Trad Gang

Last year at the Tenn Classic Clint Anders(osage outlaw)gave me this cool stave from the giant osage he harvested in 2011. I was excited when he gave it to me not only because it was from "the" tree but also it had a cool knot hole in one end...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve001_zpsd62bbeb9.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve003_zps17c387dd.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve002_zpsc16be34a.jpg)

 A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to build a short osage static recurve with sinew backing. After looking through my stash I decided to take a close look at the stave Clint gave me. After studying this stave I realized that the knot was too close to the tip for my comfort. I think it would have excess physical weight with the extra wood around the knot and it would adversely affect the way the bow shot. So I did the unthinkable. I cut this stave at 56", a few inches below the knot. I then chased a good back ring, marked the center line and them marked of the back prifile.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve006_zps4772630e.jpg)

I cut it out to 1 3/4" wide most of its length then it tapers to 1" at the tips for now.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve007_zps7c988fcc.jpg)

Next I cut the limb thickness to 3/4" from tips to fades.
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve008_zps5d65a3ae.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve009_zps189c49c8.jpg)

...and this is where I am now. I will reduce the belly beginning with a farriers rasp until I get to floor tiller stage. Then it will be a scraper and maybe a little work with the Nicholson #49 if needed. At some point I will bend the recurves. I made this form when I first strated thinking about this recurve. It has the same radius as my other recurve form but this bow will have 6" recurves and my older form would only make 3" recurves. Here is the new form...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve-form_zps84d3f790.jpg)

This bow will be a long drawn out affair especially since it will have a sinew back but I will post pics as I continue on.

Thanks a lot Pat,
I am looking forward to following this one along.
Bert.  :bigsmyl:

Looking forward to the progress, Pat!

Looking forward to the curves.  Thanks Pat.

:campfire:

Looking good so far Pat, keep up the good work!

 :campfire:

Bert, you are my inspiration and I will bend Matt Wirwicki's ear when I see him at the Tenn. Classic. If either of you guys have any suggestions or other ideas please chime in. I have a pretty strong constitution. d;^)
 Unfortunately this one will take while to complete. This time of year my time gets limited but I'll keep you guys posted as I make progress.

I just know this is gonna be good!!   :campfire:    :coffee:

I'm hoping to get some stave reduction this weekend. If I have the time I may even try to get a tip or two curved.

Is it done yet Pat?  Just kidding.  

I enjoy your build-a-longs.

I love the pile of saw dust and shavings on and around your bandsaw  :)  makes me feel at home. I have not gotten my nerve up to start on my osage stave will keep a eye ball on your build. Got any butter for the pop corn?

Joe

Today I thinned the limbs to about 5/8". One limb had a slight crook that I heated and clamped to straighten.
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve002a_zps294ddd91.jpg)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurve004a_zps83b2e9f4.jpg)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56asinewbackedstaticrecurve006_zps19663bd2.jpg)

After that cooled some it was time to recurve the limb tip. I had to modify the form a little so I could use screw clamps, then I added some oil and began heating. As I heated the belly I could feel the resistance lesson. A few splinters began to lift on the belly so I supported them with a clamp and continued...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56csinewbackedstaticrecurve011_zps1eaf9766.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56bsinewbackedstaticrecurve010_zps606baab1.jpg)


I'll fill the splinters with super glue and if necessary I'll add an underlay to support the recurves. Now she'll sit in the form until tomorrow to insure the wood has completely cooled then I'll recurve the other limb.
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56dsinewbackedstaticrecurve012_zpsc9085685.jpg)

Cool Pat, don't those splinter hurt anything? Nice looking stave there too. Just drives me nuts when I see how much some of you guys reflex the tips:)

Roy, the splinters aren't very deep. I'll super glue them and if necessary I'll add an underlay to support the recurve later.

Guess you will file a groove down the belly to hold the string on? What actually do you gain by recurving the tips so much?

Interesting, do you think the splinters would have lifted If the tip had been boiled or steamed? Bue--.

