Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: Ray on February 14, 2009, 03:05:27 PM

Title: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 14, 2009, 03:05:27 PM: ...

Worked on the wood today. Outlined it into a bow and scraped some wood off. Will lay next to the water heater for a little while... Thanks to Jay the real mentor here...

I think it will end up being about 62-64 inches. Anticipate more twisting on the drying process.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: boneaddict on February 14, 2009, 03:49:15 PM: now that looks like a challenge
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bowhuntin on February 14, 2009, 04:48:56 PM: That looks like that is going to be a project that is going to take some time. Are you making a longbow?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 14, 2009, 06:36:07 PM: I'm thinking Modoc style. It will not turn into a fancy factory looking bow. It will be a primitive looking weapon with a raw feel to it. At least if it is a successful turn out.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bowhuntin on February 14, 2009, 06:47:07 PM: Is the modoc style similar to the bows like pacific yew longbows?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: WAPITIHUNTER on February 14, 2009, 07:02:33 PM: Looks like a challenge. Have fun wth it and enjoy yourself. That is on my want to do list. Got to get my house built before I start on anything like that.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 14, 2009, 07:43:30 PM: Quote from: bowhuntin on February 14, 2009, 06:47:07 PM
Is the modoc style similar to the bows like pacific yew longbows?

Not really.

Some of these bows are modoc style. They tend to have fat limbs.

http://www.krackow.com/nativeamerican.html

http://www.kumeyaay.info/whoswho/bios/gb/7blackhoofbow.html
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Hornseeker on February 17, 2009, 03:50:05 PM: Good Luck Ray...Take your time...patience is KEY when building a self bow... get in a hurry...and ruin it ... (especially when its your first!)

Are you going to back it? I love sinew backed bows...
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 17, 2009, 05:03:51 PM: No. Don't want to back it. Just want a ghetto looking stick. I might work on it some more in a few days. Maple is cheap. In fact this stick was free. So if I break it then I am only out on time.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: huntnphool on February 17, 2009, 05:13:58 PM: Good luck, too much work for me.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: cohoho on February 17, 2009, 11:09:32 PM: So that's what you been up to lately.....
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 21, 2009, 11:49:22 AM: this morning I scratched it down significantly using the rasps/files. I am going to begin the tillering process. I'll get a photo or two later on today.

I put some string notches on and have a tillering string on it now. I need to work on evening up the limbs as well as smoothing out the wood. The drying process made a little bend in one of the limbs but it still looks fine so far. It has taken on a bow like appearance.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 21, 2009, 12:20:45 PM: Here's two shots for now. Jay has another one of it on it's first bend. Pretty much standard issue and not fancy.

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P2210037.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P2210038.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Aneoakleaf on February 21, 2009, 04:50:23 PM: Very nice! Ask Jay if Cherry wood would work? Thanks, Annette
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: runamuk on February 21, 2009, 05:24:00 PM: That is really cool... thanks for sharing...
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 23, 2009, 09:02:02 AM: First round on the tillering tree. A photo from straight away would probably be a better perspective.. The pictures are from an angle but things were looking good on saturday. I scratched a little bit more off yesterday and even made a string for it. I am guessing the current weight is around 70 lbs which I would like to scratch down well below 60. The limb on the right is really going to be extra work. I measured the bow length to be 63 inches.

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/vmbow2.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/vmbow3.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: pacyew on February 24, 2009, 06:47:21 AM: Annette,

Cherry is generally more brittle than Vine Maple, Cascara and Hazelnut, all of which can be used to make a pretty good working bow of a similar shape to the one Ray's building.

Vine Maple, once it's dried, is a pretty efficient arrow launcher!

All the best! Jay
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: boneaddict on February 24, 2009, 06:50:50 AM: pretty cool project. Neat to see the different steps.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: runamuk on February 24, 2009, 04:00:27 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on February 24, 2009, 06:50:50 AM
pretty cool project. Neat to see the different steps.

:yeah:

looking good
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Hornseeker on February 27, 2009, 11:02:58 AM: Comin along! Good job Ray.

PacYew...do you have any good pics of vine maple bows? Cascarra?

When I lived there (grew up in Duvall) I was not a bow guy... I missed out on some great wood!!

