Paul Wolfe's (Springtown, TX) a.k.a. "cowboy"
Sinew Backed Osage Recurve Bow is February's Self Bow of the Month http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,5613.0.html
and
Adam Beck's (adb3112) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA
Bamboo backed Ipe is February's Laminant Bow of the Month
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,5272.0.html
Congratulations to both of you bowyers!
Paul's Narrative and Some Comments:
"Finally got this sucker done . Didn't turn out as well as it may have but still shoots well. It's 66" N/N, 40#'s @ 28". One full layer of sinew across the back and another layer down the center, covered with some pesky chicken snakes . Tips and rest are of Mescalbean root (found on jobsite), or Mexican mountain laurel - real purty stuff and hard.
Strunk style handle wrap (as well as I could do for first time) Want to thank you Gordon for that tutorial . Bout the only thing that aint new to me here is tip overlays and tillering - already got another one in the dryer, It'll be better .
Sidewinder - "Whooee Cowboy, now thats what i'm talking about. Great work." Danny
Justin Snyder - "Good work Paul. Shooting good is what really counts, but I think it looks good." Justin
DanaM - "Paul you did a great job on her, Im sure your wife is gonna enjoy it Now ya have to make one fer yerself
Your coming to Pappys eh??"
Keenan - "Beautifull Cowboy, Looks mighty fine to me, seems we are always our own worst critics. I like the dark skins, they add alot of contrast with that yellow osage. Should be a strong contender for BOM." Keenan
Dustybaer - "i'm really impressed, cowboy. it's not that long ago, you were asking beginner's questions about tillering and look at your workmanship now. sinew backed, snakeskin covered, recurve bows. you entered the champions class with this beauty. i like the tips and the handle in particular."
Here's How Adam Made His Bow:
I finished this up about a month ago. It's a bamboo backed ipe. The fellow I made it for is very tall (6' 4"), with a long draw (29").
He wanted it 55 - 60# @ 29". It's 72" NTN, with handle riser in poplar. The second pic is of my most excellent wife, Linda, holding it at brace.
Final result: 57# @ 29". 1 1/4" at handle, with continuous taper to 1/2" self nocks. Small pistol grip.
I do like to keep the tips stiff. I usually don't let the tips bend in longer bows (>68") for the last 6 - 8". Makes them fast. You can't get too carried away with this, otherwise hand shock is an issue. I didn't glue in any reflex. Started with a straight stave.
This bow was a screamer. Cast was super. Longer bows are faster than shorter bows. Sir Issac Newton had that worked out long ago.
Ipe / bamboo is a great combo. You can make them narrow, and set is minimal.
And praise, too:
Sharp bow,looks good to me.I like the tiller.He should love that. -Pappy
Really a nice job, tiller looks great also. i imagine your friend is going to have some fun with that one. Steve -Badger
Real nice bow. I've seen some backed ipe bows even skinnier than that. They seem to make great shooters.
Glad to hear you have an excellent wife. They're worth several good bows aren't they. Or at least two -tom sawyer
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