Probably not Bue but I have always done it this way. The limbs are thick and the splinters don't go deep into the wood, they follow the early growth ring but are pretth shallow. On other recurves I'm made a bit of super glue in the splinters and clamped worked well. By the time the final tips are shaped they won't be noticable. I will probably add underlay for protection.
 Roy this bow will be sinew backed and will be pretty short even for my 26" draw. These recurved tips will be static or mostly so. This will put a lot of strain on the smaller working area of the limb and that is where the sinew comes into play. The sinew will also be highly stressed adding speed to the bow(all in theory)but hopefully also lots of protection for the back. The recurves also allow this short bow to be drawn without stacking(string/tip angle)and less finger pinch. Heck, it may blow all to hell on the first draw but it is something I've wanted to make for a while. I've made 60"t/t recurve selfbows from osage and elm but not one this short and not one with sinew backing.

I made a 58" ntn hickory selfbow with slightly recurved tips. This is gonna be something well beyond that though. I'm very interested to see how this comes along. I prefer shooting a longer bow but I love looking at these shorter bows with the sinew, the reflex, the recurves etc. Keep it coming!

Best of luck with it, Pat.

I'll need it Roy!
 LittleBen, I also prefer longer bows. I recently built myself a 64" osage selfbow with flipped tips.  These shorties are fun to shoot but hard to get used too. It took me the longest time before I was consistant enough to feel comfortable shooting them. Once you work that out they can be real sweet shooters.

Pat, I'm sure if anyone can make it work, you can.  Keep it coming.

Keepin an eye on this one.

Nice Pat....  you cooked those curls good  :)

Pat try putting a band on the belly like a piece of metal ruler.  Go into the Archives and find J. D. Jones build along static recurve.  Lots of information on making Recurves in that build along. Here it is.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=40;t=000028

Great thread Pat!  I'm gonna try a curve soon.  I'll be watching and trying to learn something.

rainman, if you look at the first pic of my form you will see the metal band on it. I didn't have enough hands to get it to work out so I removed the band and altered the form so I could use the screw clamps.

I took the first curve off of the form. This first pic is sighting down the bow. You can see that the first curve is kicked to the left. I will adjust that later with a little heat and pressure...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/-osagestaticrecurve2ndcurve001_zpsec715d80.jpg)

Here is the first curve...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/-osagestaticrecurve2ndcurve002_zps4cdb0d15.jpg)

and the second curve heated and clamped...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/-osagestaticrecurve2ndcurve003_zpsc369693f.jpg)

That's a serious curve. I like it. It'll have a nice side profile.

I made one like it, though not quite that short,, backed it with sinew, then sturgeon, then killed a buck with it  :)

That is really neat!!   :thumbsup:

Here she is out of the form. With her tips on the table it measured 5 3/8" from the handle to the table.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/bothcurvesdone003_zps21df3422.jpg)

Pat ya otta name her Miss Longhorn:) LOL Very nice ole boy..

This has been the easy part Roy. Tillering is gonna be a bear.

Looking nice Pat.  I agree - tillering is going to be a bear - just getting to brace might be a challenge.  Good luck!

I have to say that is pretty sweet! Looking forward to the finished product.

I did a little more work on her today. I decided to chase the next ring down because it is about twice as thick as the top one was. I needed to reduce a lot of weight anyhow too.
It was time to align one of the tips that was way off. I clamped her to the jig to be sure she was held soundly  then I began to slowly heat the entire limb belly. After it was good and hot I added the next clamp to one edge to reverce the twist. In then heated the tip just below the curve and when it was hot I used the para cord to torque the tip to the left. I then reheated the limb and added the wood clamp to bring the limb over to the left a bit and retightened the para cord holding the tip...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/liningupthetip003_zps358a3092.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/liningupthetip003_zps358a3092.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/liningupthetip002_zpsdffc570f.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/liningupthetip002_zpsdffc570f.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/liningupthetip001_zpsb5548418.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/liningupthetip001_zpsb5548418.jpg.html)

...and the other tip looked OK to me and didn't need any alingment yet. Both will probably need a final alignment later...

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/liningupthetip004_zpse8fd5005.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/liningupthetip004_zpse8fd5005.jpg.html)

Looking great so far Pat.  Nice curves!!

Thanks Red Tail.
We got rained out of work today and the wife is out of town so I will be able to work on her some more today. I'll post any progress.

