Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: lucky33 on April 15, 2013, 12:10:23 PM

Title: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 15, 2013, 12:10:23 PM: I decided to go traditional this year, and to add a twist I will craft my own bow. For this project I will use only four hand tools, a plane, a farriers rasp, a half round rasp, and a draw knife. I dont have any pictures until now unfortunately, however this is where Im at now. I have roughed out the handle and arrow rest. I drew lines for center shot and have done everything until now with the half round rasp. I dont really have much of a work space, so most of this has been accomplished in the kitchen, to my wifes dismay. Last nite i was able to feel the first indications of flex in the bow, and Ive only got about 15 hours into it so far. This bow is being made from a 2x4 solid maple stave, and I will laminate the back of the bow with black fiberglass. When I started I didnt really have much of an idea of what I wanted, so most of the work has been by feel. Using only hand tools forces accuracy and tight tolerances. I have decided on a reflex-deflex design, and I will be updating this thread frequently. This is not my first bow, however I plan to use this next season so much stock is being put on the construction and design. The stave measured 58'' and I am aiming for 55 # of draw.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: boneaddict on April 15, 2013, 12:15:39 PM: Following along :tup: Nice project
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: superdown on April 15, 2013, 12:16:27 PM: looks good so far :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Holg3107 on April 15, 2013, 12:29:17 PM: tagging to follow. Looks great so far!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: 724wd on April 15, 2013, 12:41:28 PM: REALLY cool project! have you perused over at piratesofarchery? lots of awesome info over there.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 15, 2013, 01:07:08 PM: Ive been through lot of sites and info on the net. Ive made bows for sometime, but never really something I would bet a whole hunting season on. Wood is one medium Ive been able work in well. So far its going great. Tomorrow perhaps I will start the heat bending process. I will add lot of pics through out the project. :tup: The fact that Im using hand tools makes for lots of blisters and slow going, but Im stubbornly resisting the urge to use power tools to remove the brunt of excess wood :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Smossy on April 15, 2013, 01:52:44 PM: Quote from: lucky33 on April 15, 2013, 01:07:08 PM
Ive been through lot of sites and info on the net. Ive made bows for sometime, but never really something I would bet a whole hunting season on. Wood is one medium Ive been able work in well. So far its going great. Tomorrow perhaps I will start the heat bending process. I will add lot of pics through out the project. :tup: The fact that Im using hand tools makes for lots of blisters and slow going, but Im stubbornly resisting the urge to use power tools to remove the brunt of excess wood :chuckle:
Nothing wrong with that, they did have power tools back in the day either :chuckle: your doing a real traditional bow. Goodluck with it and it looks great.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: MLBowhunting on April 15, 2013, 09:23:14 PM: I am watching also. Very cool
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Swannytheswan on April 15, 2013, 09:31:50 PM: tagged looks very interesting!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 15, 2013, 09:33:37 PM: Looks very nice! Traditional archery will give you a warm and fuzzy filling. Just something about it that everyone should feel. I have taken many animals with a lot of different bows. Every time I pick up a long bow or recurve I get that warm feeling. Plus when you have taken your first animal with it all those hours will make it all the more special.

Now I am not a wood worker. If you ever want a stone head to put on the end of your arrow look me up. I can knap pretty well and would be happy to see one of my heads put to good use :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: BlacktailBowhunter on April 15, 2013, 09:52:41 PM: Best of luck to you. I hunted trad for 3 years and had a lot of fun. I took a small buck, 2 turkeys, a coyote and several small game. Unfortunately, I am just not blessed with the ability to make a good shot consistently. It was a term that was hard to deal with, but I had to revert back to a wheel bow as an ethics choice. I have $3000.00 worth of quality wood hanging on my bow rack LOL.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on April 15, 2013, 10:01:23 PM: This is something I'd like to do. Keep up with the photos and explanations of the process. Good luck!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: shadowless_nite on April 15, 2013, 11:38:44 PM: Awesome thread. I just finished my first bow myself as a history project for school. I did the board bow method and it worked out great other than I thinned it too much so it virtually has no poundage but it makes a great wall piece and I got a A on the project lol. Im hoping to try again when I have time and not make the same mistakes. Good luck! btw what kind of wood are you using?
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 16, 2013, 08:17:01 AM: Well the limbs are starting to flex and it is really taking shape now. As you can see in the picture the bottom limb has relaxed and the bottom two-third has ran off about 5/16'' inward. This will have to be corrected before I deflex the limbs. The draw knife, plane and farrier's rasp all belonged to my great-grandfather, and Im sure many interesting things were made with them. I cant seem to find the picture so Ill post it tomorrow.

