Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: CalebNH00 on April 02, 2013, 08:08:00 PM

Title: Quarter log to bow
Post by: CalebNH00 on April 02, 2013, 08:08:00 PM
How do you go from quarter log to a roughed out bow? this will most likely be on white woods, no osage or yew up here   :( . Pics of the process would be nice but aren't absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: Bowjunkie on April 02, 2013, 08:27:00 PM
Use a series of sharp tools and remove everything that's not a bow  :)

Seriously, volumes have been written describing the process. It may be expecting too much for it to be adequately described here. More specific questions would be much easier for us to answer... or we could reccommend books or videos that would do more to help you than a single thread could do here.
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: CalebNH00 on April 02, 2013, 08:33:00 PM
I just want too know where to remove wood. Do I just peel the bark off, then take off the belly till it's down to thickness?
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: Dave Bowers on April 02, 2013, 08:38:00 PM
What size log are we talkin bout
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: Black Mockingbird on April 02, 2013, 08:47:00 PM
Plenty of build alongs,books,and videos out there to cover all that info better than can be said here without writing a book...your basically asking someone to write you a couple chapters in a book...in simple...carefully remove bark...don't ding or nick the wood underneath...layout and cut a bow out following the grain...then reduce your belly meat till it starts bending...different woods will require different dimensions..and intended draw weight n length will affect dimensions as well
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: mwosborn on April 02, 2013, 10:38:00 PM
Several good DVD's out there - one I liked is Gary Davis' - Rattle Stick.  The are also a lot of youtube videos if you do some searching.
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: CalebNH00 on April 03, 2013, 07:18:00 AM
Ok, thanks.
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: John Scifres on April 03, 2013, 09:30:00 AM
Cutting wood -  http://sticknstring.webs.com/wood2009.htm

Roughout -  http://sticknstring.webs.com/roughout.htm

Tillering -  http://sticknstring.webs.com/tiller101.htm

From blank to bow -  http://hedgerowselfbows.webs.com/fromblanktobow.htm
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: John Scifres on April 03, 2013, 09:44:00 AM
For whitewoods, peel the bark and that is your back.  

Make the bow 68" NTN. Mark the overall midpoint (from tip to tip).

Mark a centerline (from side to side) all along the stave.  Follow the grain.

Measure 2" above and 2" below the center mark for your handle. Make the handle 1-1/4" wide by marking a dot 3/4" from your centerline.

Measure 2" from the handle on both limbs for your fade.  Make this point 1-3/4" wide by marking a dot 7/8" from center line on both sides.  

Mark the midpoint of each limb.   Make this point 1-3/4" wide.

Make the tips 1/2" wide.

Connect all the dots.
Title: Re: Quarter log to bow
Post by: CalebNH00 on April 03, 2013, 01:01:00 PM
Thanks John, that's exactly what I was looking for.