Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 01:32:00 PM
Hopefully, I will build all my gear from materials found localy and show you the process as I go along from gathering materials in 2005 & 2006 till I harvest some meat in early October 2006.
This is niether a right way or wrong way build-along, but just the way I do it. A show of proof that someone willing to make his own gear,,, weapon and all, can do it, and without spending hardly any cash.
This is my little way of getting back at the high dollar, money making hunting gear industry.
Needed Hunting Equipment list:
13 Arrow shafts - (see pg.#1, #2 & #3)
Fletching - (see pg.#1 & #2)
12 Broadheads -
(Small game point see pg. #20)
(Big game points see pg. #21)
Selfbow's;
(Osage see pg. #1, #6, #7, #8, #9 & #10)
(Locust see pg. #10, #11 & #12)
(Osage see pg. #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 & #17)
Bow handle wrap and floppy arrow shelf - (see pg. #16, #17)
Bow backing - (see pg. #1, #2, #10, #11 & #12)
Limb tip overlays - (see pg.#1, #2, #9, #10, #11)
Bow string - (see pg. #9)
String silencers - (see pg. #19)
String holder - (see pg. #20)
Arm guard - (see pg.#17)
Quiver - (see pg.#3, #2, #4, #5, #10, #15, #16)
Finger tabs or shooting glove - (see pg.#18)
Hunting Knives - (see pg. #21)
I would need a fat wallet to go to the local bow shop and purchase that list!
UPDATED SUCCESS STORY - NOVEMBER 5TH, 2006:
Hunting pictures - (see pg. #25 & 27)
10 Point, Ohio Buck - (see pg. #25 & #27)
Let's start with the preperations.
I located last winter, a stand of rivercane. It is 120 miles round trip from my home and I cut a couple dozen shafts to dry out. Not really sure if this is actual rivercane, but that is what I call it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/daytrips053.jpg)
Using an 11/32 POC shaft to guage the diameter of the knock end of the shaft, I cut the rivercane about 36" to 40" long. Stripped the sheaths from them, tied them together in bundles of 13 shafts and placed them on the drying rack.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/rca1.jpg)
My wife havested her first wild Ohio gobbler in spring 2005. My home made Osage snake skin turkey box call was to blame for this turkeys demise. Forgive her for the shot gun, she is not confident enough with a bow, but if I have anything to do with it, she will be next season.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/day119.jpg)
Anyway between her bird, mine and turkey wing donations from a couple buddies of mine, I made out with plenty of fletching material & wingbone call material to boot!
During our turkey hunts, I managed to procure a large black snake for bow backing as well.
Now, I know all the bad points about taking blacksnakes, but when you need materials, you take it when you can get it. So, no lectures please.
Here are some of the materials I got from 2005 turkey season. I kept everything in the freezer until I needed it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1springharves-1.jpg)
Here is a wingbone call made from one of the turkeys we harvested. Never know, I may call in a fall turkey early season!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/wingbonetradgang.jpg)
I cut my own bow wood and have always done so. Locate it,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bucksawosage1.jpg)
hand cut it, with my late great grandfathers buck saw
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bucksawosage12.jpg)
shoulder carry it out to my jeep wrangler
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bucksawosage13.jpg)
To Be Continued,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 01:59:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z6-1.jpg)
Then they are put in the screened room drying rack, along with the bundles of rivercane shafts you see lying in the floor of this picture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Bucksawriviercane.jpg)
Well lets see,,, I have now got myself, for no cost to me at all;
Fletching
Arrow shafts
Bow backing
Bow wood
This did take time to gather. I can imagine that the natives did this continualy to keep on hand the natural materials needed to survive.
These store bought materials I will need were only purchased because, I have not taken the time to learn to fabricate them myself;
Bow string material (Dacron B-50)
Cordage
Glue
To Be Continued,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 02:38:00 PM
I un-wrap the bundles of rivercane and start studying them to find the node on the shaft that will be my knock end of the arrow. I then cut the shaft 3' or so above the node I select to be my knock. and cut the other end at a lenght of around 30' or so.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z4rivercane2-1.jpg)
Here is the knock end of the arrow. It is close to 11/32 and cut just above the node on the stem. This solid node will be the bottom of my knock. If you don't use a node for the knock the bow string will split the shaft unless you utilize a hardwood plug for the knock. I prefer this method.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z4rivercane3-1.jpg)
Now I need to straighten them out. I clamp my heat gun in the vise and heat the shaft, trying not to scorch it to bad. When it gets hot enough I bend it with my hands and eyeball it till I am satisfied with it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z5rivercane-1.jpg)
Here it is before I striaghten the shaft,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z5rivercane1-1.jpg)
This is after it is to my liking. Not perfect, but at 15 yards it wont need to be perfect. It will probably get another treatment before its complete with broadhead anyways.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z5rivercane2.jpg)
This si how I cut the string knocks in my shafts. As most do, I use three hacksaw blades taped together. I eyeball the center of the shaft and cut it down till I reach the solid part of the node on the rivercane shaft.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z5rivercane3.jpg)
Checking to make sure I am stopping at the top of the node.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z5rivercane4.jpg)
Using a sheet of 100 grit sand paper I round off the tips of my new self knocks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z6rivercane.jpg)
To be continued,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Post by: NorthShoreLB on July 15, 2006, 02:42:00 PM
Post by: ky_longbow on July 15, 2006, 02:55:00 PM
cool thread- ill be watching this one-
hey the shotgun aint no problem- too me anyway-
at least your wife is out enjoying the outdoors-
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Brian Halbleib on July 15, 2006, 02:59:00 PM
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 03:08:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/zrivercane2.jpg)
I like 5" fletch so I find on hte rear end of the feather the smallest part of the quill that will be the best base for the feather and measure up the quil 5" and cut the feather to my fletch size.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/zrivercane3.jpg)
Once the feather is cut to size, I use a utility knife to slice the quill down the middle to split it in two halfs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/zrivercane4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z2rivercane.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z3rivercane.jpg)
Now I shape the fletch by using three cuts to find my shape (1)straight across to get the hieght
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z3rivercane3.jpg)
(2) to get the angle
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z3rivercane4.jpg)
(3) to finish of the rear end which will also give me someting to wrap the fletching to the shaft
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z4rivercane.jpg)
Note the front end of the fletch,,, I leave this just because I like the looks of it and it will assist in tying it to the shaft as you may soon see.
To Be Continued,,,,,,,,,,,,
Post by: Dano on July 15, 2006, 03:09:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on July 15, 2006, 03:18:00 PM
Post by: Adam Keiper on July 15, 2006, 03:26:00 PM
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 15, 2006, 03:34:00 PM
Post by: One eye on July 15, 2006, 03:36:00 PM
dan
Post by: Shaun on July 15, 2006, 03:47:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 04:02:00 PM
Now I've got to get around 13 arrows to find the best 3 or 4 that will fly right for the deer hunting. The ones that wont fly will be stump shooters and Hail Mary's.
I start tying the fletch from front to rear. I mark on the shaft where the cock and rear end of the fletching will end on the shaft allowing room for my fingers but still clearing the shelf at brace.
Marking the cock feather location and where to end the fletch towrds the knock end of the arrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z6rivercane2.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 04:27:00 PM
The pic above is the first knot that I tie around the first fletch. For this I am using the artificial sinew I bought for about $6.00 from the local craft store.
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 04:55:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z6rivercane4.jpg)
Then add in the second fletch and give it one wrap around and behind the high tang of the second fletch with the sinew.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z7rivercane.jpg)
After the third and final fletching is added with another wrap of sinew. Start the same thread of sinew up the fletch
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z7rivercane1.jpg)
Trying to keep an even flow up through the flethings and around the shaft
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z7rivercane2-1.jpg)
I push the rear of the feathers down so I can start wrapping the sinew tightly around the clean area of the rear end of the fletcing
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z7rivercane3-1.jpg)
Post by: Islandlongbow on July 15, 2006, 05:11:00 PM
Thanks Osagetree
Jerry
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 05:21:00 PM
Wrapping the sinew all the way to the bottom of the node at the knock end of the shaft will provide extra insurance the shaft wont split.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z7rivercane4.jpg)
I'll use the small doubled over piece of sinew laying on the table. While doubled over and holding it against the wrapping and shaft, I'll wrap it around the loop about ten times, cut it off and run the end through the loop.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z8rivercane2.jpg)
Taking the two ends of the loop the string is pulled back through under the wrapping leaving no knots to catch on anything.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z8rivercane3.jpg)
Now I get the front of the fletching in place and wrap the front end using the same meathod with the loop string pulling the last ten or so wraps under the sinew wrapping.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z8rivercane4.jpg)
When I get it finished I use some super glue to really set it all in place and it wont come unraveled for many shots
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z9rivercane.jpg)
If I keep this up I'll have a bakers dozen by next week
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/zrivercane1.jpg)
Stay Tuned,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Post by: cdi3d on July 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
Mike
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on July 15, 2006, 06:07:00 PM
Post by: TexMex on July 15, 2006, 06:29:00 PM
I the arrow shafts look like bamboo, to me anyways. :) the leave on the rivercane wraps the node the this looks like there is a little stem coming off to one side.
Thanks for sharing.
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 08:08:00 PM
Like I said switchcane, rivercane, bamboo,,, I don't know but it is what I've been using. This stuff only gets about 15 foot and the biggist stalks are only an inch or so. The stalk does have a sheath at the node, but like you say, it does have a small leaf branch at the node as well.
Thanks for your input.
And thanks to the rest of the gang for the nice comments!