About the stave. The piece of maple Im working came out of a 4''x8''x14' beam, stamped at the sawmill as ''hard rock maple''. It is truly hard as a rock. Planer blades chip and dull, the draw knife needs constant sharpening, and the rasp is always clogged. To add to it all the stave has sat in a shed for 20 years, and has seasoned to the consistancy of concrete :chuckle:. It was a gift from my father. I will continue with just the four tools until I have come along a bit farther. Once the limbs are planed down farther I will start the heat bending process, but for now it is still slow going. I work on it every spare moment and I have 18 hours invested in the project at this point in time.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 16, 2013, 08:20:18 AM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on April 15, 2013, 09:33:37 PM
Looks very nice! Traditional archery will give you a warm and fuzzy filling. Just something about it that everyone should feel. I have taken many animals with a lot of different bows. Every time I pick up a long bow or recurve I get that warm feeling. Plus when you have taken your first animal with it all those hours will make it all the more special.

Now I am not a wood worker. If you ever want a stone head to put on the end of your arrow look me up. I can knap pretty well and would be happy to see one of my heads put to good use :tup:
I would be interested. I am quite fond of stone heads and would love to put one to use in a small game hunt. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Tradhunter on April 16, 2013, 09:18:53 PM: That is awesome! Last year I built my first bow (62''hybrid longbow) and am now hooked needless to say. However I built a laminated bow and have yet to go as far as you are. Again thats awesome and its nice to see how many other people are still into traditional archery.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 17, 2013, 10:42:29 AM: I love traditional. Carefree and far less things to keep in check than compounds. Far more rewarding. I am still working down the limbs to the point where I can begin bending them. Ill update this thread tomorrow.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 17, 2013, 10:45:17 AM: These where my great-grandfathers, except for the half round rasp. They have seen much use and have become my best buddies through this project. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 18, 2013, 10:27:14 AM: My cat is quite fond of this bow. Im still planing the limbs down, I should be doing some bending in the next couple days. This wood seems to get harder and harder the farther I work into the stave.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: h20hunter on April 18, 2013, 10:31:34 AM: Hope kitty is declawed or you may have your first animal down before it is even done!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 18, 2013, 10:34:31 AM: If I find any scratches I might have to go buy a cat tag :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: h20hunter on April 18, 2013, 10:37:01 AM: Nah....no tag needed....just SSS.

