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Bows / Re: Birch bark backing
« Last post by Chumash on December 28, 2025, 06:47:02 am »
Thanks Sleek,

I made all the bark objects myself, except for the John Strunk Bow  ;)

I based my work on an article in PA from Dr. Grayson and on construction techniques for storage containers made from birch bark.
There are also some interesting weaving techniques using bark—but weaving always ties too many knots in my brain  8)

Birch bark and cherry bark are excellent moisture protection, either as storage containers, backing, or quivers.



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Bows / Re: Bow Testing 2023 / 2025
« Last post by Tuomo on December 28, 2025, 02:51:52 am »
I tested one of my bamboo-backed, horn-bellied bows. It’s similar to the 98# @ 28" version, but this one is only 70# @ 28", with the same materials and measurements. The arrow weight was 586 grains (8.37 grains per pound), and the speed was 197 fps! The bow was still fresh, but even so, I really like that kind of arrow speed! Shot with a shooting machine, witnessed by my friend.
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Bows / Re: Birch bark backing
« Last post by sleek on December 27, 2025, 08:03:19 pm »
Quote from: Chumash on December 23, 2025, 09:52:37 pm
Some bark projects.

The birchbark for the quivers is very thick (1,5 - 3 mm)
Birchbark for backing or wrapping a bow has to be thin as sheet of paper. The shavings on one of the bark pieces appear right thickness.

Thats some very nice work, did you make those?
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Bows / Re: Simple Hickory Recurve for 3D selfbow class
« Last post by sleek on December 27, 2025, 08:00:53 pm »
Absolutely good looking bow! Id certainly shoot that at any event. It looks fast too.
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Bows / Re: Hickory – black cherry – osage, 43#@28"
« Last post by sleek on December 27, 2025, 07:57:58 pm »
Quote from: Tuomo on December 27, 2025, 02:39:06 am
Thank you for your kind words! I think I can make bows (with almost 20 years of experience), but I still have a lot to learn. There are many skillful bowyers here whose work I admire. Also, many of you are posting beautiful selfbows—hopefully my laminated bows are not too modern here. I should make some selfbows too (when I have the time…).

All wood laminate are welcome. And your work is certainly wonderful. We all of course are excited to see any selfbows you make too :D
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Bows / Re: Bamboo-maple-horn, 98#@28"
« Last post by Badger on December 27, 2025, 05:35:37 pm »
Quote from: sleek on December 27, 2025, 05:30:53 pm
256fps is certainly on the HOT side of things. Thats fast! Especially with a 460 grain arrow. Id like to see what it will do with a 320 grain arrow.

  It should do around 300 fps. Maybe a little less.
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Bows / Re: Bamboo-maple-horn, 98#@28"
« Last post by sleek on December 27, 2025, 05:30:53 pm »
256fps is certainly on the HOT side of things. Thats fast! Especially with a 460 grain arrow. Id like to see what it will do with a 320 grain arrow.
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Bows / Re: Bamboo-maple-horn, 98#@28"
« Last post by Badger on December 27, 2025, 05:29:13 pm »
Quote from: Tuomo on December 27, 2025, 05:17:46 pm
I chronoed this bow. With a light 463 grain arrow (about 5 gn/#) the result was 256 fps. Quite ok, I am happy.

  That is good speed!
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Bows / Re: Bamboo-maple-horn, 98#@28"
« Last post by Tuomo on December 27, 2025, 05:17:46 pm »
I chronoed this bow. With a light 463 grain arrow (about 5 gn/#) the result was 256 fps. Quite ok, I am happy. Shot with a shooting machine, witnessed by my friend.
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Arrows / Re: Rivercane flight arrow
« Last post by Pat B on December 27, 2025, 04:13:09 pm »
I've never been to the Trad shoot in Conover. I used to go to the one near Hickory put on by CTA(Carolina Traditional Archers) but it's no longer. There used to be more shoots around here in NC and SC but most have gone by the wayside. The only one I go to now is the Tenn. Classic, just north of Nashville in late April/early May. That at Pappy's farm, Twin Oaks. If you ever get there you will wonder why you've never been before. It's not only a Trad shoot but selfbow building too. You will start seeing posts soon about the Tenn Classic and if you search there is lots of info and pics of that here on PA.
 The cane you got from Asheville was probably is hill cane. It only grows in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Hill cane is more round with thicker walls and a distinct taper. It is the only native cane that is deciduous, loosing it's leaves every winter.
 Also all of the 3 native canes have a 3 year growth cycle. The first year it grows to it's ultimate height. The second year it matures and after the 3rd growing season that culm(cane) dies. Harvesting happens after the second growing season into the 3rd growing season. If you cut immature culms they will wrinkle lengthwise as they dry and will be more flimsy. I usually harvest in January and February. You can tell if the culm is ready to harvest because the paper sheath at the nodes is deteriorating or already gone. The arrows I make from hill cane are 30" long and 3/8" at the point and 5/16" at the nock and the complete arrow can weigh from the high 400grs to almost 600grs.
 I'm fortunate to have hill cane growing along the creek that runs through our property.
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