I read so many good things about elm and cherry in The Bowyer's Bibles that I had to give them a try. Really like the look of the wood, especially the red elm grain. It's actually a tri-lam, but the walnut core blended in with the elm after I stained it. I wanted a lighter bow for target shooting so I made it 40#.
(http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo207/okdoak/elmcherrybow2_zps14fdb219.png)
(http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo207/okdoak/elmcherrybow_zps3d7f40f9.png)
(http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo207/okdoak/elmcherrybow1_zps60310c34.png)
Nice..
Very Cool!
I realize its elm and low poundage,but not the best choice in a backing strip...the top limb has 4 ring violations in about 6",and the bottom limb has swirly grain that runs off the edge at almost a dangerous angle...hope it holds up for you? Do you have a full draw pic? Cus it just looks like a pretty piece of stained wood to me ;)
@mockingbird: Unfortunately I've found out that all internet forums have a couple of resident trolls and my guess is that you must be the head one in this part of TradGang. It just makes me wonder if you are very young or immature for your age or maybe that your folks either gave up or did not bother to teach you any manners. I was raised with the adage "If you can't find anything good to say about something, don't say anything at all" especially if it is something that someone made with their own hands and put a lot of time into. I will admit that I've been making bows for less than a year and that the boards I use aren't always perfect. And I have a whole lot yet to learn. I used the Bows from Boards chapter in TBB2 as my guide for working with the grain violation on the back of my bow. I've shot 250+ arrows thru it without raising a splinter or having the tiller change as much as 1/16" Much as I know that it's never a good idea to feed a troll, I put my bow back on the tree @27", my draw length. Yeah, and the tiller on my "pretty piece of stained wood" ain't perfect. Tell me something I don't already know...
Thanks Roy and Bowhnteverything for the kind words. It's much appreciated.
(http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo207/okdoak/IMG_2920_zps88ebafbe.jpg)
Dang thats sweet. I like how the grip section kinda snakes back and forth. Like the color too..Well done
Takefive, your work bench is awesome:) LOL
Tiller looks good to me. Very nice looking bow too. Nice work.
Black Mockingbird,
Sir, usually you have been someone I have seen good things from on here, today I am frankly ashamed.
I have been to busy to get on in forever due to my work and school schedule, and the first thing I read is you tearing another new bowyer like me down. That makes me very sad, I have come to regard the peope on here as good, positive and encouraging.
I hope you were just having a bad day or something.
Take Five,
I like what you did, maybe it's not perfect, but it sure looks good to me, and sounds like it works pretty dang good.
Great Job and keep up the good work!!!!!!!
I admire you for keeping at it, and trying to learn from all your mistakes and problems.
I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Black Mocking Bird,
You are an idiot !
Where the he.. Do you get off bashing this mans work by looking at a picture.
Have you held the bow in your hands? Have ya shot it? How many bows have you made and been proud enough to post for all to see.
Crawl back under your rock and do your homework before spilling your unfounded opinions .
That bow is beautiful. Looks like the builder put a lot of work into it.
A real shooter I'll bet.
Geeze, you guys are being kind of hard on Black Mockingbird if you ask me. I don't think he was too rough on him. He simply questioned the integrity of the ring violtions on the bow's back, as did I the instant I saw it. When I first looked at it I thought it had to be under clear glass. I'm actually very impressed that it's held up thus far.
And his stained piece of wood comment was made in jest, as he asked to see the full draw picture... a requisite most times a new bow is introduced to other bowyers.
Good luck with your bow. I hope it holds up for you. Keep us posted on it's durability please. I'm kinda intrigued as to how it will hold up.
I also don't think black mockingbird's comments were rude. He simply stated possible problem areas and then he went on to say he hopes it holds up for you.
@ take five....might wanna look in the mirror and take your own advice ...I simply stated some constructive criticism to HELP you,and share my many many many many bows worth of knowledge with you....think before you speak please and grow some thicker skin and learn how to accept constructive criticism and be grateful someone with my experience is willing to share it with you
@frosty...read what I just said to takefive
@petelumapete....really? Cowardly Namecalling someone you know nothing about and never met hiding behind your computer screen...really? And as far as how many bows I've made,I can assure you its 50 times+ more than all three of you bashing me....grow up dude..name calling is for third graders and inappropriate
Thanks Roy..thanks Jeff for "reading" what I wrote ;) both of those guys know me personally and have seen my work,and know my experience ...
