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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Shakes.602 on October 31, 2009, 11:46:00 AM

Title: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 31, 2009, 11:46:00 AM
Did I Hear, or did I Dream this : Most Outdoor Tool Handles, Shovel,Rake,Post-Hole Diggers, etc. Are Made from Hickory?? Has Anyone ever Made a Bow from a "Bought & Paid For" Garden Tool Handle??  :confused:  
 I came across a Really Cool Site  :rolleyes:  , that Offers 100% Hickory "Fantasy and Specialty Bows". I would like to have a Certain Bow from that site,  BUT  if I can  BUY  a Good Sized Hickory Tool Handle, I  KNOW  I could "Whittle"  :knothead:  , one out for Myself.
   ANY  and  ALL  Help is Greatly Appreciated!!  :archer:
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: razorback on October 31, 2009, 01:06:00 PM
Yes they are Hickory and i believe they are mentioned in the Boywers bible I as an option for making bows. No reason not to use them. may need to get 2 handles and join them at the bow handle. Get TBB I and read up on the subject.
Post lots of Pics and even a build-along would be nice.  :bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: 4est trekker on October 31, 2009, 03:53:00 PM
Razorback's correct.  It's in Volume I of the TBB on page 91 of the "Bow Design and Performance" chapter.  Here is a direct quote:

"If there are no trees in your town, and no hardwood lumberyards, puck up a rake, broom, or hoe handle at the hardware store.  The longer, thicker, and more straight-grained the better.  The larger diameter handles make up to 40 lb bow.  Hickory pick handles [like those picture] can be spliced together to make a first-class, high weight longbow or flatbow."  

Good luck, and post some pictures!
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Shakes.602 on November 01, 2009, 01:12:00 AM
I have all  4  of the Bibles!! I  KNEW  I didnt just Dream that up!!  HA!!  :wavey:  Thanks!!
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Jim now in Kentucky on November 07, 2009, 05:07:00 PM
But, a lot of the pick, axe, shovel and rake handles are being made of fiberglass these days, or metal or other awful stuff.

Jim
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: Mike Mecredy on November 07, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
I've made some bows from wheel barrow handles.  I basically get a 60" long solid piece, 1 1/2" wide X 2" thick, and pay only $15 for it at ACE.  I've made lams, risers, backed board bows, all for a much less of buying a 1 1/2" X 18" riser block.  Then I have the rounded grip section left over to make rasp handles from!
Title: Re: Hickory Tool Handles??
Post by: JEFF B on November 07, 2009, 07:27:00 PM
hey brother whats this BS about getting old ya young whipper  snapper   :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :jumper: