Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: trail walker on June 19, 2018, 08:34:54 am
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So I found this nice piece of chokcherry and was wondering if It would work with a 25 inch draw with a 52 inch bow. I know that it will have allot of string fallow unbacked. And I would only have enough sinew for 1 maybe 2 layers.( 2 elk leg tendons) would that even do much for me?
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I've not made a bow from choke cherry but I'd thing it would be possible, especially with a bendy handle bow with or without sinew.
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Ok because I want to try a narrow western plains style bow i can shoot without sinew on it for a while.
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You may find examples of that style bows made from choke cherry in Jim Hamm and Steve Allely's Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers.
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I do not have them unfortunately. I have been trying to research online.
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Yes you will be fine. It is stronger in compression so a backing is a must if you want it to last. With a 2 layer backing you can make a nice little bow. It is not as fast as other woods but I have found it does the trick and shoots pretty good.
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So I have been pondering what you said guys and I have the bow quick dried in the Utah sun. Loefflerchuk (other opinions welcome!!) I want to putt the little bit of sinew I have on it. I am on a 1 month tome crunch, that's the way it is unfortunately :-[. How long will a light sinew backing on that cherry to dry enough to be used.??
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You could start shooting after a month or so after the sinew is applied. Rawhide could get you shooting faster.
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How much faster? Or if that's to long maybe I will just leave it unbacked and use it with the realization that It will not last as long.
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I would not leave it in the sun. It may check. Get it down to near finished bow size. If you are in a huge hurry back it and you could tiller it in 8 days or so. one layer of sinew will cure in 2 weeks or less. 2 layers will take 2 months. Sounds like you just want a quick bow. taking your time will make it better but you can get it shooting in a couple weeks and it will gain a little power over time.