That bow might hold up...but if he did it the same way ten times I bet half(or maybe more)might break,and if he used a different type of wood(besides hickory) with those types of violations it will most likely break every time..now wouldn't you want to know that?
I also thought it was under clear glass at first glance. Definitely would not have been my choice for backing but if it holds up for ya great. I dont really understand u guys getting all worked up over mockingbirds comments, he just told you what he thought. Take it or leave it, but he does have a lot of bowbuilding experience as do a lot of other folks on here. So if u dont want any criticism you probly shouldnt post any pics. BTW, the bow is pretty but im surprised it has held up with that many grain violations on the back.
@petelumapete...I have no problems showing my work for all to see ;) here ya go brother ;) here's some samples
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=36133.0
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,37725.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,38078.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=38049.0
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,36920.0.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=40176.0
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,37694.0.html
Do you need to see more? ...there's plenty more ;) ..lol. now you show me yours ;)
Them bows suck... LOL :laughing:
Very nice, Chris..
quote:
Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Them bows suck... LOL :thumbsup:
On a TRI-lam bow, are the ring violations really an issue?
Jus askin
QuoteOriginally posted by 4runr:
On a TRI-lam bow, are the ring violations really an issue?
Jus askin
Simple answer....yes...its the same if it was a one piece board or stave with the same violations,because the back is under tension just the same and no different...
I don't make bows, my talents lie elsewhere, but then again I don't criticize another mans work unless he ask.
This gentleman wasn't asking for a critique of his work. He was simply posting a look what I did. Obviously and rightfully proud of it.
Since you asked me, your bows look like fine bows. You have a lot to be proud of.
Do I like the way they look that I would go out and buy one? Nope.
And no one asked you to come here and call someone an idiot like a third grader...if you don't make bows and no nothing about such ...then..keep your lips shut...ever hear of constructive criticism? Its just a helpful "hey,be more wise in your selection of backing material" ...because that has a high probablity of breaking and hurting the op...but since you dont make bows and dont know of such things i guess you wouldnt understand....And I'd never sell you a bow cus I don't sell my bows. And bows aren't about looks..its how they shoot ;) read all the other experienced guys comments saying the same thing as I...why single me out?
PS...you can respond to my comment,but i won't respond back again to third grade nonsense...
Yea I've had enough of this to.
Very nice!
I was going to avoid this one, since I'm a Bowyer/mechanic/musician/philosopher/biker...and occasionally a preacher and not Dr. Phil. But this whole thing turned ugly simply because of one negative statement. Black mockingbird, if you would have ended that first post with "do you have full draw pics?" This whole thing may have been different. The reason I'll point that out is simply because I'm thinking you'll handle that assessment about your verb age a lot better than if the statement would have been on your artistic expression. Those that put the effort into making boards or staves into a functional weapon, taking the time to take pics, post on photobucket, then paste on here, can get a little "thin skinned" and for good reason.
A good Way to avoid making this forum hostile like the LW, would be to send a private message if you have things to say. That cuts down on the public embarrassment that come with name calling.
There are no idiots here, this is the bowyer's bench, that means we're all intelligent. And no I'm not a mod on this board, but do read it daily and admire people's work and see if there's a question I can help with and this isn't stuff I like to read.
Ain't nobody got time for that.
Black Mockingbird mentioned hickory as a backing choice for cherry. I have a really nicely grained cherry board and was debating a hickory, elm, or maple backing.
Do you think hickory / cherry is the better combination?
BTW, I'm pretty new at this and "forgiving" combinations are a plus!
Well said Scott. Asked for or not, I would have mentioned the grain myself. Nothing cute about blindness or a concussion. Grain run off doesnt get much worse. As far as the full draw comment,I see a wink face at the end of that statement on my end. That tells me he was being a smarty in a funny way. Relax, its Friday guys.
I agree the backing strip is not ideal. That is an important comment to make to a new bowyer.
The thing I think is important to note is that it's very difficult to convey to the reader sincerity vs sarcasm etc. through text. Although some of us are experienced bowyers, none as far as I know are professional writers.
So two things: First lets all make an effort to make our comments constructive, but as polite as possible. Second lets all give the benefit of the doubt that all comments are intended to be constructive even if not worded in the most elegant manner.
Agreed? Like PD said, lets all just relax .... It's Friday and another bow making weekend is nearly upon us all.