:D
Post by: Osagetree on July 15, 2006, 08:22:00 PM
After it is dry I'll scrap off the salt and roll up the skin to save for the backing on my selfbow. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/6snakeskin.jpg)
Post by: 4runr on July 15, 2006, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: Jim Spencer on July 15, 2006, 08:47:00 PM
Post by: knife river on July 15, 2006, 09:38:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 16, 2006, 07:23:00 AM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on July 16, 2006, 09:57:00 AM
Post by: TimBow2 on July 16, 2006, 05:46:00 PM
Post by: UK Bowman on July 16, 2006, 08:31:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 17, 2006, 10:52:00 AM
The wife and I over the past two weekends have picked 16 qrts of blackberries and over a gallon of thimble berries.
Always thinking of gathering while in the woods,,, I remembered Brians post of the cane arrows he made for 4nolz.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z99thimbleberry.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z99berrypicking.jpg)
I got to try something similar.
So here goes,,,
One cup of thimble berries for the red color and one cup of blackberies for the black color,,, I hope. Heated them up in the microwave for a minute or so to make them easier to mush up with a wooden spoon.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Berrystains.jpg)
Berry mash'n
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Berrystains1.jpg)
Pour mashed berries into a piece of ace bandage and squeze out the juice into a juice glass.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Berrystains4.jpg)
Now I have the juice I can't wait to try them out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Berrystains5.jpg)
The six arrows already fletched will probably stay natural, but the rest I may stain if this works for me.
Dang the stain is not as visible as I like. The natural waterproofing of the rivercane won't absorb the stain.
I sanded a couple and this is what I got. There is a plain one in the pic to compare the result. Can you tell the black arrow from the red?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/blackredgreenrivercanearrow1.jpg)
I think I will let the juice evaporate a couple days, maybe it will be more concentrated and work better.
I hate to sand off the rivercane natural seal.
Post by: Shaun on July 17, 2006, 11:35:00 AM
Post by: Shakes.602 on July 17, 2006, 11:47:00 AM
Post by: Shakes.602 on July 17, 2006, 01:00:00 PM
I am going to do some Fletching like You just did, but didnt know what the Purpose with the Front of those Feathers. You are doing some excellent work Joseph, more Artistry than Work I think. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Post by: Pat B on July 17, 2006, 02:14:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 17, 2006, 05:32:00 PM
The tang on the feather helps me hold the feather with the string while tying it on. I like the looks of them also. sometimes it effects the flight of the arrow. When it's noticible in the flight of the arrow,,, I wack'm off.
Pat B,
Always warm water wash with a little dawn dish liquid, then a cold water rinse before glueing down the skin. Never have experienced any problems this way.
Post by: Osagetree on July 17, 2006, 06:03:00 PM
Just gathering materials for my home grown hunting gear,,, again!
What kind of goodies can I find here?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Gatheringcattails4.jpg)
Cattails??? You may ask why?
Well you see the Native North Americans used this for a wide variety of things. It was gathered and used for wigwams, flour, insulation, foods and medicines.
So, I slip on the waders, and in I go.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Gatheringcattails.jpg)
I ain't here cause I'm hungry! I want to make an arrow quiver.
Never done this before, so hang on for a bumpy ride,,, I figure anyways.
This one is coming from my own thoughts and a thread that inspired me here on the TRADGANG.
Please bear with me :scared:
Select the longest reeds you can find. August would be a better time to gather the reeds as they will be at their longest point durring the year. You can use a knife, but you dont really need one. Cut the reed close to the stalk.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Gatheringcattails2.jpg)
You may recognize the knife. It was given to me by ADKMOUNTAINKEN one of Tradgangs very own. I gave him a box call and he sends me a knife,,,, what a site to belong to.
Not real sure how many I need so I gather several bunches a little at a time.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Gatheringcattails1.jpg)
Always keep an eye for snakes,,, might need another skin for backing :smileystooges:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Gatheringcattails3.jpg)
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 17, 2006, 06:06:00 PM
Thank you Sir for the buildalong(s)
F-Manny
Post by: Osagetree on July 17, 2006, 06:36:00 PM
Here I found some small willow thickets. Could'nt get any pictures because the camera was full up.
I cut over a dozen arrow size shoots about 5 foot long to use as a sturdy frame in the quiver. Got a little carried away cutting them but, you never know this may not be my only quiver I make.
Anyways, I got the reeds and willow shoots back to the house.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/preparingwillowandcattail.jpg)
I spread the reeds out in the sun on a screen for my front door, so that the air will dry them evenly. If you dry them in the shade the reed will stay green longer. Drying in the sun turns them to a tan color,,, so I am told.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/preparingwillowandcattail1.jpg)
Then I started on the willow shoots. Starting at the top of the shoot the bark is easily peeled with your fingers,,, if their good and green like these are.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/preparingwillowandcattail3.jpg)
I peeled these in about a half hour.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/preparingwillowandcattail4.jpg)
Using my uncanny & accurate system for making a quiver out of this stuff,,, I cut the willow shoots to a length of 50".
The small end (top) is a little bigger than a pencil lead and the big end (bottom) is,,,, well as big as it is....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/preparingwillowandcattail5.jpg)
Along with berry pick'n this was a good mornings work for a white eye! :archer:
It's a good thing I got an understanding wife,,, you see the willow shoots are soaking in warm water in my bathtub. She dind'nt say anything when I took out the screen from our front door to dry the reeds on. But, I really don't know what she'll say when she goes to take a shower later tonight.
I'll let the willow shoots soak over night in hopes with a little heat I can bend them where they need bending.
Stay tuned,,,,,,,,
Post by: Osagetree on July 18, 2006, 10:47:00 AM
So, I tried steam bending. The steam worked but, I could not get the extreme bend accomplished I needed for the bottom of the quiver. The shoots would eventualy break before I got them where I needed them to be.
Back to the drawing board!
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 18, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Could these willow shoots be used as arrow shaft material?
Thanks,
F-Manny
Post by: Marvin M. on July 18, 2006, 11:49:00 AM
Great build-along. I've been watching a Cattail patch at the golf course close to my house -- waiting till later in the year to harvest the reeds. Looking forward to seeing what you are doing with this.
Marvin
Post by: Osagetree on July 18, 2006, 02:55:00 PM
Here we go with plan "B"!
Not wanting to give up on the willows being incorperated into the quiver, I had to come up with another idea as I could not get them to bend to make the bottom of the quiver the way I had wanted.
The cattails will not be sturdy enough on their own. I need a sturdy frame and that is what the willows are for. Just can't figure how to get it all to come togeter at the bottom without being cut by broadheads or looking like,,, well crap.
I tried a dried gourd I had as the base for the quiver, but trashed it when I was cutting slots for the tie on.
Then I had another idea,,, Don't know if it is the heat in the shop today that is making me think crazy, but this one just might work!
I had an old linemans belt I've been slowly cutting up for projects. This stuff is about 1/4" thick.I used this stuff for the base on my last all leather quiver, it worked great!
I cut a 3 3/4" diameter circle and drilled 8 holes evenly around the perimeter of the leather circle cut out. Then I took the fat end (Bottom) of the willow shoots and shaped on a knob by thinning the rest of the shaft with the belt sander.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverplanB.jpg)
Close up shot of the end on the willow branches.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverplanB1.jpg)
There set my blackberry stain evaporating on the bench,,, I could not resist staining the leather and willow frame of the quiver. It should give the cattails nice contrast,,,, I don't know.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverplanB2.jpg)
The four holes in the middle of the base were already there. But, they'll make good air holes for keepng it dry inside.
The willows were hard work getting through the holes that I drilled in the leather base that is intended to be the bottom of the quiver,,, gave me some blisters.
The base will not come over the knobs left on the willow shaft,,, for sure!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverplanB3.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 18, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
I'm sure it would, if it's all you could get for arrow materials,,, it could work after drying well. My heat gun sure tempered them to a degree of hardness. But, my concern would be keeping them straight and spine issues.
I would not use it because I have rivercane and wildrose, and it is just as prevelent as the willows.
Anyone else may have other opinions.
I am by no means any kind of expert on anything, but I know a little about alot. LOL I just like gathering, hunting, primitive living, tools and gear.
Post by: TexMex on July 18, 2006, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 18, 2006, 08:18:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Kaylashooting2.jpg)
Post by: Jeremy on July 19, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
Quote
I be growing this one for 19 years.I don't care who you are, that there is funny!
Nice shot! Her form is a fair bit better than mine too!
Post by: TexMex on July 19, 2006, 12:06:00 PM
BTW, You're a good farmer. ;)
Post by: DeanD on July 19, 2006, 12:41:00 PM
This thread is incredible. I am very very impressed with your knowledge of Native North Americans and your ingenuity in using the "fruits of the land" to make your weapon. Wish I could think like that....
Dean
Post by: TimBow2 on July 19, 2006, 12:43:00 PM
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 19, 2006, 05:26:00 PM
I do not have wild rosed or river cane here in Quebec so I might try willow!
F-Manny
Post by: ChuckC on July 20, 2006, 12:44:00 PM
Chuck
Post by: Jason Lester on July 20, 2006, 03:25:00 PM
That is a cool pic of your daughter. That has to be the best pic of the actual release I have seen. I've caught an arrow in flight but never a release. Very cool.
BTW Nice to see your daughter in to shooting. Most girls her age have nothing to do with that kind of stuff.
Post by: Osagetree on July 20, 2006, 04:24:00 PM
Wish I could figure it out. Seen a couple recurves posted on the gang the other day,,, cant remember whos thread but, man the recurves on those selfbows were extreme! Hows he do that?
SnailSkin, Just a lucky picture of the release.
And everyone,,, thanks for all the nice comments!