Ernie
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bankwalker on February 27, 2009, 05:19:17 PM: Quote from: pacyew on February 24, 2009, 06:47:21 AM
Annette,

Cherry is generally more brittle than Vine Maple, Cascara and Hazelnut, all of which can be used to make a pretty good working bow of a similar shape to the one Ray's building.

Vine Maple, once it's dried, is a pretty efficient arrow launcher!

All the best! Jay

a friend of the family name don built a vine maple bow for another friend of the family. that bow was the nicest shooting bow ive ever shot.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: big ed on February 27, 2009, 05:34:41 PM: LOOKS REAL NICE .I NOW HAVE A PROJECT TO THINK ABOUT TRYING .I GOT A BUNCH OF VINE MAPLE IN THE FRONT YARD .ARE THERE ANY BOOKS AROUND ON HOW TO GET STARTED.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 27, 2009, 06:09:51 PM: Ed, I have read the first two books in the series Traditional Bowyer's Bible (http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Bowyers-Bible-1/dp/1585740853). However that left me with more questions than before I read them. I know that there are other books and here is one which has been around: Billets to Bow (http://www.3riversarchery.com/Billets+to+Bow++Building+Book+By:+Glenn+St.+Charles_i6067_baseitem.html).
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: big ed on February 27, 2009, 06:13:58 PM: THANKS LOOKS LIKE I'M OFF TO THE BOOK STORE TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT THEY GOT .JUST AS WELL USE THIS TREE FOR MORE THAN FIREWOOD.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: WDFW-SUX on February 27, 2009, 06:14:18 PM: Ray, If you kill something with that and a homemade arrow your going to get props from me for life :hello:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 27, 2009, 06:16:01 PM: I'll give her a whirl for certain. :chuckle:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: WDFW-SUX on February 27, 2009, 06:17:03 PM: I hope you go all the way and use a flint broadhead........
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: lazydrifter on February 27, 2009, 06:26:31 PM: So do you cut an arrow rest into the bow or make it out of bone or just wrap it with leather. What happens if a 50 or 60 lb bow breaks at full draw? Do you seal the bow with oil or varnish? Looks like quite a project.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 27, 2009, 06:38:55 PM: I'll probably cut an arrow rest from it as long as there is no reason for me not to. Although I do like shooting off the hand too. It works just fine that way. Probably will use Tru Oil.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bowhuntin on February 27, 2009, 06:45:26 PM: Looking good. You planning on making your own arrows and string for it also?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on February 28, 2009, 09:46:55 PM: I don't make my own arrows as in cut the wood from a tree. I just buy them and assemble them. I did make a flemish string for it.

Here's what it looked like this morning. More work still needed. I'm guessing it has been whittled down to 60lbs or so.

What kind of facial expression is that anyways

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/vmaple.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 28, 2009, 10:36:15 PM: Quote from: WDFW-SUX on February 27, 2009, 06:14:18 PM
Ray, If you kill something with that and a homemade arrow your going to get props from me for life :hello:

:yeah:

My son and I just did one for him, but we screwed up a lot of stuff. Looks like you are really making the extra effort to do things right. I always get in a hurry when I do projects like this. We sinew backed his, and I added antler to the tips, and an antler arrow rest. Looks nice on the wall, but not as functional as I would like. Also, we made it for my 10 year old, and he can't pull it to full draw.
Can't wait to see your finished product!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: runamuk on March 01, 2009, 08:42:21 AM: That looks good .....

As for your look I dunno .... you look a little confused or mad :dunno:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: boneaddict on March 01, 2009, 09:11:56 AM: Thats awesome. You are going to have trouble picking what bow you are going to hunt with this fall.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Hornseeker on March 01, 2009, 10:13:14 AM: That is looking good Ray!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: fc2038 on March 01, 2009, 01:34:45 PM: looks great I cannot wait to see it when it is completed!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: big ed on March 01, 2009, 04:20:41 PM: 8)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bowhuntin on March 01, 2009, 04:38:36 PM: Quote from: Ray on February 28, 2009, 09:46:55 PM
I don't make my own arrows as in cut the wood from a tree. I just buy them and assemble them. I did make a flemish string for it.