Oh so your Boss for a day then? :)  LOL

The weekend Roy. d;^)

The whole weekend???   :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

Oh My God, a whole weekend? What a wonderful thing that is:) My wife went to visit her son 3 times the past two years in Louisiana. I was Boss for a week. Me and the ole dog had a great time all week. We had the run of the house, only downside was cleaning up the place before I went to pick her up at the airport. I do like sleeping inside ya know:) LOL

Roy, that is wrong in many ways!

Not is Pa it's not.. We hain't that far from WV ya know   :laughing:

This looks like it is going to be one killer bow!

I got the tip underlays bent yesterday. I was gonna use ERC but couldn't get them to bend with steam so I cut a few yew pieces, sanded them to about 3/16" thick and they bent well. It was suggested that I wrap the pieces in a wet towel and microwave it for 2 minutes...BINGO, they bent well and held much of the bend. I also bent 2 narrower pieces of a dark tropical wood to go over (under) the yew.
I'm gonna try to get the belly side of the recurves flattened and do the glue up today. I'll post pics as I go.

OMG, nuking wood in Mommas microwave. LOL ^5 Pat I'm proud of ya son:)

I told ya Roy, Momma is out of town! d;^)

:campfire:     :coffee:  Now I think Pat left town.....lol!

I'm still here, Ron but don't have the time to do any bow work. Hopefully this weekend will be rainy and I'll get some shop time in. d;^)

I'm thinking Momma laid a thumpin on Pat:)

Not a thumping Roy!

:wavey:

It was pro'ly more like a 'honey-do' list, Roy! LOL!
I get those ALL the %&*#@! time around my house...  

Pat must be busy....but I'll keep this where I can keep an eye on it....don't want to miss anything....lol!   TTT

Ron, I have had a lot on my plate lately and haven't had a chance to get in the shop since before the Tenn. Classic. Hopefully I'll be able to get more done soon.
Thanks for keeping this close to the top.

LOL, just really interested ever since you put the bend in those tips on that little bow. Get them chores done.......LOL! We can wait, your work is always worth it!!   :thumbsup:

We have one in progress with elk sinew, almost done.

Post some pics, rollingrock.

Yes, I will once it's all finished up.

Pat,
See what you started, now there is three of us working on sinew backed bows, as soon as my Carpal tunnel surgery heals up I will be pounding some leg sinew to back a Hickory Recurve I have been working on for a while, am looking forward to seeing your process and rollingrock's as well.
Regards.
Bert.  :bigsmyl:

that sounds interesting bert, how does the hickory work with the sinew, being a better tension wood than a compression wood.
i have a nice hickory stave that i have had on my rack for at least 5 years, and am always tempted to cut it into backings, but your idea sounds"cooler"   :D  
really want to see how these all turn out.
just as a matter of interest, what would be a good length of recurve for my 29.5 " draw@ 50#- probably would like to build it to bend thru the handle- so that i can get it a bit shorter.
wayne

Wayne I don't want to highjack Pat's thread but if you are going to sinew back any kind of bow and gain performance I wouldn't go any longer than 60".
Here is a couple of pictures of where I am at but I will have to heal up before I can make anymore progress.
 (http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/P1020017_zpsbee96e68.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/quartermoonlongbows/media/P1020017_zpsbee96e68.jpg.html)
 (http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/P1020019_zps9375e741.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/quartermoonlongbows/media/P1020019_zps9375e741.jpg.html)
This one will be 60" long if it holds together??

yup, i sure recognize that shop   :D  
all these bows look so awesome.
those are pretty sharp"curves" almost like a lever.
thanks
wayne

No problem Bert. I'll look at your bows any day! d;^)

I finally had time today to get the string nocks cut in and a little tillering done. After "floor tillering" I realized one limb was a bit stronger so I worked on it first to get both somewhat even then I began tillering. Here she sits before removing any wood today...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins004_zpsa0bd4f63.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins004_zpsa0bd4f63.jpg.html)

and after ac little tillering and about 25 pulls to exercise her...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins002_zps1bb9f666.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins002_zps1bb9f666.jpg.html)
 ...after a bit more wood removal and exercising here is where she is now...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins003_zpse37d77d2.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins003_zpse37d77d2.jpg.html)
 I'm still on the long string. I'm guessing she is at about 70# to where I pulled so I need to get more meat off so I can get her to low brace to see how the limbs line up and so I can get a more accurate weight measurement. Here she is relaxed after her workout today...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins001_zpsac5914eb.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillerbegins001_zpsac5914eb.jpg.html)

Looks real good from here Pat.  I've been following this one real close.  The lilac bow I was working on came in under weight, thought I would try to sinew it to salvage it.  How big of an increase in draw weight can be achieved with sinew?

