"Stiffening up" self bows ....*results*

[PEARL DRUMS]

What was a 65", 40# @ 29" hickory self bow with 4" of follow is now a 61" 55# @ 29 sinew backed (3 layers) hickory self bow with 1" of reflex, for now. I didnt expect this good of results by any stretch. This pic is right off the form. I have some tiller tweaking to do and Im good to go. Thanks for the tips guys!      

[Art B]

     

[scrub-buster]

That turned out great.

[Roy from Pa]

Looks whip tillered:)

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Good job Pearl!

[Pat B]

By George, I think you've got it! Nice fix!

[NTD]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Looks whip tillered:)

That's funny Roy    

Although this mid limb tillering thing you've got going on sure is making it have the same end result of whip tiller.  That's some hardcore string angle.  Do not be afraid of working inner limbs...  

[Knawbone]

That deserves an ataboy, looks good

[PEARL DRUMS]

Nate I touched up the inners every so slightly and called it good. This bow was actually tillered years ago with a full arc. The bow shoots a mean arrow now! Im just happy as hell I can actually use it. It sat for SO many years on my rack and I "proudly" called it my first self bow, but never strung it or shot it because it was so light and sluggish. She aint no more!

[T Folts]

Good job

[PEARL DRUMS]

What I learned with this project is to not be afraid to try something on a bow that would otherwise be useless. Hopefully it will inspire somebody else to give it a try. This bow is now a full fledged big game hunting bow...Dont give up on a bow until it gives up on you! Thanks for all the kind words all.................except you Roy Boy from PA SS.....!

[Pat B]

Good things happen to those who wait...for the right experience! d;^)

[eagleone]

nice work pd!  how much sinew did you use for 3 layers?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Very, very little. My bag runneth over still. I am going to guess about 100-150 strands total per limb?

[GREG IN MALAD]

How much poundage did the sinew add? I was suprised how little sinew it takes to back a bow. I shredded 3 elk and 2 deer legs and I still have a pretty good size pile left over.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Greg I didnt scale the bow after I trimmed it down, or before sinew. My guess is 6-8# from the sinew and about 6-8# from the shortening bow. I was amazed at how little I used as well. I have enough left for 10 bows. I seen your pic and it much smoother than mine. I think I figured out how to make it smoother for the next time though!

[GREG IN MALAD]

After the last layer had dried a bit I filled in the low spots with extra sinew.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I figured out too late that I can comb the sinew out, then flip the comb over and use the back to flatten it right out prior to dipping it in glue, that made my 1/4" wide bundles about 3/4" wide and very smooth and flat. Lesson learned!