Post by: Osagetree on July 20, 2006, 08:27:00 PM
It seems when you rehidrate the reeds there is a certain point when they are limber enough to work but, if you soak'm to long they seem to want to fall apart at the edges when they are twisted up to use as twine in the quiver.
15 minutes soak time is good, 45 min soak time not so good. It's not that critical but, I will keep it in mind for the future.
I pulled the reeds from their soak bath of cool water and holding one end to keep it from spinning, I roll the reed with the palm of my other hand to twist the reed into a twine.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase2.jpg)
When the reed is let go it will un-twist itself but, it will make it easier to twist with my fingers when going in and out, and around the blackberry stained, willow quiver frame.
Cattail after initial twisting on bench top.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase3.jpg)
I needed something to hold the frame as I add in the cattail reeds. So, I cut an old cardboard tube and used rubber bands to hold the frame in place while I tie in the cattail twine.
I kinda stole this idea from a thread on the Tradgang that inspired me to make this quiver. Thanks for the post and inspired idea!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverframeup.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 20, 2006, 08:27:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase1.jpg)
Shot of the bottom.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase.jpg)
For the third run I slipped the end of the twine under the first two runs and tied a knot in the end to hold it in place as I ran the rest of the twine around the frame in the same fasion as the first two runs
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase4.jpg)
Making the third run around the base of the quiver.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase5.jpg)
I started to put in a couple more runs but after thinking if I had thought before to have another run of reeds running the opposite direction,,, I lst the heart and wanted to get on up the quiver with this cattial twine.
So, this will be the final look to the bottom of the quiver.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase6.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tieonleatherbase7.jpg)
Post by: longbowhntr on July 20, 2006, 08:48:00 PM
This is one of the best threads I think I have seen in while.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
David
Post by: Osagetree on July 21, 2006, 07:45:00 PM
Once I was satisfied with the base of the quiver it was time to get some material going horizontaly around the vertical willow shoots.
Very simply I started by tying a knot at one end of the cattail and around a vertical shoot. Then to the next shoot and around it and on to the next and around it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/horizontals.jpg)
When I had ran out of that reed I tied on anothe to the end of the first and just kept going round and round. When tying the reeds together end to end I tried to tie them so they would be on the inside and would not be as visible when finished.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/horizontals1.jpg)
Here it is after a couple hours work. I seem to be getting a little tighter as I go up and the top is now 3 1/2" diameter. I don't want it to get any smaller than that so, I'll watch it close from here on out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/horizontals3.jpg)
Here is a closer look at the simple weave of cattail twine.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/horizontals4.jpg)
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on July 21, 2006, 09:31:00 PM
Post by: ChuckC on July 21, 2006, 10:48:00 PM
My wife suggested that you could get by with willow sticks half as thick as what you started with. Guess that may help with the bending. Also keep the quiver lighter in weight. You are out of my league already so I'm just gonna watch. Thanks
Chuck
Post by: adkmountainken on July 21, 2006, 11:29:00 PM
Post by: cjones on July 22, 2006, 04:01:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on July 22, 2006, 03:57:00 PM
So, I un-wound all the reed and boy was it a long twisted mess. As an experiment I soaked it in the tub all night in hopes I could re-use it. And, when I got up this morning I re-wrapped the reed, making the inside of the quiver a little larger.
You can see in the picture, the dark green is the reed that soaked all night and is still wet, the light green is what I soaked and twisted today. It should even out when dried completly.
The quiver should hold 4 to 5 arrows.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/workingquiver1.jpg)
Going to go and try to finish off the top,,, I got another idea!
Post by: vermonster13 on July 22, 2006, 04:07:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 22, 2006, 10:10:00 PM
It was not to hard as I used a small pick to fish the reed over and under every two runs of the horizontal twine.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/verticalreeds1.jpg)
Finished pattern
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/verticalreeds.jpg)
I hope to finish up the top end tomorrow
Post by: mcowie on July 23, 2006, 12:23:00 AM
Your an inspiration to us all. I went out yesterday an picked a mess of raspberrys and stained half a dozen hew shafts. They came our quite nice, thanks for the idea.
Post by: mqqse on July 23, 2006, 12:33:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on July 23, 2006, 09:27:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/topfinishing.jpg)
To finish off and stiffen up the top, I cut some rivercane to size and with large enough hole to run the twine through....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/topfinishing1.jpg)
Close up, before I tie it all in.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/topfinishing2.jpg)
Post by: Huntrdfk on July 23, 2006, 10:00:00 AM
David
Post by: boatman on July 23, 2006, 11:58:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on July 23, 2006, 12:23:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingup.jpg)
After the cane was tied in place, I wrapped the top with reed that was not twisted but left flat, and by going around a couple of the horizontal twine runs to sinch it all together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingup1.jpg)
Then I cut off the willow shoots flush to the top. I intend to wrap this again when it dries out a bit more,,, just to make it neater looking.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingup2.jpg)
Okay I got to finish up a strap so I can carry this thing, but I am almost done.
But first,,, I got to see what my new rivercane arrows look like sitting inside this cattail quiver!
Be right back!
Post by: cdi3d on July 23, 2006, 01:19:00 PM
Mike
Post by: Osagetree on July 23, 2006, 02:59:00 PM
Here is the cattail quiver and 6 rivercane arrows.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingup5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingup6.jpg)
Well lets see,,, I have now got myself, for no cost to me at all;
Fletching
Arrow shafts
Bow backing
Bow wood
Quiver
Post by: blacktailchaser on July 24, 2006, 12:34:00 AM
Post by: Emmons on July 24, 2006, 01:14:00 AM
Post by: TimBow2 on July 24, 2006, 07:03:00 AM
Post by: Stickbow98 on July 24, 2006, 08:17:00 AM
Post by: skeaterbait on July 25, 2006, 01:28:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 25, 2006, 04:16:00 PM
October is the plan.
Check back I will be stripping Osage bark and white wood soon!
Post by: Osagetree on July 25, 2006, 07:26:00 PM
This is osage that was cut and split in Feb. 2005
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z11.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/z9-1.jpg)
I selected the osage stave on the left from the logs above for this project. Also to allow for a margin of error, I am also going to make a locust selfbow.
You all are watching as I create all this gear in hopes to see a harvest this fall,,, I want a back up as we go just incase I miss the draw weight or goof one up badly.
The locust on the right was cut in 2005 within a week of the osage being cut. These staves are not the best,,, but neither am I! They are over 70" at this point.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ToolsandStaves1.jpg)
These are the tools I will be using to cut up these not so perfect examples of rough bow staves. Trying to remain as traditional or in my case primitive as possible these will be my only tools durring this build,,, oops I did forget to mention the sand paper! You may also notice the blacksnake skin lying there for backing and the whitetail antler from a earlier harvest of mine that I will use for tip overlay's.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ToolsandStaves2.jpg)
Please let me warn you again,,, you are watching as I go along. I never can tell how much time in a week I'll be able to build and post. I may never use a specific bow patern or style. I may goof up or use some questionable tactics to get the job done. But, I will try my best!
Thanks for all the very nice comments so far, but everyone should disregard any personal resistance to reply with critical criticism. This criticism will only make me more detirmined to complete the goal I set for myself and my homegrown hunting gear.
Besides, the moral to this thread is, you don't have to spend alot of money to have fun and feed the family. It's not about the right way or wrong way, but about making with your own hands and natures materials,,, simple, but effective hunting tools and gear.
Post by: TimBow2 on July 25, 2006, 10:23:00 PM
Post by: Longbow_Jim on July 25, 2006, 10:34:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on July 26, 2006, 02:12:00 AM
Those radical recurves you saw were by a friend of mine, Brad Merkel (Little Tree Bows) of Wisconsin. He boils the wood to get it to bend that far.
Love your quiver and the whole idea of building a full set from idea to harvest. Keep it coming.
Post by: Drifter on July 26, 2006, 01:28:00 PM
So what did you use for a strap and how did you attach it? Great thread by the way!
Post by: Osagetree on July 26, 2006, 05:13:00 PM
Drifter,
Well see, I never really finished the quiver or the rivercane arrows,,, not yet anyway.
When the set is more complete, I will return to apply the finishing touches. That way, it keep's you wondering.
!["[tunglaff]"]("graemlins/tunglaff.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Osagetree on July 26, 2006, 05:20:00 PM
Thanks for the invite Shuan!
Post by: 4runr on July 26, 2006, 05:36:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on July 26, 2006, 09:00:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Sizing1-1.jpg)
With the first victim being osage, the bark is stripped off by using a vise to hold the stave and my draw knife welded upside down. Using the beveled edge down on the draw knife helps prevent me from taking to big of a bite and allows me more control. I do most of the wood removal in this way.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Chasingosagering1.jpg)
Then I remove the white wood from the stave. If you don't know what white wood is, it is the wood just under the bark.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Chasingosagering.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 27, 2006, 04:30:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Chasingosagering4.jpg)
When all the white wood is gone I'll start chasing a ring for the back of the bow. The rings in this stave are paper thin. I did not realize that when I picked this stave from the wood pile for this project. I had sealed the ends with a white paint sealer/primer and could not see the rings, so I grabbed it because it was the straightest one I have seasoned out.
It took me one hour to saw the osage stave to lenght, de-bark the stave, remove the white wood and chase a single ring end to end with the draw knife. The osage stave has a nice barg prop shape to it, only about 5/8" thick on the limb tips and about 2 1/2" wide. Not muchwood left! But I'll try and make do....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Chasingosagering7.jpg)
I'm ready to see what's in this locust stave next!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Chasingosagering8.jpg)
Look,,, free kindling :smileystooges:
Post by: Bodie on July 27, 2006, 05:02:00 PM
This is the most informative thread I have ever seen,keep it coming :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworth
y:
Eric
Post by: Osagetree on July 28, 2006, 06:43:00 PM
Check out the build along section on tradgangs main page,,, this aint noth'n compared to the other guy's stuff!
There's a lot better builds than mine on here!
My stuff is amature seat of the pants in comparison to some!
:readit:
Post by: Osagetree on July 28, 2006, 07:02:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stripinglocustandrings.jpg)
You can see as I remove the white wood as seen at the top of this stave end that the first ring can be used as the back. But, I went one ring below the first ring. The first ring seems harder to chase than the second. I can just feel the rings better through the draw knife and the harder wood of the first ring.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stripinglocustandrings1.jpg)
So I strip off the white wood and get under the first ring and trail it to the other end of the stave,,, of course this side will be the back of the bow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stripinglocustandrings2.jpg)
After I had a single ring for the back I turned the stave on its side to remove some areas that were to thin, front to back to be able to work. I used the rasp to make quick work of it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stripinglocustandrings3.jpg)
So,,, here we are with two narly staves that might make better firewood than a bow or two.
But, this is what I gathered and this is what I'll have to use!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stripinglocustandrings4.jpg)
I'll study these stave's for a while and come up with a style or pattern that best fits them.
See ya soon!
Post by: Billy on July 29, 2006, 12:07:00 AM
Post by: hs6181 on July 29, 2006, 01:52:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on July 29, 2006, 12:17:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout.jpg)
When I have the line where I want it, I mark the limb tips 3/8" wide. and marked the center where the handle will be with a red pencil.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout4.jpg)
Starting at the center of the handle, I measure 3 1/2" out on each side. Then from the center mark on the handle, I measure out 2" on each side and mark that as well. This leaves 2" at each side of the handles center for a 4" handle. From the end of the handle there is another 1 1/2" out to the next mark for the fades.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout3.jpg)
Following the string with the red pencil, I mark a permenent center line from end to end of the stave and remove the string.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout6.jpg)
Then I mark each limb at mid-limb from the end of the fade mark to the end of the stave with the pencil and measue 1 1/2" wide even across the center line mark.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout2.jpg)
At the marks for the handle and fades I started out at the center of the handle being 1 1/4" wide, the ends of the handle being 1 1/8" wide and the ends of the fades being 1 3/8" wide. The I just conected the marks to outline the handle area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout7.jpg)
Then I connect the dots from the handle to mid-limb then out to the 3/8" tips using a flexible straight edge or ruler. This gives me the outline of the finished bow to follow when I am removing wood on the sides of the stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustlayout8.jpg)
I got to clean up the shop a bit before I continue!
Post by: Osagetree on July 29, 2006, 02:11:00 PM
My luck a wall decoration!
Using the the same procedure as above for the handle, I mark the stave all the way around at the center end of handle and end of fades.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout1.jpg)
Using the string again, I line up the ends for a straight center line and mark the tip at center. I won't use a center line from end to end on this one, and the limbs will curve a bit to avoid the areas on the back of the stave where there is not enough wood left to work. As you can see,,, It's a little thin for a stave and twisted like a barg prop.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout2.jpg)
When I had the string on the stave to mark the center of the tips, I also marked the center of the handle.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout3.jpg)
Turning the stave on its side and to the side with the best thickness (most), I use the rasp to get a good edge out to mid-limb. This will be the edge of the finished limb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout4.jpg)
The widest this limb will let me go is 1 1/4". So, I mark this limb at the handle and at mid-limb from the side of the stave I have just worked with the rasp to 1 1/4" wide. I then mark the limb tips at 3/8" wide and connect the dots.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout6.jpg)
Then I do the same thing on the other limb of the stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout8.jpg)
Using the center line I marked in the handle aera when I stright lined it with the string, I marked the center of the hande at 1 1/4", end of handle 1 1/8" end of fade at 1 1/4".
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout10.jpg)
Then I connect the dots at the handle.
Close enough for rural work!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Osagelayout11.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 30, 2006, 09:46:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline.jpg)
Then I use the rasp to take the wood down to the pencil line. I try and keep in mind to keep the sides of the stave square to the back of the bow stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline3.jpg)
This part of the osage stave is a concern. The wood is thin from front to back and the wood was ripped off the back of the stave in this area making the edge very concerning.
As I layed out the pattern on the bow I tried to avoid this area being in the bow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline4.jpg)
So, in doing that,,, when I square this side off with the rasp I get a thicker portion of the stave in that area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline5.jpg)
Flip the stave around in the vise and do the other limb in the same manner.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline6.jpg)
Got to admit,,, I dont hold much confidence in this osage stave at the moment. For a big game bow that is, but we'll see!
The curve in the limb before the vise is intentional. This was to avoid the area where the wood was ripped from the back of the stave when the log was initially split.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline8.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on July 30, 2006, 10:11:00 AM
(1) The limbs aren't as wide as I would like.
(2) The wood on this stave is real thin on one side of the back of the stave.
(3) It is a little twisted and wavy, to say the least.
(4) There is a knot in the tip, of one end of the stave.
Oh well, I'm obligated now.
So,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Here is a knot that I hope I avoided in the pattern.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline9.jpg)
Here is the thin spot, that will be almost impossible to avoid and the reason why I went so thin on limb width.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline10.jpg)
This is a shot of the profiles of both bow staves after they are reduced to the pattern lines.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline11.jpg)
And a shot of them with the flat of the handle facing the camera.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/takeoffwoodtoOutline12.jpg)
Well I aint discouraged enough yet to quit on these staves.
Post by: charlie brown on July 30, 2006, 04:04:00 PM
Charlie Brown.
Post by: Bible5 on July 30, 2006, 04:45:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 10:02:00 AM
I start at the end of the fades and measure 9/16" thick (back to belly) on the limb and on both sides of the limb. I had to go this thin to get down to the thinest parts, of the thinest limb on the stave.
With the rings paper thin and my poor tillering, this bow will probably set more than I want it to. And, the draw weight I will need is questionable. Ohio law requires at least a 45# draw weight.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping1.jpg)
Flip the stave around and I do the other linb in the same fashion.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping3.jpg)
All of this gives me a nice line to follow when removing wood from the belly of the stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping2.jpg)
I mark the ends of the handle at 1 1/8" and draw in the fades.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping4.jpg)
With the stave turned in the vise belly up. I follow the two lines with a rasp as I remove the wood down to each line. This way when I remove the wood I will follow the twist in the limbs while keeping a uniforn thickness from the end of the fades to the tips of the limbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping6.jpg)
Here is the ripped out section that was created when the log was split. It could not be completely avoided while patterning and shaping the stave to this point. This created a limb defect in the roughly finished stave. Both limbs are like this and each are on oppisite sides, on each limb. This may be an avantage as I tiller as it will oppose the natural twist in the limbs. We'll see!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping7.jpg)
My camara aint the best. Sorry for the pic angles and quality but, this gives you a pretty good idea how the stave is,,,,, for better lack of words,,, mis-shapen!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Shaping9.jpg)
Post by: Tony Phillips on August 02, 2006, 10:18:00 AM
Not to nit-pick but Ohio requires 40#s not 45#.
Here is the requirement straight from the Ohio DNR WEB page.
Allowable Hunting Equipment
Archery Season:
Longbow: minimum draw weight 40 lbs. Crossbow: draw weight not less than 75 lbs., nor more than 200 lbs.
Post by: Marvin M. on August 02, 2006, 10:48:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 11:54:00 AM
If I am correct,it used to be 45# though. Good catch!
Good to see another Buckeye on here! Nice horn bow, did you make it?
Marvin,
Have a look at the temp in my building today,,,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks5.jpg)
The thermometer is on the inside of the door in the shade.
I'll keep it coming as long as I can today,,, tomorrow I go back to work. :mad:
Post by: Marvin M. on August 02, 2006, 12:00:00 PM
Don't overdo it in that heat.
Post by: Tony Phillips on August 02, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
No that bow is a Saluki Scythian, another Ohio bowyer. Yes it is hot up here on the North Shore. You may be right about the 45#, I’m not sure.
Keep up the good work on this build-along, it’s something that I couldn’t do so I’m living it through you.
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 12:12:00 PM
With the edge of the draw knife used as a scraper I remove most of the marks. if the daw knife catches or hangs up on the fades, knots or just digs in by accident, I use the flat file to file below that spot, so the draw knife scrapes smoothly and evenly.
The small scraper I use is really a replacement blade for a tile floor pole scraper used to remove gum and such from Vinyl tile floors. These are cheap as dirt and last forever, and they work great.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks1.jpg)
Here is the fade area after scraping.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks.jpg)
This is the ripped out area that I could not avoid in the patterm of the bow. I use the smaller scraper to blend it all in while rounding off the edges and just making it look better. These areas will be watched carefully when I get to the tillering.
Here is a picture before I work the bad spot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks2.jpg)
Here is after I use the scaper to blend it in.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks3.jpg)
Well the stave is looking a little more like a bow,,, well thats my opinion anyway. :help:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Scrapingtoolmarks4.jpg)
Post by: Bucket on August 02, 2006, 12:41:00 PM
I feel your pain when it comes to the heat. Funny thing is, I spent a lot of summers working out in the heat in central Florida and didn't really think much of it. The last couple days it's been in the low 90's and it pains me to go from the air conditioned car to the air conditioned office. :D
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 01:27:00 PM
Also funny you ask about the twist,,,
Using a little vegitable oil, the heat gun and a pair of vise grips with leather pads to protect the back of the bow. I use a couple well placed heat bends to help take out some twist and add some reflex at the same time.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HeatBending.jpg)
With the bow stave in the vise with the back facing up, I use the grips as a lever to lift up and bend just past where I want it to be. Remove the heat and hold it until it cools,,, about 4 or 5 minutes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HeatBending2.jpg)
bend #1
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HeatBending1.jpg)
bend #2
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HeatBending3.jpg)
bend #3
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HeatBending4.jpg)
Then I'll do the other limb the same way.
This work is best done in the winter time! :knothead:
Post by: Bucket on August 02, 2006, 01:51:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 02:14:00 PM
Here is the bow after bending to remove twist. Man it is hot,,, and I am debating whether or not to bend more. I can live with it, but I could do better if I go at it again with the heat gun.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/unfinishedprofile.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 07:14:00 PM
I got some more tillering to do, especialy on the right limb! I had my son pulling on the rope as I took the picture and he went a little further than I like on the first real bend,,, oh well thats okay!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/firsttiller1.jpg)
It's just to hot to continue.......
Post by: Shaun on August 02, 2006, 07:38:00 PM
Post by: Guru on August 02, 2006, 07:49:00 PM
Post by: TimBow2 on August 02, 2006, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 02, 2006, 08:49:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osageontillertree.jpg)
I think I am done for the day!
Thanks Gang for the kindness............
Post by: Marvin M. on August 03, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 03, 2006, 08:15:00 PM
I am around brace height in this pic and it's pulling about 38lbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/SECONDTILLER.jpg)
I can't get that left limb to bend at mid-limb. If you look at the last picture I posted, you can see the woop in the left limb. This is where I'm having trouble getting it to bend.
Post by: John Scifres on August 03, 2006, 08:22:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 03, 2006, 08:33:00 PM
I never made me a caul, but I got a heat gun and I can improvise.
Why didn't I do that to begin with? :knothead:
Post by: John Scifres on August 04, 2006, 10:45:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on August 04, 2006, 11:51:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 04, 2006, 03:37:00 PM
Shaun,
I thought I was the only tree rustler until I looked at your profile pic on the Tradgang!
For shame, for shame,,,,,
:p
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 01:23:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/2heatbendontillertree.jpg)
I am going to go ahead and add the whitetail antler tip overlays and the string knocks, so I can put on a shorter string before continuing with the tillering.
Looking at tip alignment before I trim up the tips of the limbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 01:49:00 PM
A small sureform rasp takes off the first bit of wood. Then, I use a flat file to finish rounding everything off.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays2.jpg)
Finished tip shape.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays4.jpg)
To cut the antler I use my old wood saw. It makes quick work of it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays7.jpg)
I cut two sections of antler a couple inches long and at the base of the horn. Marking the top to guide me later when thinning it down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays8.jpg)
Using a self adhesive sanding disk, I cut it to shape and stick it to the back of the bow where the overlays will go.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays6.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 02:10:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays10.jpg)
After a few strokes you can see on the paper where the antler is being sanded away to fit the back of the bows contours better. This gives a better glue line and tighter fit.
Here is a shot after a few strokes, the sand paper is white in spots and this tells me it is not lying flat on the back of the stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays11.jpg)
Almost there!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays13.jpg)
When you have a pretty good fit the sand paper will be white all over.
Like this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays12.jpg)
Shot after sanding and removing sand paper.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays14.jpg)
Using a flat file , I create a bevele on the bottom of the overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays15.jpg)
This makes the transition to the limb and the overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays16.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 02:14:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishingtipsandoverlays18.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 03:07:00 PM
Glue line shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Overlaysnogrooves2.jpg)
One tip.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Overlaysnogrooves1.jpg)
And the other tip.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Overlaysnogrooves.jpg)
I'll cut the grooves in later and get a string made up for it. I want to get it back on the tiller tree.
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 09:24:00 PM
Got this idea from the Farrets site, and this is how I interperted his method.
With the coping saw, I cut 3/4" from the end of the tip, a straight line around the sides and front of the overlay. This is just a score line to guide the round file that will actually cut the grooves.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves15.jpg)
Around the front and down the other side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves16.jpg)
Then I follow it around with the round file.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves17.jpg)
Until this is what I have looking from the belly side of the tip.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves18.jpg)
and around the antler overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves19.jpg)
Then another score line with the coping saw at 45 degrees to the line above that I just cut.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves21.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 09:26:00 PM
Note: I broke my dang round file! (See Pic.) It's my only round file.
Belly side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves23.jpg)
Front of overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves24.jpg)
Profile.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves25.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 10:17:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves.jpg)
Cross the two bundles about ten inches from one end.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves1.jpg)
While holding the end where the bundles cross firmly, I start twisting one bundle (Red) away from me and over the other bundle towards me. Then twist the Other (Black) away from me and over the red one towards me over the black bundle.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves2.jpg)
When I have the twisted part long enough to make a loop, I am ready to tie it all in to make a permenent loop.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves4.jpg)
Create a loop and wrap the red bundle with red and the black bundle with black.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves5.jpg)
I use the same twisting procedure I used above, I continue one down the string bundles.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves6.jpg)
Until I have gone past the ends of the shrter bundles, and the loop is all tied in. I trim off the stray ends later to make it look neat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves8.jpg)
Post by: vermonster13 on August 05, 2006, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 05, 2006, 10:30:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves12.jpg)
At the end of the string I tie a knot to keep it from coming loose.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves13.jpg)
I hang the loop end of the string over a big nail in the door of the shop. Then the other end of the string, I tie a piece of rail road track and let the string stretch for an hour or so!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringandgrooves14.jpg)
Post by: gifford, MO on August 06, 2006, 11:50:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 09, 2006, 06:16:00 PM
I got to the final tiller and it ain't good!
Sure glad I included a back up bow for this thread.
Here it is at brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Finaltillering35lbs3.jpg)
Full draw.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Finaltillering35lbs1.jpg)
Profile after shooting it a dozen or so times
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Finaltillering35lbs4.jpg)
Post by: Bucket on August 10, 2006, 07:14:00 AM
I like it.
Post by: TexMex on August 10, 2006, 09:38:00 AM
Post by: John Scifres on August 10, 2006, 10:55:00 AM
Post by: LazerRay on August 10, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 12, 2006, 12:12:00 PM
LazerRay,
Nothing is really totally complete or finished at this point. I will go back near the end of construction or before season and ready all the gear with final touches.
Hear are some pics of what I have so far.
61 1/2" selfbow 38# @ 28". I went ahead and made it a right handed bow, though I shoot left. Most people shoot right and I can too, but I prefer left.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1finishedosage381.jpg)
Antler overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1finishedosage38.jpg)
Rivercane Arrows and Cattail Quiver.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1finishedosage382.jpg)
Unstrung, Blacksnake skin backing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1finishedosage384.jpg)
Belly.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishedosage3528.jpg)
First shot after finishing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishedosage35281.jpg)
Handle.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishedosage35282.jpg)
Character and skin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/finishedosage35283.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 12, 2006, 03:03:00 PM
Before
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller.jpg)
After
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller1.jpg)
Now the other limb
Before
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller4.jpg)
After
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller5.jpg)
Here is what I got out of my trouble. I can live with it. I did get in a hurry and scorched the wood a bit,,, oh well, I can live with that too...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller7.jpg)
The growth rings on a locust are pretty thick. The wood is like working with butter compared to osage. One thing I do with locust is round the edges of the belly and the back, just a tad bit.
You may be able to see in theis shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller6.jpg)
Its profile on the tiller tree
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller9.jpg)
And the first pull, I was working the limbs to about 6" and I am at 50lbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustheatbendfirsttiller10.jpg)
Now I got to reduce the weight as I am working the tiller,,, this bow has promise at the moment.
Post by: LazerRay on August 12, 2006, 03:53:00 PM
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on August 12, 2006, 04:03:00 PM
Terry
Post by: jchunt4ever on August 12, 2006, 09:38:00 PM
I do have one question though, do you know if the Locust you are using is the same as the "Thorny Locust" (that is what I have always called it) that we have an abundance of here in Western Oklahoma? If not do you or anyone know if it would work and look about the same as I really like the way your's is looking so far?
Post by: Osagetree on August 12, 2006, 09:40:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustsecondtillerto55at8inches.jpg)
Now, here is one side of the handle area. Looks pretty good,, huh?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix.jpg)
Well this is the other side of the handle area. It was ripped out as the log was quartered. Almost half of the handle is torn up pretty bad and will make the handle very uncomfortable.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix1.jpg)
At this point in the day I was to lazy to plane it down and glue on wood or leather. I don't like the idea of padding under the handle for a fix , so this is what I am doing to fill in the ripped out handle area.
Using a large flat file I even out the ripped area and remove all the splinters. As you can see in the pic. half the handle is not there.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix2.jpg)
I Take a little saw dust from the osage and locust work and mix it with a little titebond glue to form a paste or putty.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix3.jpg)
Mix until smooth but not to runny.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix4.jpg)
Using a small piece of wood I fill in the missing area of the handle and let it sit for a while to cure out. The close to finish I can get with the putty the less filing I'll have to do later.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locusthandlefix6.jpg)
Never done this before but as long as it ain't in the working part of the bow I can't see why it won't work. We'll see!
Post by: Osagetree on August 12, 2006, 11:05:00 PM
This is black locust that I am using. It does have thorns but, so does honey locust. Do some research on the net to be sure what you are considering to use as bow wood.
Shoot, if you live in Oklahoma you should be able to find some osage orange with little or no problem. It is the the better bow wood by the way.