Dan, depending on how much sinew you use I'd say up to 10#. The sinew will make it a zippier bow so it should shoot like a heavier bow. How long is your lilac bow? You really need to stretch the sinew to get the goodie out of it. If the bow is too long the sinew won't stretch enough.
 You could flip the tips and temper the belly and maybe get a few more pounds too.

Pat, It was around 64" but cut it to 60", but didn't think it felt like I gained much, so I put it away till I get some more sinew.  I would be happy if I could get 10# out of it.  Right now it's in the low 40# range.

That a bow right there Pat! Not much limb on it though, if that makes a reliable bow it will eb a testament to your experience ... not that I have any doubt you'll get there. I really like the recurve loook. It's going to be sweet.

There isn't much bending limb, Ben. I will bring the bend back into the handle so I will feel it give at full draw. 3 courses of sinew should help it hold up if I do my part.
 Dan 60" will stretch sinew. Kick the tips up a bit too. Both might just get you 10#.

Thanks Pat, How much sinew do I need to make it work.  So far I only have one deer worth, front & back leg tendons and the back strips.  Hope to gather the rest this fall from a local butcher shop.

I'll use mostly back sinew. I like the longer length and ease of seperation. It may take 10 or more, I won't know til it is done.

Looking nice, Pat.

Pat, would you post a few pic's of the sinew processing before you glue it on the bow please, that is kind of where I am at, altough all I have is leg sinew.
It's looking great sofar, thanks for sharing.
Bert.

I will Bert but I'm not sure when that will be. I want to get the bow to brace first and make any corrections before adding the sinew.
 The last sinewed bow I built was with back and I love working with the longer strands. It makes a neater application for me. On the other sinewed bows I built I used either deer or elk leg sinew. They were seperated by length so I started with the longer stuff. When it was dry I added the mid length stuff to fill in bare areas and then use the shorter stuff to even everything out.

Please delete

Please delete

Very nice bows especially the closest to front but love 'em all.

RR, those are beautiful bows, but thinking you meant to post them here:  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=010083;p=2

Looks sweet, Pat!

Question. How do you string a bow with recurved tips? Do you use a stringer?

I attempted static recurves on a bbo this spring and couldn't string It by hand like the other longbows I've made. I usually place the lower tip on my instep, pull the handle and push the top tip as I slide the loop into place.

I will use a stringer until I get it complete and if it is difficult to string after that I will continue to use a stringer. I usually use the push/pull method like you. These statics can be difficult to string because they can twist in your hand if you aren't push/pulling evenly. A stringer is the safest option.

QuoteOriginally posted by Steve Kendrot:
RR, those are beautiful bows, but thinking you meant to post them here:   http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=010083;p=2  

Oooops, yes you're right! Sorry Pat!

i have taken to cutting an extra string groove above the nock, on both ends, and then use a sufficiently strong cord with a small loop in each end as my stringer, quick, easy and compact.
if i am using a bowyers hitch on the bottom of the bow string, then i use a leather boot on the bottom  nock and a loop on the top.

but i find myself favouring the former , more and more nowdays.

i am also working on a self bow with flipped tips right now, sure is fun, really like the look and feel of them/it.
gonna be more in the pipeline in the future.

thanks for the inspiration from this thread.

I did a bit more work on her today. I braced her low to see how the string tracks and how the tips line up. Here she is at low brace..
  (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues001_zps293a7481.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues001_zps293a7481.jpg.html)

...the string tracks pretty good...
  (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues004_zpsf44931fb.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues004_zpsf44931fb.jpg.html)

and the tips look pretty good too...
  (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues005_zpsd7aef0dd.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues005_zpsd7aef0dd.jpg.html)

  (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues006_zps3c760913.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvetillercontinues006_zps3c760913.jpg.html)

I've narrowed the tips some and got the basic shape of the handle. I wanted the handle close before adding the sinew. That will be my next step, adding the first of 3 courses of back strap sinew. I've pulled her to 20" and she pulls 60#@20"/going for 26") To be continued!