Awesome project by the way. I've been lurking and following the thread.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 18, 2013, 11:02:06 AM: Thank you. Ill have more time to really get down to work on this project, and show some real progress. My goal is that we can all learn something here.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: NoImpactNoIdea on April 18, 2013, 12:20:32 PM: That looks good so far...is that a 40 of OE on the floor?
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Smossy on April 18, 2013, 04:24:20 PM: Quote from: NoImpactNoIdea on April 18, 2013, 12:20:32 PM
That looks good so far...is that a 40 of OE on the floor?
Was* lol Im sure its all gone now! Project Modivation right there!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: elk247 on April 18, 2013, 04:57:28 PM: Looks like a bottle of high life to me :dunno: just curious what your expectations are with the maple vs. Yew. Wilk be a pretty bow for sure and a 20 year old stave deserves to finally be a bow. :tup: im glad you are putting a black fiberglass backside on her.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 19, 2013, 10:26:12 AM: Yes that is exactly what that was. Help me rasp more vigorously. :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 19, 2013, 10:34:13 AM: Quote from: elk247 on April 18, 2013, 04:57:28 PM
Looks like a bottle of high life to me :dunno: just curious what your expectations are with the maple vs. Yew. Wilk be a pretty bow for sure and a 20 year old stave deserves to finally be a bow. :tup: im glad you are putting a black fiberglass backside on her.
This bow is going to be very light, the maple is so dense that it wont take much thickness on the limbs to add up to 55# of draw weight. I also think with the reflex deflex design this bow will really zip arrows down range. This wood really is starting to speak to me. Yew is also an exellent bow wood, and much easier to work, but this maple was waiting patiently for a long time to become something amazing. Nothing Ive worked so far even compares. And I still have 4 staves. Im already thinking about my next one. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: elk247 on April 19, 2013, 05:45:41 PM: Very cool. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 22, 2013, 08:29:24 AM: Ok, so I got some work done over the weekend. Finally roughed out and starting to flex, I deflexed the limbs 1/2 of an inch in the top 1/3 of the limb. Doesnt seem like much I find it pleasing to the eye. For that operation I used two 2 1/2'' x 1/2'' thickness ply. The top I radiused to a gentle curve and then super-heated the limb with my heat gun until the wood charred slightly. Slowly I added pressure with the c-clamps until the proper bend was created. I had to heat the wood numerous times until it began to stay where I wanted it. Symmetry is the name of the game at this point, as I want the limbs not only to bend the same, but also have the same bend at rest. I had said in an earlier post that the bottom limb had ran off when I removed a large amount of wood, and in working the top limb it also has relaxed so no bending was required to correct this. Before I back this bow with glass I want the curves to be as even as possible on the back of the limbs, since once glassed in there is no changing this.
This bow is really starting to speak to me, and looks wonderful. It only weighs 1 pound 12 oz. and there is still quite a bit of wood to be removed in tillering the limbs. I expect it to weigh around a pound when finished. If anyone has any ideas about looks or things I can do as far as artwork or staining ect. , let me know. I am open to suggestions as I near completion. Our very own Carpsniper has decided to donate a hand made obsidian head for me to inlay in the handle. Thanks again. At this point I have 29 hours into this project. Any questions? :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 22, 2013, 08:47:18 AM: rasp, rasp, and yet more rasping to be done. Soon I will be ready to put a string on this bow and tiller the limbs. Its getting closer....... 8)
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on April 30, 2013, 07:48:41 PM: I got the limbs glassed, next ill inlay the stone arrowhead from carp sniper then on to tillering :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: elk247 on April 30, 2013, 08:36:31 PM: Looking good. Its going to be awesome this september to see a picture of the bow and a deer together!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 01, 2013, 07:59:25 AM: Yes sir! I have high hopes for this season. I dont think there is anything finer in hunting, to craft your own weapon and take a big game animal with it. I know a few grouse might end up on the business end of my arrow too come september. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 01, 2013, 08:09:49 AM: I have about 45 hours into this project at this point.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 01, 2013, 08:14:57 AM: Anybody care to share any suggestions on design information (lengths, draw weights, grip and rest design, etc.) and sourcing of staves and other materials?
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 01, 2013, 08:17:32 AM: Tree cutters... most are happy to have some wood hauled off, and in town there are lots of hardwood trees suitable for staves that get cut down. I am always looking. A phone call might be a start. :twocents:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 01, 2013, 08:25:28 AM: I guess I should explain how I laminated this bow. I havent bought anything to do this other than 3500 lb. epoxy. I used to build bulletproof panels for the military and in that time I learned much about laminations, epoxies, resins ect. What you see on the bow is just a buildup of glass mesh, i.e. drywall joint tape, and epoxy. there are 10 layers and there is little weight added. It also has not changed the flex of the bow. My wife helped me do this, layer epoxy, bed tape, repeat process. When I get a bit closer to being done I will paint it black and I have a friend who is quite the artist do something on the limbs. A deer scene maybe? :dunno: I know this bow will not split or crack now. I feel its.............''bulletproof'' :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 01, 2013, 08:28:24 AM: Quote from: Fl0und3rz on May 01, 2013, 08:14:57 AM
Anybody care to share any suggestions on design information (lengths, draw weights, grip and rest design, etc.) and sourcing of staves and other materials?
I just go with what feels right to me and looks good. Building this myself, I am able to for fit the handle to my hand, and adjust the rest, ect as I see fit. Truly customized.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 06, 2013, 08:27:46 AM: Heres some pics...will post more later. For being taken with an Iphone, most of the pics Ive posted suck. Sorry bout that :dunno:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 06, 2013, 08:53:23 AM: another....
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 06, 2013, 09:21:36 AM: I didnt just want to see the head in the handle, I want to feel it too, so I didnt inlay it flush with the wood....Carpsniper did a tremendous job of knapping this head. It lays nicely in the handle, and looks great. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 07, 2013, 09:10:47 AM: I got a string on her, and at this point its drawing at 87 lbs. The maple is some tough springy stuff. Ill keep rasping until I get to around 55 lbs. I have about 59 hours into it at this point in time.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 07, 2013, 09:25:56 AM: What is the length, nock to nock?
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: h20hunter on May 07, 2013, 09:26:27 AM: That is looking great. The arrow head is sweet sweet sweet.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 07, 2013, 09:42:41 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 07, 2013, 09:25:56 AM
What is the length, nock to nock?
60'' or 5 feet.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 07, 2013, 09:43:49 AM: Quote from: h20hunter on May 07, 2013, 09:26:27 AM
That is looking great. The arrow head is sweet sweet sweet.
Thanks. Carpsniper did amazing on that one. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 08, 2013, 09:57:40 AM: Still drawing heavy....I now know I can draw 80lbs. Must be the Wheaties :dunno: I use my fav string material for a temporary string....bailing twine. It comes in five colours, orange, yellow, black, green and blue. It doesnt stretch, is free, and works good for the tillering process. If needed I just cut the string off and make a new one at whatever length I desire. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 08, 2013, 10:19:50 AM: That thing is a beast (so are you if you can pull it). Looks kinda thick at the fadeouts. You have alot of patience, it is fun to follow along on this project.

You got the arrowhead in upside down. :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 08, 2013, 10:25:05 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 08, 2013, 10:19:50 AM
That thing is a beast (so are you if you can pull it). Looks kinda thick at the fadeouts. You have alot of patience, it is fun to follow along on this project.

You got the arrowhead in upside down. :chuckle:
I asked my family, wife, and friends, and all said point the arrowhead up :tup: Yes, the fades are a bit thick, as I bring it into balance I will take more off of them. Id hate to remove too much wood and wind up with a 30lb bow :chuckle: Im almost done with this one.....next bow will be something out of control, 150lb 'er :chuckle: :chuckle: I am open to ideas for the next bow...A Hunt Washington Bow? I have plenty of staves, time and tools. You guys design it, Ill build it. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 08, 2013, 10:26:17 AM: That was a joke about the arrowhead, just making a funny ;)
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 08, 2013, 10:29:02 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 08, 2013, 10:26:17 AM
That was a joke about the arrowhead, just making a funny ;)
I know....I beat myself up with the decision, up, down, sideways? The devil is in the details :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 08, 2013, 10:38:04 AM: I think boneaddict has an arrowhead on a trad bow if I remember from some previous pictures. Never looked to see which way it was positioned.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 08, 2013, 11:23:30 AM: A word on the design of this bow.........I know I have called this a ''longbow'', however at 5' it isnt a longbow per se. It is just a scaled-down version of one. My reasoning is that I need something shorter, I do alot of crawling in my pursuit of game. All the deer Ive taken were from one or both knees, and if I made this bow any longer I would have to cant the bow more than I care to shoot effectively. I also wanted to be able to shoot it easily from the numerous natural ground blinds I have built on one of the properties I hunt. I dont need 6 1/2 feet of bow that could hang up on something or have a limb contact a branch at the shot. :twocents:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 08, 2013, 12:37:50 PM: Man that look's sweet and great job on the build :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 08, 2013, 12:53:24 PM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on May 08, 2013, 12:37:50 PM
Man that look's sweet and great job on the build :IBCOOL:
Thanks :tup: Im coming down the home stretch.....
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 09, 2013, 08:37:30 AM: home defense.....I got those fades mellowed out a bit, and now Im still drawing at 70 lbs. This thing is less than a pound in weight at this point. Still trying to get her to draw fully, Im getting about 20 inches of draw, at 70 lbs. Still more rasping yet to be done.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 10, 2013, 12:20:06 AM: That's a bonner cat right there :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 10, 2013, 08:09:49 AM: If I catch the booner spraying up the house or sharpening claws on my bow Ill have one of our sponsor taxidermists do a shoulder mount....something like this v :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:09:31 AM: Well I had the bow nearing the point of putting a clear coat on her, so Id left her strung for a day to see if the limbs were holding tiller. I drew it a couple times and :bash: :bash: I woke up on the floor with a gash in my forhead and a large sliver imbedded in my left eye. The top limb exploded. Im not sure what happened. Ive yet to fully reconstruct what went wrong. :bash: :bash: Looks like Ill be starting over. Will post pics when Im not so pissed. I had about 85 hours into it. On the bright side, The riser is more than doable for a take down recurve. I guess Ill buy some limbs and call it good. **Censored** happens :dunno:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Holg3107 on May 14, 2013, 08:27:22 AM: :yike: :yike: :yike:

Hope you're alright!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:32:50 AM: Quote from: Holg3107 on May 14, 2013, 08:27:22 AM
:yike: :yike: :yike:

Hope you're alright!
Cant see out of my left eye, and headache galore....but mostly heartbroken. I am more determined than ever to get it right this time around. Ive read there are many trials and tribulations on the road to building functional bows. I guess its all part of the learning curve. :tup: 60 lbs of long bow breaking is alot like a rifle shot in the face. Not something Ill forget anytime soon :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:35:10 AM: It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. :chuckle:
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great ;)
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:36:41 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:35:10 AM
It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. :chuckle:
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great ;)
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.
I look like I got beat with a stick.... :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:37:30 AM: Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CFcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTraditional-Bowyers-Bible-1%2Fdp%2F1585740853&ei=51mSUbrFG-PRyAG0o4DoBA&usg=AFQjCNHuAxN-eIqkkAry1pDeswdxE-Ei6g&sig2=mqTZTSK_fyCPcV7e6MaCcA&bvm=bv.46471029,d.aWc (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CFcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTraditional-Bowyers-Bible-1%2Fdp%2F1585740853&ei=51mSUbrFG-PRyAG0o4DoBA&usg=AFQjCNHuAxN-eIqkkAry1pDeswdxE-Ei6g&sig2=mqTZTSK_fyCPcV7e6MaCcA&bvm=bv.46471029,d.aWc)
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:49:37 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:37:30 AM
Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 09:00:16 AM: Quote from: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:49:37 AM
Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:37:30 AM
Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. :tup:

Why do you think the ancient Mayans became extinct? They all got knocked in the head by exploding limbs. ;)
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 09:07:56 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 09:00:16 AM
Quote from: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:49:37 AM
Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:37:30 AM
Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. :tup:

Why do you think the ancient Mayans became extinct? They all got knocked in the head by exploding limbs. ;)
Forget fiberglass. The next one will get backed with 3/16'' spring steel. :chuckle: :chuckle: I saved the massive pile of shavings, Im good to go on chips for my smoker. Its not all bad :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 21, 2013, 03:34:03 PM: Well now I am armed with all four copies of the Traditonal Bowyer's Bible thanks to Quadrafire, and the will be no failing. I will be digging out a stave today and starting #2. There is a wealth of information in these books, Im not really sure what direction to take yet. I am quite fond of the longbow, so Im thinking thats what she will be. The DIY traditional bow thread part deux starts today! :tup:
Title: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: clindsayrun on May 21, 2013, 04:08:03 PM: Honestly one of the most intriguing threads I've followed in some time. Thanks!
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 21, 2013, 04:31:18 PM: Quote from: clindsayrun on May 21, 2013, 04:08:03 PM
Honestly one of the most intriguing threads I've followed in some time. Thanks!
I find myself intrigued at times as well...this is quite the learning experience. I plan on taking down Big Louie with this next bow. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: quadrafire on May 23, 2013, 09:09:45 AM: Well.......Lets see the stave before you start carving it up. ;)
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 23, 2013, 09:18:18 AM: Quote from: lucky33 on May 14, 2013, 08:36:41 AM
Quote from: quadrafire on May 14, 2013, 08:35:10 AM
It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. :chuckle:
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great ;)
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.
I look like I got beat with a stick.... :chuckle:

You might want to change your nick. Sorry about the loss. Hope you get better soon.

ETA: Also, in this month's issue of Traditional Bowhunter (June/July 2013 on newsstands now) there is a decent article on a laminated Hill-style self-bow, in that interests you.
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 23, 2013, 10:51:07 AM: Ill check that out. Im not too worried about the other bow, I figured there might be a few bumps in the road. Just got to keep on building. Ive been stuck at the office, but with any luck today I can get out and pick out a stave. There is a few chunks of Black Locust that might be worth trying, or Ill have another crack at the maple. I will post pics soon. :tup:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 23, 2013, 11:17:16 AM: Quote from: quadrafire on May 23, 2013, 09:09:45 AM
Well.......Lets see the stave before you start carving it up. ;)
I will for sure be more diligent about pics in the beginning. :chuckle:
Title: Re: The DIY traditional bow thread.
Post by: lucky33 on May 28, 2013, 08:13:52 AM: Ive been quite choosy about the next stave, following some of the wisdom of the Traditional Bowyers Bible Ive rejected three staves because of various defects or problems-to-be. Two maple staves got the pass, due to grain defects, and another I split from a Black Locust log Ive been seasoning hasnt quite made the mark due to checking (small splits from drying). Theres still more that might make the grade. Ill try to update soon. :tup: