Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: SteveT. on November 15, 2017, 02:12:30 pm
-
(https://i.imgur.com/vHr7UYf.jpg)
Recently finished a set of bamboo arrows and a new hybrid longbow. The bow has a composite core of 3 lams of tempered bamboo and bubinga. It's 72 inches long and has some of the features that a Japanese Yumi would have. Back and belly are bamboo, and the belly is tempered to add a bit more performance.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/zHKsnHF.jpg)
Here is just another angle to show the profile. I really like these bows, as they are very smooth to shoot, fast and quiet. Because they will bend through the handle, this bow can take a longer draw. Only 1" wide and tapered to 5/8" at the nocks.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/y72OCH8.jpg)
I use leather dye applied to the bamboo after it's scraped.Then use a splatter technique to get the random pattern on the limbs.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YUmZUgk.jpg)
I still struggle to get the bamboo shafts straight, as I'm sure a lot of you do. Instead of putting an insert into the shaft for a nock, I just cut a groove out at a node, and then wrap it for some added strength. Very seldom does one break, and it much less time consuming this way.Shafts are scraped and dyed and then I have used spar varnish as a finish.
-
Nice set. I can see the Yumi influence in the side profile. Can we see an unbraced and full draw pic, too? :OK
-
(https://i.imgur.com/p0eBnKD.jpg)
So, I use the rope and wedge method to build these bows. I use this for all the different bows I make, and it works very well. It takes a bit of practice, but is a very old traditional method of bow making. I forgot to mention that the core is tapered before the glue-up, and depending on the thickness of the taper and the materials used, (ex. more or less dense wood and bamboo lams) I can usually get within 5 lbs. of my desired draw wt. There is not much you can do to alter the strength of the bow once it is glued together. I use G2 epoxy as a glue which gives a long enough working time. Hope you find this interesting.
Steve Thomson.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/474h7lB.jpg)
This a different bow, but the same style as the one above.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/JTlsiHq.jpg)
Here is the way it looks when I glue up a bow like this, with all the wedges and rope. It also shows you the unbraced profile you wanted.
-
Very unique and beautiful work. :OK
-
very nice bow.alot of work into that one.thx for showing how you used those wedges for glue up.
-
thanks for sharing, very nice work indeed! Looking forward to see more of your work.
-
Very interesting and nice work.Thanks for sharing.
-
Quite nice, Steve. That level of workmanship must be a labor of love.
A few close-ups of your arrows would be appreciated.
-
Looks to be very fine craftmanship,realy like the looks of the arrows.i really like bamboo shafts but i always had to buy so many to get a matched set.have to say that they are the best shooting arrows i ever made and shot.
-
You should do a build along for one of these. I've seen traditional Japanese bowmakers using the same methods. Super cool and a great looking piece of art.
-
It seems like from the pictures that your boo terminates before the knocks. Is this correct?
-
You should do a build along for one of these. I've seen traditional Japanese bowmakers using the same methods. Super cool and a great looking piece of art.
Yes. I would be very interested to see the whole process as well.
-
Very cool, great work with the wedges and rope
-
I thank you all sincerely for your compliments on my work. In the world of traditional archery, there seems to be fewer and fewer who appreciate different styles of traditional bows, and the work that goes into them. Seems most just want bows of wood and glass, and the idea of shooting off your hand is absurd.
As for doing a buildalong, I have done an extensive one before, with making the core and all the way through to the finished bow.If you google "rope and wedge bowmaking buildalong" you find it on paleoplanet. Thankfully the photos are still there along with the explanation. I think you'll find it interesting.
As for the arrows, I do make the nock just ahead of the node on the shaft.That way the string fits onto the node which is solid and strong.Seems to work for me.
Thanks, Steve Thomson.
-
Very nice work Sir!
-
It really looks like a Yumi. Superb work.
-
Really nice bow! And lots of respect for making bows this way. The precision and craftmanship needed for these kind of bows is on another level as far as I am concerned.
-
Yes personally I'd like to see a side view full drawn profile.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/JcDMZgz.jpg)
Ok, so this is not the same bow, but again it is the same style with a full draw profile. I look better here because my stomach doesn't stick out so far as now.
As you see the whole bow bends nicely and it can be shot with fingers or a thumb release.I use fast flight string on all my bows, and it really improves the speed.
-
What is the ratio of these bows compared to a "full size" yumi?
-
Aaron: These bows are 72 " long and a full sized yumi is from 86" to 90" long. This bow is not A-symetrical like a yumi. Even though it is constructed similarly ,it is not a yumi by any means.
-
Anyone looked at the build along I referred to?
-
Steve, I really appreciate your workmanship and individuality. They are truly beautiful bows. I like how our community is so diverse in its' method and styles.
Please post more!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Ck6N4V8.jpg)
Well, here is a fantasy bow I made for someone years ago. For those who like something different. He wanted something that was reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. So I made this for him.Amazingly it shot very well with little handshock, even with those big dragons teeth hanging off the end.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/htARkIh.jpg)
Here is a closer look at that limb tip. I made it from basswood, which is light wt. and has an interlocking grain which makes it strongish. Had fun making it as it caters to my creative needs. Bow was 70" long with composite core like the others. Hope you like it.
Steve
-
Sweet bend Steve.I like it.May not be an exact yumi but your construction build-a-long shows how they were done.I can see why they would be good performers.Thanks for sharing.Don't quite know about those fantasy bow tips though....lol.That's ok.Each to their own I say.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/7uBkCDd.jpg)
This is my Egyptian style bow. 54-58" long depending on the draw length. It has water buffalo overlays on the limb tips.Same composite bamboo core as other bows. I don't make any bows without that type of core, as the difference in performance is such that ,it's not worth it. This bow is quite fast and very quiet.Great for hunting as the draw strength gradually builds ,which is nice for cold muscles. Real smooth to draw and shoot.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/N5ophe9.jpg)
Ok.Last bow for this posting. Another fantasy type bow.Southindian style with Japanese nocks.The customer wanted me to copy some artwork he sent, so the limbs kook like the wings of an owl. Riser and lower limb to look like body feathers and the upper limb to have primary wing feathers. It came out lighter than he wanted so I made another for him and kept this one. Core has satin wood which I've had for 15 yrs. and you can't get anymore, and tempered bamboo.Length is 72" and 1" wide. Draw wt.of 55Lbs. at 28"
Hope you all enjoyed the pics, and thank-you very much again, for all your compliments. It's been encouraging for me to continue.
Steve
-
Steve, Once again, some very nice craftsmanship.
I hope you can offer some insight about your Egyptian bow. I read recently that the arrows found in the pyramids seemed to be extremely light weight, as in grains per pound. At least it was assumed that the lighter arrows were possibly shot in heavier drawing bows. Is there something about the bow design that differs from a more typical design that might make it suitable for lighter arrows? You describe the way it pulls as maybe having an unusual force draw curve?
-
Hi Willie.Thanks for the question.All these bows seem to be able to handle shooting light wt arrows.Ex. I am able to shoot a 250-280grain arrow from a 50lb. bow and no bad things happen.In fact they fly flatter and faster, but no handshock and certainly no damage to the bow. The Egyptian style is not able to take a long draw without taking more set than I like. They also don't do well in high temps. and humidity as the bamboo draws in moisture and becomes weak. I always say if you are comfortable shooting outside then the bow will be comfortable too. I think that's why they were sealed in Urushi lacquer to protect from high humidity. (in Japan and China)
-
So you attribute their ability to accommodate very light arrows.......
to the bamboo construction?..... the shape of the limb?
some other aspect I have not mentioned?
thanks
-
Very cool looking bow.nice work.