Here's what it looked like this morning. More work still needed. I'm guessing it has been whittled down to 60lbs or so.

What kind of facial expression is that anyways

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/vmaple.jpg)

Looks good. Have you got to shoot some arrows from it yet?

That is what I was refering to in 'making your own arrows' which is buying the shafts and then you doing the rest of the work.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: rasbo on March 01, 2009, 04:40:30 PM: Im gonna cut down a bunch of vine maple what diameter did ya start out with.Good looking bow
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 01, 2009, 04:51:59 PM: I got this piece of wood from another fellow. I am not so sure about the diameter of the original tree. He also is making a bow which is significantly shorter. Last I saw it was incomplete.

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/drawn.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: pacyew on March 02, 2009, 06:27:04 AM: That's the expression that happens when somebody's already taken two earlier pics that you thought were plenty good and yer getting tired of standing there. ;D
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: whacker1 on March 02, 2009, 07:24:03 AM: Very impressive!

I think it will be easier to get excited for multiple pics when you lay it across an animal this fall.

keep the pics coming!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Hornseeker on March 03, 2009, 07:16:29 AM: Tillers looking good Ray... congrats! Is it down to weight??
E
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bucklucky on March 03, 2009, 08:15:42 AM: Lookin good Ray, cant wait to see the shooting results!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 03, 2009, 09:20:21 AM: I think it's real close. In fact the draw weight is a little heavier than I liked but since the tiller looks good I might just keep it as is. Or in fact the final work might be enough trimming to move it slightly down a bit in draw weight. I am betting if I get some free time it will get finished in the next 2 weeks.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 04, 2009, 05:17:36 PM: Got to about the 98th percent done phase today. Will post pics later this evening. in a nutshell i took off too much on the upper limb. The bow shoots well but it might not be destined to live for more than a few years due to that. At some point it was pulling around 63-64 lbs at full draw. It should be lighter than that when it's complete. Just not sure how light.

I worked out a handle, sanded it down, Jay helped me glue on some horned tips, etc. Just need to apply leather handle and put some tru oil on it.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 04, 2009, 05:34:23 PM: Can't wait to see it. I've got this "thrill running up my leg" just hearing about it... :chuckle:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 04, 2009, 08:47:40 PM: I have some polishing to do on the ends where the overlays are. I am going to start putting some tru oil on it tomorrow night after working it over with some steel wool.

This is pretty close to done. Primitive bow...

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040045.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040043.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040038.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040040.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040042.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040041.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/P3040039.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 04, 2009, 09:51:53 PM: Nice! I dig the bone tips. 8) Did that on my son's bow too.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 04, 2009, 10:18:09 PM: Let's see your son's bow. :hello:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: boneaddict on March 05, 2009, 06:21:26 AM: Its fun to watch it all come together. Thanks for keeping us posted with pics.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: lazydrifter on March 05, 2009, 07:12:07 AM: what kind of epoxy did you use for the bone tips? Would gorilla glue work for this? Looks really nice.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: fc2038 on March 05, 2009, 07:54:05 AM: lookin good!!!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 05, 2009, 09:16:02 AM: lazydrifter,

I can't remember what we used for gluing on the tips. I'll ask. It certainly was not gorilla glue. Since I have never built a bow before I cannot comment if gorilla glue would be adequate.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bow4elk on March 05, 2009, 09:26:01 AM: Quote from: Ray on March 05, 2009, 09:16:02 AM
lazydrifter,

I can't remember what we used for gluing on the tips. I'll ask. It certainly was not gorilla glue. Since I have never built a bow before I cannot comment if gorilla glue would be adequate.

No, gorilla glue is not recommended. Bowgrip 100 epoxy is good stuff.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 05, 2009, 06:45:58 PM: Quote from: Ray on March 04, 2009, 10:18:09 PM
Let's see your son's bow. :hello:

I have been meaning to take some pics of it. I'll try to remember when I get home tonight.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: bucklucky on March 05, 2009, 08:14:45 PM: Getting closer!!!! Nice!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: robb92 on March 05, 2009, 08:25:34 PM: Very cool, thanks for posting the pics!!!!!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: PacificNWhunter on March 06, 2009, 08:05:24 AM: Way cool, thanks for all the pic's and updates
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: tlbradford on March 06, 2009, 08:28:34 AM: What a great project. It is looking awesome. When you removed too much material on the upper limb, can you take off material from the lower limb and just have a lower draw weight? Or is it in an area that needs a minimum amount of wood, I am guessing closer to the riser?