One other thing. I made a bow recently with a less than ideal backing strip of hickory. Actually Pearl Drums told me he thought it was a lost cause, and I didn;t listen. Finished it up anyway. It shot GREAT!!!! for like 400 shots, then lifted a splinter, which i repaired. Got another maybe 100 shots and it detonated in my hands on the 3D course.
It was a wakeup call. at only 37#, there was still alot of energy released there and it was loud.
My only point is just continue to keep an eye on it as you continue to shoot it. I will say though I love the look of the elm backing.
BlackMocking Bird,
Sorry, I appologize, as I was not trying to or intending to "Bash" anyone, or act like a third grader and name call.
I just thought it possibly would have been better perhaps if you had sent the crticisim and suggestions privatly, thats all. I was just baseing it off how i would handle such a thing.
I do thank anyone who offers good honest advice, and shares thier experience with others like myself who are experince lacking, otherwise it would sure be a really steep, long and slow learning curve indded.
So I appologize, I should have taken my own advice and contacted you privatly to ask your intentions about your comments before posting as I did, sorry. I did not notice the smiliy face at the end, sorry, my bad, half blind you know
I can be a bit of a knuckele head sometimes, (like this) :smileystooges: :knothead: .
I do fully agree that helping to protect someone from a potentail bow explosion is pretty dang important advice. I am not as experienced as you and did not obviously see all the problems you experienced guys did see, about all i saw was some grain run off, but Iam still just a dumb newbie.
So again, sorry, i have nothing against you, and i have seen your skill, you are very talented, and I would count myself fortunate to have you offer advice when ever I do build a bow.
I'm glad I'm not a smarty pants, potty mouth like ole black birdie... :laughing: :deadhorse:
See ya Sunday Chris.... LOL
That's the other thing... us Pa guys are a bunch of smart @$$es... we jack each other, joke around, laugh when someone breaks a bow, walk up behind a newby and break a scrap piece of wood when he hits full draw for the first time with his new bow... LOL
So, its not easy to shut that off completely here for you sensitive types :)
walk up behind a newby and break a scrap piece of wood when he hits full draw for the first time with his new bow...
LMAO Jeff, I quit doing that trick. I did that to Randy on his third bow attempt and he about crapped his pants, then 5 minutes later the Boo blew up a splinter.. I felt so dumb:)
:thumbsup: no hard feelings here
mockingbird: First off, those are some terrific looking bows you've built, but I'm sure that I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. You already know that I'm new to bow making and maybe my decision to use that piece of elm for the backer was a dumb rookie mistake. I'm still learning and I will find out. If it splinters or breaks it's no skin off your nose, but maybe literally off mine and if that happens it will be my problem and not yours. Worst case is that I have to make another one and I enjoy doing that anyway. Believe me, if I thought your post was written as constructive criticism, I would have thanked you for the advice. I'm new to this forum, but I don't remember ever reading a post where someone was called out on the bow he posted and dared to show it at full draw. Pretty sure that would hit a nerve with anyone. Yeah, maybe I'm just thin skinned, but if you knew me, I doubt it. I don't care anyway.
If I would have know that a couple of pictures of what I think is a cool wood combination would have turned into this clusterf@#% I wouldn't have posted to begin with. I just wanted a chance to respond and probably will delete this whole mess if it's possible.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend. I know I will.
I got jacked a few times for not providing full draw pics.... didn't hit a nerve with me etall. I thought it was funny that it bothered them and then purposefully continued to withhold the pics just to torment them :)
Thanks for wanting to discuss this in a more civil manner...the only reason I asked for a full draw was because the most important detail to a natural materials bow is the tiller...the tiller will make or break a bow,and its what makes it a bow IMHO ...plenty of people ask for a full draw pic with natural material bows,and it is a very common practice to do so...so I wasn't calling you out or daring you as you perceived it..I just wanted to see the bow "bow" because I love seeing wood bend,and its the most important aspect of a natural materials bow,and you must've missed my winky smile at the end of my phrase ;) ...
Aww man, don't tell me this whole mess is on me because I took the winky smile the wrong way :knothead: Now I really wish I wouldn't have posted to begin with. Sorry for causing any ill will among you guys and I am way past ready to bury this subject and then bury the shovel. Hope you are good with that Mockingbird and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm thinking about grinding that backer off and replacing it with a better one. Still gotta be elm, though :rolleyes:
If anyone wants this whole post deleted just let me know. I'll do it gladly if I can figure out how.
Good job fellers, gotta be careful when you look at a winkie.
Hard to tell how its meant on a keyboard.
In person , a lil sly grin you can catch, but on the computer, you just can't tell.
I watched this whole thing go down and I'm glad it took this turn of events. Sure mockingbird is a jerk. He posted mean on my thread to. I'd probably rub my beard in his eye if I saw him. I'm pretty sure he buys his bows and then claims em as his own anyway so I don't let it bother me. Notice the lack of smileys in my post. Lol.
Having said that, congrats on your bow. He is right about the grain and that's something you will learn or most likely probably have. There is something to be said though about building a bow that should blow and doesn't. I have one called doa as in dead on arrival that o was told should never make it. It is still shooting today. However, now I know that it probably wasn't the best piece to use and have made adjustments. Again congrats on your bow and also congrats on the new information you have for the next one. Mocking bird is a jerk we all know, bit he is usually right. And now for a smileys to kelp it all civil.:-) that means I'm joking Chris.
I think yunzs all are full of it:)
Takefive, trust me here. I have over 5,400 posts on Trad Gang, 99% of them here on the Bowyers Bench. Every time someone makes a bow, it's standard to show the full draw picture. We sometimes call it the money shot. And why not? After all, that full draw picture is what we all drool over. That's what we build a bow to do.
I think you did over react, as did a couple others. But Hey, we got it all straightened out now. When a bow picture is posted on here, we all get a woody because we all have been there done that many times. We love the build alongs here when a guy shows pictures of the entire process. It's just cool as hell watching the materials turn into a bow. Your bow looks really nice, you did a great job, just a poor choice of a backing is all. You didn't know that back then, but you do now. That is all that counts.
Now about the other guys on here. Black Birdy Boy, Pearl Dumbs:) DVS, Bowjunkie, Kenny M, Vanilla Boy, Okie, and most of all, that Roy from Pa guy, we are all a bunch of agitators:) We jack around wif each other all the time, in jest.
However I will tell ya one thing, the Green Bay Packers are a bunch of sissy pants:) :laughing: :deadhorse:
Thanks for your take on this whole thing, Kenny and Chris. I've seen this happen so many times where the intent of a post gets misread that I thought I'd be the last one to step into a mess like this. And I sure didn't put enough thought into what was very obvious to you guys as far as the grain violation on my bow's back. Glad to hear about your doa bow and hope it stays a shooter for you. That gives me some hope for mine, although it's finally sunk in that I should shelve it, learn from my screw up, and show better judgement on the next one. And the same goes for my posting. Again, I apologize for the hard feelings I've caused. I'm all for shaking hands and moving on.
Good deal Greg on shaken hands. And we all can laugh about this now. But them Packers need pink skirts:) LOL
Everything was good till the Packer remark.Roy now you are on the list. :bigsmyl:
ROFLMAO............
Crap, just when cooler heads had prevailed, I had seen the error of my ways, and the waters calmed, Roy comes along and pees in the pool ;) Well, here's a winkie back atcha. You can diss my workbench, aka "where the magic happens", but ripping my Pack while I live 38 miles from Titletown ?! I remember a Super Bowl a few years back where they put a whuppin' on a certain PA team...
Comments from 49ers fans will be ignored. That one still hurts.
No hard feelings here man...its all good...and I'd rather discuss things and work things out like civil men....
Now that DVS fella..well..hes just another jealous man spitting out words driven by envy underneath... :smileystooges: ...jus kidding Dave ;)
Hey Roy...whos all on your thumpen list right now..surely I'm still in the top ten? :readit:
Glad to hear it Mockingbird. You do build great looking bows; those narrow tips are an eye catcher and I bet they shoot as good as they look. Hopefully there won't be a next time, but, yeah, a rational discussion sounds good to me. Sure would be nice if it were possible to have one with Roy, but... :laughing:
Does San Fran Cisco have a football team? :)
DVS is ok I guess..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/DVS.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/ROY-CHRIS/media/DVS.jpg.html)
But I heard he likes Sheep:) LMAO
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/sheep.png) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/ROY-CHRIS/media/sheep.png.html)
Baaaaa logna!
Oh Roy,
God it's no woder we all love you, you keep us all laughing so hard we cry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you even get some good advice thrown in with all the ration of razz once in a great while :biglaugh:
LOL Frosty Boy.. I'd much rather see funny stuff on here than guys not getting along. Thank God we got everything cleared up and it's all in the past. I guess the Packers are Ok too:)
Your off the list.
LOL