Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: DC on September 24, 2018, 10:43:25 am

Title: Flame shape
Post by: DC on September 24, 2018, 10:43:25 am
I've started a warbow. At the moment it's 90#@20". I've reduced the sapwood on the tips a bit and as a result I have a few "flames" on the back. This one is about 4" from the tip. I'm wondering about the shape of the flame that the arrow is pointing at. Should the flame have a a nice rounded tip or is it better to come to more of a point. I can't decide which one would be more splinter resistant.
Title: Re: Flame shape
Post by: Pat B on September 24, 2018, 12:14:54 pm
I think it would be more important to have a smooth transition and not to worry about the flame shape. The flame does indicate that there is a long transition between one ring and the other. Weather that is good or not I don't know.
Title: Re: Flame shape
Post by: DC on September 24, 2018, 12:30:37 pm
There is still some sanding to do so it will smooth out some but I was just curious if the shape mattered. I know that Del says to try to keep the grain lines running along the bow but when you get to the end of a ring you can't do that. My gut says that when it's that close to the tip it shouldn't matter but I thought I would ask.
Title: Re: Flame shape
Post by: Del the cat on September 25, 2018, 12:51:43 am
Looks ok to me. Doesn't matter especially near the tip where it will be tapering anyway to the nock.
Mind what do I know... last one exploded on the tiller... mind it did have a thumb sized knot on at the grip and some slightly suspect wood. I don't know how long it had been left of the woodland floor before it was offered to me :(
When it comes to the fine detail of that shape... you're down to aesthetics the sapwood is so flexible it prob' won't lift unless it's flawed. If it feels creamy soft you are good, if it feels a bit powdery, crumbly or crisp not so good.
Del