this is my first bow, it is made from a young hickory tree. i got 2 splits from it but this was the only one that was straight enough.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/bow2.jpg)
the initial ruff-out of the handle.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/bow3.jpg)
this is from the bottom limb to show the curves and twists.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/bow.jpg)
these are the tools i had to use. no draw knife at that point.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/tools.jpg)
i finished this a few days back, just got caught up in finishing it and did not have time to post it.
well now where is the full draw pic. congrates
i would post one, but nobody is here to take the picture! i'll be sure to post one tomorrow. thanks.
here is the completed bow! dont laugh, but i only have some cooking string on it. lol. but i dont think i am going to bother getting a good string for it, because it already cracked! :( it was an unavoidable thing, but oh wel, life moves on.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/bowbraced.jpg)
this is a good shot of the side, upper limb towards the camera.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/bowside.jpg)
back of upper limb.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/backofbow.jpg)
back of lower limb.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/backofbow2.jpg)
back of grip
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/backofhandle.jpg)
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/middle.jpg)
upper limb
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/upperlimb.jpg)
i went crazy trying to tiller it so i wont have a, i believe the term is "hinge". i ended up reducing it to practically nothing. i dont have anything to measure it with but i would say somethin like 10#-15#. so its practically useless. if it didnt crack i would throw a backing on it and shorten it to up the #. but i dont know that it would be worth it. what do you guys think?
i get my next osage stave in a week or so. i knew this one wouldnt turn out right, it was just my trial run before i get a good stave. so i wasn't expecting it to be good. at least i know where i went wrong and how to fix the problems, mostly.
lower limb
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/lowerlimb.jpg)
and finally the crack!! i was sad, but it was inveitable.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz254/Stuwx/crack.jpg)
Wingless Arrow: Congratulations. Though it wasn't a total success you took the leap. Especially, only with a hatchet and a couple of knives. You did learn a lot. Now, when you get your osage stave, take a moment and reflect upon what you learned, take your time. I'd be happy to coach you along the process.
thank you! i did learn a lot. haha. i will definitely take my time on this next one. i want it to turn out nice. and thanks for the offer. i might take you up on it when the time comes.
It can be done but takes a few years of perfecting technique.
A layout designed for the wood beeing used helps as well. Hickory should be closer to 2" wide.
If you can find a big sandstone and shape you a notch in it, it can be used to shape limbs by running the wood back and forth through your notch in the sandstone.
Oh yea,,, I would forego the arrow rest. Make the handle not as wide as the limbs (side to side) and shoot around the handle primitive style.
You get an "A+" for effort! Heck of a try!
Looks an awful lot like the first bow I ever made. Hickory sapling and an old hatchet to do most of the work. Oh yeh and it ended up about 15#. hasn't broken and I still have it sitting in the corner. Great job on yours it is the start of many a wonderful and frustrating project. Good luck on the osage and keep the shavings flying.
thanks all! im definitely going to plan out this one and take my time. try and make it right.
It appears to have cracked on a knot. So did you chase a ring on it?
MAIN THING I NOTICED.
You made the bow BACKWARDS.
remove the bark and that is your back...remove wood from the sides and belly only.
keep it up....you'll get ...HOOKED"
i tried to chase one, but without the right equipment, i am posotive i violated a few times. and yes, i notice the backwards part a little too late. so i just went with it.
Wingless - you are my hero!
I read many posts from people who are leery of making a bow because of skill or tools. You took what you had and now you are miles and miles down a wild and twisting and extremely enjoyable road.
Keep up the attitude and effort.
Thank you va. i will be sure to keep posting as i progress. i am getting 2 osage staves within the next few days (probably later because of sunday) but i have been planning out my next project carefully. and reading up on my info from the bowyer's bible. and i now have most of the proper equipment. so i am hopin' it will turn out good.