Thanks for asking :campfire:
Post by: jchunt4ever on August 13, 2006, 07:54:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 13, 2006, 08:18:00 AM
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=390
Post by: Osagetree on August 14, 2006, 09:22:00 PM
This is what it looks like now.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locusthandlerepair.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locusthandlerepair1.jpg)
I take a fine half round file and shape the repaired area of the handle. It reminds me of particle board, but sands almost like real wood.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locusthandlerepair2.jpg)
After a little work with the file, things are taking shape.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locusthandlerepair3.jpg)
When finished shaping the repair I just ran the file lightly across the whole area to blend it in even more, and it almost looks like real wood.
It won't really matter though, as the the leather handle should cover it up when it's added on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locusthandlerepair7.jpg)
It may not be perfect but it is more comfortable in the hand than it was.
Post by: blacktailchaser on August 14, 2006, 11:06:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 15, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
I have some old circular saw blades that are worn out. I am going to fabricate those into broadheads. Well at least thats the plan!
Bear with me,,,,,,,,,
Post by: Osagetree on August 15, 2006, 09:13:00 PM
This took a couple hours to cut the antler, shape it, glue it and let it dry. Tomorrow after work I hope to cut in the string nocks and make a string for the bow.
#1
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustantleroverlays3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustantleroverlays2.jpg)
#2
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustantleroverlays1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustantleroverlays.jpg)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on August 15, 2006, 09:18:00 PM
Post by: Broken Cedar on August 17, 2006, 10:15:00 AM
Post by: TexMex on August 17, 2006, 10:38:00 AM
Post by: robtattoo on August 17, 2006, 12:40:00 PM
Post by: BillJ on August 17, 2006, 10:01:00 PM
Thanks for the effort that went into sharing this.
BillJ
Post by: Osagetree on August 18, 2006, 04:38:00 PM
This is really hack bowyery! There are a lot of talanted craftsmen on this site, but I ain't one of them. I do not get technical with demensions and lay outs. Or tiller to a precise degree of measure. But sometimes, I do make a bow that will kill. That don't take a hole lot of talent. It does take effort to learn just how to get wood to bend and recover without breaking it. Once that is learned the rest is just frills, add on's and making it pleasing to the eye & this does'nt help effeciency of killing.
All my hunting buddies hunt with big name brand compounds and I like them to look at my selfbow with some degree of interest while they chuckle under thier breath so, I pretty it up for the on lookers. Funny thing is, and I am trying not to jinx myself here, but I am usually dragging meat or horns before they are!
:campfire:
Dispite my breaking the only round file I own, earlier in the thread, I managed to get the grooves cut in the overlays on the black locust bow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Onelocustoverlay.jpg)
Belly side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Onelocustoverlay1.jpg)
I only have about 6 weeks before season! I gots to get this'n done.
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 18, 2006, 04:43:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 12:02:00 PM
I've decided this Black locust will be my hunter bow this year and before I start finishing off the tiller I've decided to go ahead and apply the blacksnake backing.
So, I roll out the salt and air dried skin to get ready. At this point, I decide the section I'll use for the backing. The blacksnake does not have much of a pattern but what it does have I want to run down the middle of the limbs the best that I can manage.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow.jpg)
I sneak the skin into the house as the wife is having a rummage sale this morning, but I know you guys won't rat me out!
I run hot water on the skin to rinse off any salt left behind from drying. At this point it is stiff but the hot water loosens it up pretty quik.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow1.jpg)
I'll rinse it several times then let it soak for a little while. Man I hope she does'nt go to the bathroom before I'm done. She did'nt say much about the cattail reeds when I made the quiver earlier in the bath tub, but snakes she dont like.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow2.jpg)
Then a little Dawn Dish liquid to remove any oils from the snakes fat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow3.jpg)
Then a thorough rinse in cold water to get all the soap off. I put it back in a clean bucket of hot water and head back outside to the shop,,, that was close the wife was coming in as I was going out!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow4.jpg)
I use acetone to clean and remove any oil left in the wood from heat bending sessions.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow5.jpg)
Laying the skin out on the bench with the bow belly up on top of the skin, I place the bow in the section of the skin that I want to use for backing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow7.jpg)
Using a sharpie marker, I trace the outline of the bow. I do this a little larger than needed to leave room for errors.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow8.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 12:46:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbow9.jpg)
This cut out will be the backing. I got as much pattern in it that I could get out og the skin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocustbo.jpg)
Starting in the middle of the handle, I run a small bead of titebond wood glue down one limb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-8.jpg)
And then use my fingers to spread it out and remove excess glue. The glue not need be that thick. To thick and it will make the backing lumpy when dry due to the wrapping it down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-2.jpg)
Then lay the skin on the glue right side up and smooth it out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-3.jpg)
After it's all smoothed out I wrap it with an ace bandage starting at the handle and working out towards the limbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-6.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 12:47:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/11ApplicationofblacksnakeonLocus-7.jpg)
When I get it all wrapped up, I lay it outside to dry for a few hours or even overnight if I aint in a rush.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ApplicationofblacksnakeonwrappedLoc.jpg)
:archer:
Post by: Eric Krewson on August 19, 2006, 01:00:00 PM
Whenever I mention these glue brushes to people they give me a quizzical look so here is a picture. Unbeatable for applying urac for backing also.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/gluebrush.jpg)
Post by: Shakes.602 on August 19, 2006, 01:12:00 PM
This Fine Forum and Reading the "Bowyers Bible #1" just Amazes Me to No End!!!
:archer: Thanks ALL of You for Sharing
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 02:07:00 PM
After a couple hours drying outside in the sun, I unwrapped the ace bandages. The extra skin is hanging over the edges and on the overlays.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing.jpg)
I use a fine small file to remove the excess skin at the edges of the limbs. Always working/filing from the skin to the bow as not to pull off the freshly glued skin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing1.jpg)
Once the edges are clean it's time to get it off of the overlays.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing2.jpg)
I trim the outline of the overlay with a pocket knife my Dad gave me years ago,, I sure miss him!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing3.jpg)
Then the skin is easily peeled off the overlay. This makes a nice fit between skin and antler overlay.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing4.jpg)
Leaving me with some clean edges!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing5.jpg)
A real snake in the grass,,,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aalocustskinfinishing6.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 02:47:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Descalingskinbacking.jpg)
I'll let the backing dry all evening and night before I try to ressume the tillering. bending it before the skin and glue complety dry out may cause the backing to come loose.
Here is the profile of the bow on the tiller tree and the pre streached string hanging there that I made for the bow today.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Descalingskinbacking1.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 06:17:00 PM
In this pic I had it tillered to about brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/locustsecondtillerto55at8inches.jpg)
This ain't good!
I put on a short string and when I put it back on the tiller tree and went another couple inches on the draw, one limb gave and hinged before I new it happened. I could not believe it! When I examined the hinge area there were three large compression fractures.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/compresionfracture2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/compresionfracture1.jpg)
Hinge shot at brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/compresionfracture4.jpg)
Dang this is really embarassing :o
You guy's are watching this as I go along so you get what really happens if you go to fast or you ain't paying attention you screw up alot of work. Two bows down the drain on this thread and season is coming quick.
Well I hope the old saying is true,,, you know "Third time is a charm"
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on August 19, 2006, 07:01:00 PM
Post by: TimBow2 on August 19, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
Post by: longbowhntr on August 19, 2006, 07:42:00 PM
Show us a picture of the next stave your going to work.
I have really enjoyed this thread from the start.
Joseph, sir, you will never know how "many" and "much" you have inspired with this thread.
Chin up and keep this show going. Third time...buddy!!!
David
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 08:05:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 19, 2006, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on August 19, 2006, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 19, 2006, 09:07:00 PM
Would that help at all?? I think it might be too far gone, but you obviously have a better idea with the bow in your hands. That is a fairly nasty hinge going on there, ouch, really sorry to hear about that :(
If it was me I'd go with the locust. If you really don't that bow to fail it might not be very good to be playing around with those knots.
Good luck!!!!
P.S. Is it possible that it hinged because the bow absorbed some of the moisture from the glue? Whenever you apply glue it's good to let it cure for a few more days before bending it.
Post by: kennym on August 19, 2006, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: Frenchymanny on August 19, 2006, 10:13:00 PM
There is fantastic work there so do not give up!
Your buddy up north,
Frenchymanny
Post by: Osagetree on August 20, 2006, 07:16:00 AM
Luke may be right, the moistier may have assisted in its demise, but more than likely it was my fualt though.
Post by: knife river on August 20, 2006, 07:50:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 22, 2006, 09:51:00 AM
Stripped the bark
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust-1.jpg)
Trimmed the edges
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust2-1.jpg)
Cut off the bad end and to length
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust3-1.jpg)
Chased the ring
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust4-1.jpg)
Finished stave
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust7-1.jpg)
Narly knot in one of the fade areas
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust5-1.jpg)
The knot starts one top of back side and angles through and out the opposite belly side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/3rdtryselectionlocust6-1.jpg)
I do not like this a bit. So, I am going through the whole wood pile until I find a suitable stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Woodstock.jpg)
I am down to the last of the good wood where I gather my logs for bow making. So, it is now showing up in the wood I have to work with. In the area I cut my wood, I cut the last two good tree's this past winter, so I will have to start looking for a new supply to cut this winter.
The two logs on top of the rack are the ones I cut in January of last winter. I will split them soon, and they will be ready for me to work in August of 2007. So, that gives my wood about 1 year and 8 or 9 months to dry.
I am waisting time, so I'll get to work on that pile of twisted osage and black locust. I'll keep you all updated as I progress!
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 22, 2006, 12:02:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 23, 2006, 10:02:00 PM
I decided to go at it anyway!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave.jpg)
Just my luck,,, I found a wood borer hole in the white wood. I have never had bugs in my wood until now!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave1.jpg)
I went ahead and took the area down a couple rings and the hole is deep and the larva is still in the hole chewing away.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave2.jpg)
I went ahead and stripped the bark so I would be able to see if there were more holes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave3.jpg)
Only two holes in the stave and I may be able to get around them when I lay out the bow. Here is a couple of the little osage eaters I pulled out of the holes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave5.jpg)
After about an hour I finaly chased a single ring and got deep enough to rid myself of one of the holes created by the osage eaters. Though the stave is looking pretty thin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagebugholestave6.jpg)
From know on, I will be splitting the wood at the end of the summer after it is cut, and will strip all the bark and white wood to prevent these things from messing up my wood stash.
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 23, 2006, 10:13:00 PM
I hate wood borers too. They ruined all my first bow wood :mad:
Do you have any rawhide or something to back it with? You might get away with no backing but if you're low on time it might be best to go for more insurance so you don't have to start over again. Just a thought.
Loving this :)
Post by: Shaun on August 23, 2006, 10:15:00 PM
Some say to spray bug poison on the bark, but I believe the best way is to strip the bark and sapwood like you said.
Keep at it. Busting bows is how we learn.
Post by: John Scifres on August 24, 2006, 08:49:00 AM
Post by: Gopherhunter on August 24, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on August 24, 2006, 05:34:00 PM
Well, Thanks again to all! I need to eat and get out in the shed!
91 degrees,,, shewy!
:wavey:
Post by: Osagetree on August 24, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
Well I got started and struck a line down the middle.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping.jpg)
Got the outline layed out on the stave.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping1.jpg)
Using the draw knife and rasp I took all the wood on one limb down to the lines.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping3.jpg)
Then I removed the wood on the other limb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping5.jpg)
Here is the stave down to the outline.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping6.jpg)
I reduced the wood on the belly on one limb and the profile of this limb has some real character. I intend to heat it and work the woop out some.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping7.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 24, 2006, 09:13:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping8.jpg)
I had to do a little ceremonial burning of the osage shavings before I go in,,, hopefully it will give the stave a little MOJO! It's gonna need it!
Good night Tradgang :campfire:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Thirdtryosageshaping2.jpg)
:campfire:
Post by: initialimage on August 24, 2006, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: Paul Daellenbach on August 25, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: Sant-Ravenhill on August 25, 2006, 01:45:00 PM
A very sincere thank you! :thumbsup: :D
Post by: Osagetree on August 26, 2006, 08:41:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller1.jpg)
Well I got it down to where it is starting to bend. I do not like the profile very much.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller2.jpg)
At 62" it does not look to bad.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller3.jpg)
After heat bending in a couple spots I got the profile looking much better.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller5.jpg)
I put it on the tiller tree and got it to about brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller6.jpg)
Then I cut in the string grooves and shaped the tips a little so I could get a short string on it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller7.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on August 26, 2006, 08:55:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller8.jpg)
After abit more tillering I got it at brace and it seems pretty stout.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller9.jpg)
More tillering and here is the profile at full draw.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller10.jpg)
I could not stand it any longer so we went out to shoot a bit. After about 20 shots I put it on the bow scale and ended up at 46 lbs of draw. Dang I sure wish it was 56 lbs of draw.
:(
I don't know if it was the rush in tillering or the paper thin rings, but this stave is at least two years old and it took on a bit over 2" of set.
Profile showing string follow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/a3tryosagefinishingandtiller11.jpg)
Tomorrow morning, I plan to take off an inch or two in lenght and maybe even try and recurve the limbs a bit. This would be in hopes that I can get a bit more draw weight out of it and less set.
Who knows,,, I may even move on to another stave :scared:
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on August 26, 2006, 09:48:00 PM
Post by: Billy on August 26, 2006, 10:19:00 PM
Thanks for sharing the good, the bad, and the oopsies- this is the best way to see what is truly involved; Thanx OT.
Post by: Osagetree on August 26, 2006, 10:58:00 PM
A boring one
!["[moon]"]("graemlins/sleeping.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: vermonster13 on August 26, 2006, 11:30:00 PM
Post by: Billy on August 27, 2006, 12:54:00 AM
I'm bettin that with the ups and downs we have all gone through with you, and the persistence of our storyteller; this one is gonna wind up with Ol' Yeller comin home, wearin' Dorothy's ruby red slippers, and Pavarotti singin' Rocky Top :bigsmyl:
We're sweatin' it with ya (in spirit), and I don't think any of us are givin' up on this season yet!! :thumbsup:
Post by: Osagetree on August 27, 2006, 12:03:00 PM
Like I said in the beginning, I may use some unusual tactics to get the job done,,,,,, I may be grasping at straws here but, I cut 1" off each limb and took the bow to the kitchen.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosage.jpg)
Kitchen? Well, there are two thing in there that I can use right now.
One is a pot of boiling water.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosage1.jpg)
And the other is the smooth curve of back of one of my kitchen table chairs. Tapeing a thin piece of rubber between the chair and bow protected the chair from any damages that could get me in trouble with the wife. After about 15 min in the boiling water I used a clamp to hold the limb tip and rolled the hot, soft wood around the bend in the chair.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosage2.jpg)
After holding it and letting it cool for a bit, I unclamped the limb and the result was a partially recurved limb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosage3.jpg)
The profile is looking better and I will give the bow a while to dry out before I test the results with the string on it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosage4.jpg)
From 62" in lenght to 60" the draw weight of 46lbs may or may not increase at 28", but I'm wonering if it will go that far before busting apart, and how well the recurve will set after shooting a while.
We'll see,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Probably need to start on another stave just in case!
This bow would be legal, but I would be more confident if I can get in the 55 lbs of draw weight.
Post by: Frenchymanny on August 27, 2006, 12:13:00 PM
You are using wet heat on a dryed stave.
I've read that wet heat should be used only on green wood.
Any feedback on this?
F-Manny
Post by: Osagetree on August 27, 2006, 12:22:00 PM
I've never heard that, you could be correct. I've done it before to straighten limbs with no ill effects that were noticable to me.
It would be interesting to find what others say about this. Like I said unusual tactics I may use,,,,
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 27, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
If I could suggest one thing in your tillering I would say SLOW DOWN. It's sounding like you're rushing it and then ending up with slightly off tiller and not enough weight to fix it. Believe me, I know how hard it is. I missed weight on about 5 bows in a row because I was rushing. It's so annoying :mad: hahaha, I know how you feel.
Keep at it! We're with you all the way
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on August 27, 2006, 01:43:00 PM
Your probably trying to go fast too because of the build a long, but take your time even though we will be hounding you for more pics. LOL
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on August 27, 2006, 05:06:00 PM
I'm really enjoying your efforts....Terry
Post by: Osagetree on August 27, 2006, 07:24:00 PM
The last two pictures are of a friends son to whom I had given a snakey black locust selfbow and 1/2 dozen of my rivercane arrows. If you look closely at the rack you can see what is left of the arrow. His first deer, not to shaby!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1Osagebuck.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/osagedoe.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sp1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Locustbuck14.jpg)
I hope this post does not jinx me
!["[nope]"]("graemlins/nope.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on August 27, 2006, 07:42:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on August 28, 2006, 05:56:00 AM
Post by: Buemaker on August 28, 2006, 06:31:00 AM
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on August 28, 2006, 08:43:00 AM
Post by: benzy on August 28, 2006, 01:42:00 PM
Thank You!!!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Post by: Shaun on August 28, 2006, 02:33:00 PM
Brad of Littletree bows uses boiling for his extreme recurves on dried wood. Torges recomends steam for green staves and dry for aged wood. I have mostly used dry heat but believe steam is fine for any work with osage.
Keep at it and keep sharing your journey.
Post by: Marvin M. on August 28, 2006, 02:49:00 PM
Good info for a rookie like me.
Post by: gifford, MO on August 28, 2006, 09:56:00 PM
Post by: Billy on September 01, 2006, 07:28:00 PM
this is too good to not finish
Post by: Osagetree on September 01, 2006, 10:35:00 PM
I'm just waiting to string up the bow to make sure it is good and dry after boiling and bending in the recurves.
I'm going to Flint Ridge tomorrow, but I'll try and get on it again on Sunday. Flint Ridge is a big rock knapp'n event, I've never been, so I'm going to see what its all about tomorrow. A couple other guys from the Tradgand are going as well. I hope to meet them.
Check back soon and thanks for the TTT!
Post by: Osagetree on September 03, 2006, 10:49:00 AM
I put the recurved osage on the tiller tree this morning, but first me and the new shop partner the wife and I picked up on the way home from the Flint ridge Knapp-in event yesterday. had to see how the string would track fron tip to tip.
Not to good a picture, but I could tell it was close.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Firstshot12yrds.jpg)
After a little work on the long string again, I put the short string back on it and got it to brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Firstshot12yrds1.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on September 03, 2006, 11:09:00 AM
Post by: Huntrdfk on September 03, 2006, 11:15:00 AM
David
Post by: Osagetree on September 03, 2006, 11:20:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/firstshot2.jpg)
Gritting my teeth in fear at 28", but it holds fine.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/firstshot21.jpg)
After the first shot at 12 yrds, the bow seemed to have some authority. I know this bow is capable of hunting whitetails. And after a few more shots, I feel like with a little practice I could be ready to hunt at a range of 10 to 20 yrds.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Firstshot12yrds3.jpg)
After almost two dozen shots, here is the profile.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Firstshot12yrds4.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on September 03, 2006, 11:24:00 AM
Post by: Frenchymanny on September 03, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
:wavey: :thumbsup: :archer:
F-Manny
Post by: Shakes.602 on September 03, 2006, 12:20:00 PM
No Matter, Thats a Fine Bow. Nothing Fancy, No Frills, Just A Fine use of Osage!!