Looking forward to seeing the final results. Thanks for the updates and pictures.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: lazydrifter on March 06, 2009, 08:34:25 AM: Ray, if you or anyone else need any soft deer leather for the handle let me know. I have quite a few pieces of scrap that would work great. I'd be happy to send you a piece.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 06, 2009, 09:33:42 AM: I could take more off the lower limb but I want to keep it over a 55 lb bow and was shooting for around 55-60. It will work it just wont live as long and I will build another one when I start seeing stress signs.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: tlbradford on March 06, 2009, 09:37:59 AM: Will there be gradual stress signs, or is there a danger of a limb snapping when you are at full draw?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 06, 2009, 09:44:38 AM: I guess we'll find out. :dunno:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 06, 2009, 09:59:16 AM: Daing thats a nice looking bow Ray.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: tlbradford on March 06, 2009, 09:59:37 AM: Now that is really going primative. I would think with a long bow it wouldn't be too violent of a break, in comparison with a recurve or compound. I still get a little nervous when stringing my bow.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 06, 2009, 10:08:15 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on March 05, 2009, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: Ray on March 04, 2009, 10:18:09 PM
Let's see your son's bow. :hello:

I have been meaning to take some pics of it. I'll try to remember when I get home tonight.

Ray,
Here are a couple of pics of my son's bow that he and I made last month. Lot's of mistakes, but we learned a lot. As you can see from the pics, he can't pull it to full draw yet. We did ours by gluing strips of oak together in a jig. Reinforced the tips with antler and backed it with sinew. Looks kind of cool on the wall but not as functional as I would like. ...maybe next try. I have enjoyed your thread and learned a lot from it. Next bow will be more functional...I hope...
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 06, 2009, 10:33:44 PM: That bow's got some great character. I like the shape, the handle and the ends. I think you did a great job.

So that's basically a laminated bow if you glued them together I suppose. I would like to try to do that too. I was thinking Ipe would be a good wood to try along with something else to give it two wood character.

From the paintings on the wall somebody's a great artist too.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 07, 2009, 08:42:54 AM: Thanks Ray. You are right, it is really a laminated bow. I made the strips too thick and from the wrong kind of wood. I also put the arrow rest too high, and I used Gorilla glue, which is probably fine for gluing the strips together, but not so much for backing it with sinew. Justin and I watched a special on the History Channel on the Huns, and he wanted to make a "Hun Bow", and their bows were composite. He thinks it is super cool, even though he can't pull it to full draw. He has a compound Browning that he does most of his real shooting with anyway, so this is more a novelty than anything. At some point I will do another one and do it right.
Thanks for the compliments on the paintings. My son and I both do a lot of wildlife art. Sometime I will do a thread with our paintings.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Hornseeker on March 09, 2009, 09:11:42 AM: Cool stuff! Way to go guys...
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: pacyew on March 09, 2009, 10:32:30 AM: I see a couple of very nice wooden bows posted here. Keep up the good work, fellas!
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on March 09, 2009, 05:12:22 PM: lazydrifter thank you for the leather. It worked out just fine. I cut it up this afternoon and punched some holes. It's drying with barge cement right now. I guess it's pretty much done. I had some ideas about dying the wood earlier but when I was sanding the vine maple I decided that I liked the soft color of the wood.

Thanks to Jay for the sage advice and for helping me put on those horn overlays.

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1436.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1437.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1438.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1439.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1440.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1441.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1442.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1443.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1444.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1446.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1447.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1448.jpg)

(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1449.jpg)
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 09, 2009, 05:34:37 PM: That is one great looking bow Ray. :drool: Nice work.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: lazydrifter on March 09, 2009, 05:58:24 PM: you're welcome Ray. That looks really good. I like the way you laced the leather up the front. I was thinking on mine about getting the leather wet and trying to stretch it out really thin and then wrapping it on tight and letting it dry but I think that lace is great. Can't wait to see how it shoots.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: PacificNWhunter on March 11, 2009, 07:50:47 AM: Great job, nice looking bow
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: fc2038 on March 11, 2009, 06:42:03 PM: So what type of finish are you going to put on it?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Snapshot on April 25, 2009, 07:51:56 AM: Rasbo,
Any diameter from about 1-1/2" and up. Use the edge of a knife (or the back edge of your pruning saw) to scratch a little bark off the 'top' side of the vine maple BEFORE you cut it. This is the tension side; the side that grew strong holding the full weight of the top of the shrub. That must become the back of the bow (the side that faces away from the archer).

