on February 24, 2015, 02:47:11 am
That is a pretty bend.  Love the way you finished it, too.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: RLimerick on March 13, 2015, 07:14:58 pm
I have felled a number of Mississippi elms in hopes to make an elm longbow.  Yours looks great!  I would also like to try a hackberry bow.  I'm gonna try to mimic your bow if you don't mind.  Very nice decorations too! 
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: SLIMBOB on March 13, 2015, 10:26:50 pm
Like this one a lot.  The most striking aspect to me is the shape.  Spot on if you ask me.  Great job!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Stringman on March 13, 2015, 10:28:43 pm
Greg I about missed this one. You, sure turned that junk wood into a real beauty! Bet it's a shooter too! Congrats on another fine piece of work!!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Badly Bent on March 13, 2015, 11:00:01 pm
Thanks again guys, finally got warm here so I was able to put some arrows thru it yesterday. I have to admit it is a fun one to shoot.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Forest_Farmer on March 14, 2015, 08:43:29 pm
Greg,
That's a great looking bow,I really like your style, very aboriginal.  Your tiller, finishes and everything about your bows are top-notch Greg.  I also like the fact that you use a lot of different woods, this elm bow turned out really nice and if I see you this spring at twin Oaks I have some nice black locust for you.
Hope to see you the spring,
Ed
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: PAHunter on March 15, 2015, 06:41:01 am
I really like the look of that bow!  Great artistic touch.
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: PeteC on March 15, 2015, 08:05:12 am
Very nice job on that beauty.Love that hard elm. God Bless
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: crooketarrow on March 15, 2015, 11:27:17 am
  SWEETTTTTT
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Josh B on March 16, 2015, 11:25:17 am
Wow!  I do believe that I now have a new favorite Badly Bent bow.  The entire bow is gorgeous, but the decor is exquisite.  Just the right amount of flash to enhance the appearance of the bow without distraction.  Well done Greg!  Josh
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: Aaron H on March 16, 2015, 12:08:01 pm
Wow!  I do believe that I now have a new favorite Badly Bent bow.  The entire bow is gorgeous, but the decor is exquisite.  Just the right amount of flash to enhance the appearance of the bow without distraction.  Well done Greg!  Josh
I definitely agree with everything Josh said, my new favorite BB bow!
Title: Re: deflex/reflex Michigan elm
Post by: MWirwicki on March 16, 2015, 02:14:21 pm
Greg:  I missed this one.  That is very nice.  Besides the obvious great  tiller blah - blah, I really like your decorating style.