This is about 17". I can see a stiff spot in the right limb(bottom) about mid limb.
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvectillercontinues003_zpsaa1b8439.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvectillercontinues003_zpsaa1b8439.jpg.html)

Beautiful lines on that. Love those static tips. Need to try one sometime. First I need to finish a regular bow!

Come'n along nicely!!!!!!Amazing!!

Are we sure this guy Pat B knows what he is doing?  ;)

Still watching.     :campfire:

I'm hoping to begin adding the sinew this weekend. I have scored the back with a toothing plane and recieved a baggie full of shreaded cow sinew a few days ago. Now all I need is a kick in the pants to get me started.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q744/cardboard_duck/Kick_zpscbe6d906.jpg)

Holy Cow Pat your workbench and shop floor look exactly like mine! out of place tools all laying in a half inch of dust lol!  you are putting ideas in my head with this bow of yours.  I like it.

Eric, that is part of my ADD training. If I clean up I can't find anything. d;^)

 I started the sinewing today. First I scored the back of the bow where the sinew will go to help with the adhesion of the sinew and hide glue. I used a toothing plane blade for this...


Photobucket is screwing up so I'll post pics later.  Sorry!

For some reason I can't retrieve my pics from Photobucket. Can I cut and paste directly from my computer to TG now?

...anyway, the sinew I layed down on Sunday dried nice and clear so I added another layer today. After it dries for a few days I will inspect the sinew well and determine if I need to add more.
The next step it to wait a month or two for the sinew to cure then I will resume tillering. She was about 80#@26"(estimated)before adding the sinew so I have a lot of meat to take off. I want the final bow to draw about 55#@26".
As soon as I can get Photobucket straightened out or find another avenue I'll post pics.

I think I finally got this photobucket crap figured out. We'll see.
I used a toothing plane to score the back of the bow to help the sinew adhere. This is the toothing plane blade...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins003_zps8a60ecff.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins003_zps8a60ecff.jpg.html)

...and the results...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins004_zpscba7db81.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins004_zpscba7db81.jpg.html)

I then sized the bows back with hide glue and when it dried some I began adding the first of the sinew. I like to start at the handle and work out both limbs centering the first of the sinew on the limb...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins006_zpsae65ae5b.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins006_zpsae65ae5b.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins007_zps2669e850.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins007_zps2669e850.jpg.html)

Also, I strung the bo backwards(into reflex). With the tips on the floor the handle is 4 1/2" above the table. Once back strung the handle sits about 7 1/4" above the table.
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins008_zps432e3fad.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins008_zps432e3fad.jpg.html)

I then started dipping the sinew in the hide glue, squeegieing off the excess glue and layed it down...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins009_zps930f2f12.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins009_zps930f2f12.jpg.html)

here is the sinew going down on the bow...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins012_zpsb127dd5d.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins012_zpsb127dd5d.jpg.html)

and the back completed with the first layer...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins016_zps0b39aadd.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/56sinewbackedstaticrecurvesinewingbegins016_zps0b39aadd.jpg.html)

I'll upload more pics and post them later.

Pat I forgot about this one.  You should have reminded me and I could have posted them for you.  Glad you got the PB issue figured out.

Thanks Clint. I contacted PB and they are aware of the problem and are working on it. I wish they'd just leave it as it was. It ain't easy to teach this old dog new computer tricks.

Nice work Pat,
did you comb out your own sinew??
Looking forward to seeing how much backset she pulls into.
Looking forward to the next steps.
Bert.

Bert, no I didn't comb the sinew out.
Too lazy! d;^)  
 I got the second layer down smoother than the first one in the pics.   She's up over the hotwater heater in the utility room where she will rest for about 2 month(if I can wait that long). She has already drawn up about 3/4".

This is wonderful. I just appreciate this so much...please keep it coming.

Thanks Joseph. Unfortunately it will be mid August before I continue on with the tillering.
Oh well, that's wood bow building.

:saywhat:  Mid August??? Well I guess I can wait if I have to!!   :campfire:

Ron, you ought to be in my shoes with the waiting thing. It drives me nuts just knowing I have to wait to get the best results. I'm keep this bow in the utility room so I don't see it unless I go in there...out of sight, out of mind. I'm as curious as the rest of you guys to see how this bow will work, if it will hold together. This is a first for me, not only the big recurves but also the short overall length of the bow. This bow will have less than 18" of working limb on each side.
 She has already increased in reflex by 1" or so. The string I used to back brace her is not slack yet but has loosened up quite a bit already.

Very nice work, Pat. Is it August yet? :)

Actually Roy, at our age August will get here pretty fast just like every month and year does these days. d;^)

Man you hain't lying there, Pat:) Since I retired, the days are flying by faster than ever. I can't even remember what day it is anymore, I keep asking the wife what day is it:)

QuoteOriginally posted by Pat B:
Actually Roy, at our age August will get here pretty fast just like every month and year does these days. d;^)

Boy ....that's an understatement.....   ;)

TTT...... Just so I can find it easy when Pat gets back at it.....lol!   :campfire:    :campfire:    :coffee:

that is so awesome pat mmmmmm 26'' my draw  as well   :goldtooth:    :shaka:

I've been thinking about her lately. I'll try to get going in a week or so. It has been so humid this summer I hopev she is cured out well. We had 10" in June, 22" in July and it is raining now. We have already had 72" so far this year and that is our yearly average.
I'm as anxious to see her bend as you guys. This bow has been a dream for a long time. It won't be long now! d;^)

Would be nice, Pat.

This coming weekend will be 2 months since I put this bow up to rest and cure. My plans were to begin the tillering at 2 months. We have had such a wet summer that I have decided to wait until drier weather before I stress her. It could be the difference in a zippy little bow or a cool looking slug and I would prefer the former.   ;)    Once the weather breaks and the humidity drops I'll be ready to get her done.
We had 10" of rain in June, 22" in July(only 2 days with no rain) and already 6" for August putting us well over 75" for the year so far. Our normal yearly rainfall is about 73". ...and we don't have A/C!   :o

No problem, Pat. Ship her up here and I'll store it in my shop. I suppose ya might want her back though:)

Holy crap that's a lot of rain. Maybe while you're waiting on that bow you should get started on an arc.

We used to have the second highest average rainfall in the cotinental US, next to the Olympic Pennesula. Looks like we might be getting into that pattern. At least we are uphill so it all run down to the French Broad River.
I'll just sit this out and wait for drier conditions.

I hear ya on the rain......we even had a bunch up here. Hope it gets dry soon so you can that Lil' curve finished up!

:campfire:  a fire to dry her out.....lol!

A very interesting & educational read; good luck with the bow Pat!

We could use a little of that rain, there have only been 1.1" at my house during the months of July & August (assuming it doesn't rain in the next 2 hours).  Tom

We had another 10" of rain for August and a bit this first day of September. That gives us over 80" so far this year. Looks like I'll have to wait until it is cool enough for the wood stove before messing with this bow. We will see how September works out with the rain.

Pat, That's a lot of rain. In April we had 1 5/8 inches, June we got 1/3" and that is all for the summer. Luck and patience.

Its rained all 3 days this month too. When will it stop! d:^(

Is it still raining Pat?
Have a question for you, At the fadeouts How wide is your bow and what is the thickness of your sinew at the fadeouts?

I started a sinew backed ERC of 58" and similar profile about 2 months ago and it looks like at this rate I may finish first! You need to do some sort of no-rain dance and make it stop!

Well guys I've taken her out of the utility room and have her in full sight now. We have had a pretty dry Sept so far. We can already feel fall in the air and that air is dryer. Now all I need is the time to work on her.
Scars, she is 1 5/8" at the fades and out about 12" before tapering towards the tips. I use two thick layers of cow sinew on this bow. It is the first time I have used cow sinew so I don't know how it measures up to deer or elk sinew. The bundles I laid down were pretty thick but the way it was shreaded is worked well and layed pretty smoothly.
I removed the back bracing string and the back of the handle is 6" behind the tips. It's gonna be a bitch just getting this thing to low brace height. d;^)

How about pictures, Pat?

Roy, I'm having problems making Photobucket work. They have changed their format. It really hasn't changed much since the last pics.

Just read the whole thread. It is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more updates.

Okie Dokie, Pat..

QuoteOriginally posted by Pat B:
 
Scars, she is 1 5/8" at the fades and out about 12" before tapering towards the tips. I use two thick layers of cow sinew on this bow. It is the first time I have used cow sinew so I don't know how it measures up to deer or elk sinew. The bundles I laid down were pretty thick but the way it was shreaded is worked well and layed pretty smoothly.
I removed the back bracing string and the back of the handle is 6" behind the tips. It's gonna be a bitch just getting this thing to low brace height. d;^)

Thanks Pat,
ATARN has a cattle sinew topic they keep right at the top of their "bows arrows and stuff forum" I don't think there will be much difference in performance. Unless you are making a flight bow.
I think you may be correct in sayin' it's going to be a bear to get it to low brace. Might need a bracing board. Where did you get cattle sinew?
My horn bow is 1 7/16" wide and 3/8" thick at the fades I think I will thin it down some more.
Your bow is what gave me the incentive to start my horn bow. Thanks
Joe

Joe, I was gonna build an Asiatic horn bow but it seemed too daunting of a task. I have watched James Parker building his horn bows and at different stages of the process. I will probably build a Plains style horned belly bow or at least my version of one. That is for next year.
I got the cow sinew, already shreaded no less in trade for a bundle of hill cane. I liked working with it.

With the craftsmanship I have seen in your bows I would have no doubt you would excel. I too plan on building a few Native horn bows. I also want to make a Pacific coast painted bow. And a rib bone bow. A sheephorn/elk bow with no wood core is tempting also.

TTT

a good place to get cattle sinew, is find a feedlot in the area, and ask them if you can go over to their dead pile, and cut the tendons off, they usually die from pneumonia, colic, "the spins" or a lead pill,not anything that is contagious to human contact.
chat to the cowboys at the feedlot- make friends with them, trade them some gear- they are worse gear freaks than trad archers, offer them a new hat or sumpin' for"x" amount of sinew.

I got back to work on this bow today after quite a long time. I added the sinew on 6/16-18/2013. After a few pulls on the long string and scraping a bit where needed I got her to low brace to see how everything lined up. No real problems. One limb(lower) was a bit too stiff and had a few stiff spots so I used a scraper to correct those problems then raised the brace height to where it it now, about 6 1/2" from the back.
 Anyway here are a few pics I took today..
Braced...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/osageshorty003_zps5b7c6fc2.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/osageshorty003_zps5b7c6fc2.jpg.html)

drawn to 26"...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/osageshorty004_zpsf21446b9.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/osageshorty004_zpsf21446b9.jpg.html)

and just after unbracng. I shot four arrows through her then let her rest at brace for about 1 hour before unbracing and taking this pic...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/osageshorty005_zpsccade30a.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/osageshorty005_zpsccade30a.jpg.html)

There is still a lot of work to do. She is stil a bit heavy(60#@26") so I want t reduce that some. I still need o shape and finish the tips and handle and put lots of arrows through her before adding the finishing touches(tip overlays,carp skins a floppy est and handlw wrap).

Looking great Pat. I am going to have to try one of these some day.

You make it look easy for sure.

Very nice, Pat...

Nice Pat.

Looks real good Pat, can't wait to see it all finished up.

Looks great....glad to see it working out for you...no personal experience but I read that domestic sinew is sub par to wild harvested sinew...but that doesn't look to be the case...thanks for sharing your work...


><>>
Glenn

Glenn, this is my first attempt at domestic cow sinew so until I get her shot in I won't have a comp[arison.
Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to shooting her and getting her all dolled up.

Those hooks are nice and aggressive, looking good.

Very nice, Pat! I'm always impressed with your work.   :archer2:

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to getting her finished and doing some shooting.

This is awesome! Can't wait to see the finish product!

The Mongols used domesticate cattle sinew so I don't see how it could be subpar.  I have heard that it is also but I just don't believe it.

Dan, my friend James Parker requested domestic cow sinew for the Asiatic Horn Bows he builds. I really think sinew is sinew, some is longer than others, some seperated better than others, some are greasier than others but sinew is sinew. d;^)
I really like how this cow sinew is to work with. I got it already shreaded and clean so I don't know what it takes to get to that point but as far as working with it it is up there with any other I've used.

Pat, she is looking great.

Joe

Really neat stuff........

Really neat stuff........