I think that in that early photograph, the look on Ray's face is one of pride.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on April 29, 2009, 02:56:13 PM: I have just started today on another bow.

It's going to be a laminated Ipe and Bamboo longbow with back set. Left and right handed if it turns out right. The epoxy went on this morning and it is in the heat lamp right now with all the widgets.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Slider on April 29, 2009, 03:37:41 PM: Very Nice Job!!! er um Ray where are the Cams and Sights?............ :chuckle:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Kain on May 04, 2009, 01:27:17 PM: My wife is gonna hate me cause I think I just found another hobby I have to try! Very cool bow thanks for posting the progression.

After I find my piece of wood what kind of prep do I need to do. Does it need to dry or can I start working it right away?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on May 04, 2009, 01:39:27 PM: You should probably let it dry at least 4 months. You might want to remove the bark and seal the ends with some polyurethane based product of some sort just after cutting. Perhaps 6 months would be better than 4. There are at least 4 vine maple trees around my building. I have been eyeballing which one would make a good bow :chuckle:
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: whacker1 on May 04, 2009, 01:41:32 PM: Quote
There are at least 4 vine maple trees around my building. I have been eyeballing which one would make a good bow

Answer: all of them
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on May 04, 2009, 01:45:50 PM: Well they might. Depending on the length.

I would recommend looking for the piece which has the least amount of knots and straight as grain as possible (something which might not be obvious until you split it open). You might want to consider one which has a little bit of backset too. So that after tillering it comes out straight as possible or with a tiny bit of backset on the bow.

There is a neat forum for a lot of primitive bow building information http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: boneaddict on May 04, 2009, 06:22:04 PM: So, do you epoxy the two woods together then carve?
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on May 04, 2009, 06:35:48 PM: Not for this "self bow". It's made raw from a tree. The idea is a to pick as much of an ideal piece of wood/tree/billet as you can find. A single piece.

To work the raw wood/tree into a bow shaped outline like in the first photos you could use a band saw and or a draw knife. Once the outline is worked out I'd get a couple of cabinet scrapers, a rasp, and think about a spot where you can check the tiller on the wall or somewhere else. Working in a vice (homemade or not) would make it easier too.

The drying process might cause the wood to warp and or twist. I have heard of people placing their staves in vices before drying.

OOGA BOOGA Caveman. :chuckle:

http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/pope/hunting-with-bow-and-arrow/chapter05_1.html

Quote
Before one ever fells a tree, he should weigh the moral right to do so. But yew trees are a gift from the gods, and grown only for bows.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Snapshot on May 06, 2009, 11:34:54 AM: There is an annual event for folks to gather and make selfbows.

http://www.tbwonline.org/Events%20Calendar/Flyers/WAJAM_09.jpg

The flyer is small; hold down the 'Ctrl' key and tap the '+' key to enlarge it. [Ctrl & ) will take it back to the original size].
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Ray on May 07, 2009, 11:26:27 AM: Sounds like a great event SnapShot.

I found a whole plethora of vine maple trees which might make a good bow. When I get around to it again I should be able to select some good wood.
Title: Re: First Attempt - Maple Self Bow
Post by: Snapshot on May 07, 2009, 08:35:13 PM: Now is a great time to cut vine maple because with all the sap flowing through the shrub, an hour or so after it is cut, the bark will peel almost like a banana. I split it full length before peeling it, starting on the end perpendicular to the back (remember the mention I made earlier about marking the back before cutting it). If it spirals while splitting I junk it. But if it splits down the pith and the split stays perpendicular to the back, then I peel off the bark, seal up the ends and clamp it to a strong back until it dries. It'll be a snappy stick once it has dried.