I did a little scraping on Saturday afternoon and got her weight down to 56#@26"(pulled to 27) set the brace to my fistmele and went out and put another 20 arrows through her...and she is quick! I was shooting parallel poplar arrows at about 10gpp. They shoot straight and true and did I mention fast. d;^)

Looks like a sweet little thumper Pat....  I like it!!! That one needs to hit the deer woods  ;)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/osageshorty004_zpsf21446b9.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/osageshorty004_zpsf21446b9.jpg.html)

Thanks Kip. She is a sweet lil thumper!

Impressive work! It looks great. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Great name Pat "Lil Thumper"
Nice work< haven't made any progress on my Hickory Recurve, too busy working, hunting, guiding guides, building bows, whaa whaa
Keep up the good work !!!!!
Regards.
Bert.

Looks super!

Thanks for sharing your talent....


><>>
Glenn

>>>----> Lil Thumper to the top so I can find it quicker!

Well, she's finally done. She is 56 1/2"t/t, she has yew and ipe recurve underlays and leather saturated with super glue tip overlays. The handle wrap is hemp cordage set in Massey finish and she has a Floppy Rest. She has 3 layers of cow sinew put down with hide glue and that is covered with Texas Diamondback Watersnake skin put done with hide glue also. Five coats of Tru-Oil for the finish and I will do a quick spray of satin to cut the shine.
I'm not sure of the draw weight but she is heavy; probably over 60# maybe even 65#. I'll have to reduce that if I plan on shooting her much.
Here are  few pics. I'll get a full draw pic up later today.

  (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper001_zpsf5f29176.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper001_zpsf5f29176.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper005_zps56eb3d46.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper005_zps56eb3d46.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper007_zps2ac4c527.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper007_zps2ac4c527.jpg.html)


 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper002_zps861f7820.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper002_zps861f7820.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper004_zps304a3ed3.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper004_zps304a3ed3.jpg.html)


 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper003_zps7db022f0.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper003_zps7db022f0.jpg.html)

Extremely nice Pat....

thanks for sharing - your work is inspirational,,,,


><>>
glenn

That's an absolutely beautiful bow.  Congratulations Pat     :thumbsup:

Here is the full draw pics...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper010_zps0f886f73.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper010_zps0f886f73.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper012_zps0140ff5f.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper012_zps0140ff5f.jpg.html)

 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper009_zps34f5d1f3.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper009_zps34f5d1f3.jpg.html)

...and here are a few of the recurved tips showing the yew and ipe recurve underlays and the leather tip overlays...
bottom...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper014_zpsb471c2f8.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper014_zpsb471c2f8.jpg.html)

top...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/LilThumper013_zps705341cc.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/LilThumper013_zps705341cc.jpg.html)

Great job Pat!!!!

That's sweet!!

Excellent.   :clapper:  Bue--

Mighty purtty Pat!

Thanks guys.

:notworthy:    :notworthy:

I finally got her done, Ron. d;^)

Beautiful work Pat!

Thanks John.

Well.

Well I..

Well I dunno...

Well, I guess it's OK:)

Outstanding, Pat....

Thanks Roy.

Very nice, Pat. I really like it. I'd enter it in bow of the month on PA...

I already sent Cipriano a PM with my info. d;^)

That bow sings the song "I'm Sexy and I Know It"    :goldtooth:   and I'll tell Marie to send you your hat since I'm pretty sure its gonna win    :shaka:

That is one Sweet bow. I hope I can build em like that when I grow up.

Pat,
It has been a pleasure watching you create this bow. I too think it is BOM worthy, Good luck on PA with her. By the way have you named her?

Joe

Joe, her name is "Lil' Thumper". The name was coined by Coaster500(Kip) and suggested by Bert Frelink...and it stuck.
 Thanks Kelly and Chris.

Very fitting name!

I thought so, Joe, especially after shooting her.

Beautiful bow, Pat!!!
A true work of craftsmanship!

I knew my old spring scale was off but I didn't know how "off" it was until Stringstretcher sent me a new digital bow scale. I put Lil Thumper on my bow scale and it showed 56#@26" but on the digital scale it was more like 65#@26". I have since reduced her to a true 56#@26" and I'm still pleased at how she shoots. At least now I can shoot her more than 2 or 3 times and get a good clean full draw. d;^)

Nice work and a beautiful bow.