And Your New Puppy-Partner :rolleyes: will help too, like chewing on Stuff! What kind of Pup? I couldnt tell by the Photo.
Great Build-Along Too!! :notworthy: :notworthy: :archer:
Post by: BillJ on September 03, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
Great build-a-long!
BillJ
Post by: suNaj on September 03, 2006, 02:02:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 03, 2006, 02:38:00 PM
Tyring to finish up the quiver for a picture to update the progress of the gear. Ohio season opens the 31st of September!
Yes, its got a little more OOMP!
Not much difference in tillering.
Thanks all, for all of your comments.
I did not have enogh leather to make a strap like I wanted, so I improvise again,,,
I weaved a small strap of leather thru the bottom and top of the cattail quiver
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap.jpg)
Cutting a slice in on end of the strap, I run the other end thru and I have a tie off for the bottom
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap2.jpg)
Need something to go in between the top and bottom for a shoulder strap, how about an old leather coat cut up for material, allitle of the beed work might go nice on the quiver strap
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap3.jpg)
Cut out the part I want
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap4.jpg)
Fold it over three times
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap5.jpg)
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on September 03, 2006, 02:38:00 PM
Thanks again for the inspiration....Terry
Post by: Osagetree on September 03, 2006, 02:38:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap6.jpg)
Now to attach the strap to the leather that I weaved around the top and bottom of the quiver. A couple more pieces of leather strapping and wa-la!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap7.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap8.jpg)
Okay,,, so far I've got a;
Hunting bow
Target bow
Rivercane arrows
Cattail quiver
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/quiverstrap9.jpg)
Still gonna need an;
Arm guard
Broadheads
Finger tabs or a shooting glove
I gotta go to the flea market tomorrow and get me some leather for handles and tabs
Post by: Shaun on September 03, 2006, 03:13:00 PM
Post by: yleecoyote23 on September 03, 2006, 06:48:00 PM
Post by: Tautog Rich on September 03, 2006, 08:27:00 PM
Post by: houseman on September 03, 2006, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: Billy on September 03, 2006, 10:38:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 04, 2006, 08:55:00 AM
What do you all think, switch the black leather strap or leave it alone?
The strap is adaquatley functional, but it just looks so modern on the primitive looking cattail quiver.
Post by: Jimbob on September 04, 2006, 08:57:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on September 04, 2006, 09:02:00 AM
Post by: Billy on September 06, 2006, 10:51:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 02:13:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/IMAG0006.jpg)
I tore off the other stap I made form the coat and braided on just a plain leather strap.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1braidedquiverstrap.jpg)
Attached it to the topp of the quiver with a big ugly knot
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1braidedquiverstrap2.jpg)
I used a knot ot the bottom quiverer to slip through the braid. This way I can adjust for more clothing when it gets cold. I'll shorten it some later I'm sure
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1braidedquiverstrap1.jpg)
So this is it for the quiver. I'll use it as it is now.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1braidedquiverstrap3.jpg)
Post by: initialimage on September 09, 2006, 05:02:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 05:40:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/1recurvedosagebracetiller.jpg)
I'll start with the floppy rest made famous by one of our mentors and moderators the "Ferret" Mickey Lotz. This is the way I make my floppy rest.
From the black leather I got from the flea market, I cut off a small piece to create the rest.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle.jpg)
Then from there, I cut out the rough shape for the arrow rest
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle1.jpg)
Using one of the reivercane arrows, I measure the width the rest should be
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle3.jpg)
Using some super glue to fill in the areas that I will double over the leather at this point and that will become where the arrow will rest. What is left unglued will be glued to the handle of the bow
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle4.jpg)
Keeping the arrow rest area that I just glued in contact with each other I fold back the ends that I will glue to the bow and place it in the vise
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle5.jpg)
cranking the vise tight until the glue dries will help shape the leather to form the rest and lay flat against the handle of the bow
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle6.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 05:41:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle7.jpg)
Using a sure form rasp and some sand paper I round off the edges of the rest area I glued up
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle9.jpg)
On the handle where I want the rest to be I place a mark with the pencil
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle10.jpg)
Now using Titebond wood glue I glue up the portion of leather that will lay against the wood
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle12.jpg)
Place the rest on the mark
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle11.jpg)
A couple clamps are place on the rest to hold it in place until the Titebond dries
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle13.jpg)
Post by: 4runr on September 09, 2006, 06:09:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 06:42:00 PM
Hey listen,,, if you ever want to hunt down here let me know. We could make a weekend of it or something. South eastern Ohio has some big bucks!
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 06:54:00 PM
I had half a blacksnake skin left from the locust bow that I was so sure of, but it hinged on me during tillering, and a water snake skin that was caught in a minnow trap this spring.
I hated to waist it so I skinned it out and kept it. I probably won't keep another if I catch it. This was the most stinky snake ever skinned and dried!
I am going to name this bow "TWO SNAKES" for obvious reasons.
Here are the skins, the colors realy ain't that much different
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurvedosageskinsandhandle.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurvedosageskinsandhandle1.jpg)
And the whole thing
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurvedosageskinsandhandle2.jpg)
Using linseed oil I seal the belly wood of the bow protecting it from the elements and moistier
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurveosagelinseedoilsealer.jpg)
If you recall the wood borer bugs I had encountered in this stave, this is the only hole left after shaping the stave. The hole does go through to the back, but it was filled with super glue and covered with titebond and the snake skin, so I think it will hold for its lifetime.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurveosagelinseedoilsealer1.jpg)
Post by: Wallcrawler on September 09, 2006, 07:22:00 PM
Post by: adkmountainken on September 09, 2006, 07:31:00 PM
i have 1/2 of a prime muskrat pelt that i use for silencers, the fur is really nice. its yours if ya want it? i also know of a friend that has a small beaver pelt that i think i can trade him something for. let me know which you would like and i'll get it in the mail monday.
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 08:52:00 PM
Going to get a handle on this bow. So, I measure the length I need and cut the leather to size
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle14.jpg)
Then I measure for the width, leaving it a little more than a 1/8" from touching ends
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle15.jpg)
Once cut to the size I needm I soak it in hot water for a few hours. This will help it stretch and then it will shrink some to more tightly fit the handle when drying out
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle16.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/aa1osagefloppyrestandhandle17.jpg)
Doubleing the handle material over and holding it with clamps and a strip of wood to use a finish nail to punch holes for sewing on the leather
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurvedosageskinsandhandle3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Recurvedosageskinsandhandle4.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 09, 2006, 08:53:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon.jpg)
Straight line the first run and then useing a simple cross stitch I sew on the leather
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon5.jpg)
on the last stitch I straight line it and run the thread out the bottom of the handle to tie a knot that will be hidden under the handle
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon6.jpg)
The finished floppy rest and handle
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/handletieon7.jpg)
Post by: adkmountainken on September 09, 2006, 09:05:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 09, 2006, 10:48:00 PM
By the way, you put the rest on the wrong side.
Post by: Longbows4life on September 10, 2006, 12:50:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 10, 2006, 01:19:00 PM
4runr, I'll holler back at ya in a week or so and set up a weekend or evening hunt.
adkmaountainken, I'll be watching the mail.
I got out and made me an arm guard today.
From the leather I got at the flea market I cut out a pattern using my old arm guard I made a few years back
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard.jpg)
I took a thicker peice of tan leather and sewed it to the back of the black leather and then cut out the center
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard7.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard1.jpg)
Cut some antler buttons with the coping saw and drilled in a couple holes to sew them on the guard
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard5.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 10, 2006, 01:26:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard3.jpg)
Tie in some shock cord I raped from one of my old backpacks
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard6.jpg)
And now I have a new, original homegrown leather arm guard
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/armguard11.jpg)
Post by: mich-mtnman on September 10, 2006, 02:52:00 PM
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 10, 2006, 02:55:00 PM
Keep this coming, I'm really enjoying this thread :)
Post by: 4runr on September 10, 2006, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 10, 2006, 03:29:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 10, 2006, 03:33:00 PM
Post by: Longbows4life on September 10, 2006, 05:04:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 10, 2006, 09:15:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove.jpg)
Then I cut out a pattern to make the strap that will hold the glove & fingers to my wrist
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove1.jpg)
Most of the glove is cut out and ready to sew up
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove3.jpg)
Using a finish nail I punch the holes to mount the fingers to the glove
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove4.jpg)
Using my Dacron B-50 and a needle, I sew on the fingers
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glove6.jpg)
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 10, 2006, 09:36:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 12, 2006, 09:31:00 PM
I did learn some about glove construction and will do the next one a little different. This one will work for this year though!
I hope this helps you with one if you ever get around to it.
I had to go buy a needle, I broke the first one. Trying to get it through the leather was hard, but pulling the eye of the needle through required pliers for every run of the needle through the leather.
You can see by the picture, how I folded the fingers over and hand sew them to the back.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished1.jpg)
Here is the back after the fingers were sewn
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished5.jpg)
And the fingers
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished6.jpg)
To hold it all on I just cut another strip of leather attached it with the B-50, and added a slot with an antler button.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished7.jpg)
It might be my original but it needs a little some'm some'm,,, Cut in a arrow for decoration?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished8.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 12, 2006, 09:34:00 PM
Here is the fingers and wrist strap and button
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished9.jpg)
and the back
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/glovefinished10.jpg)
Glove and arm guard
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osag
etree/glovefinished11.jpg)
I got to get some points on those rivercane arrows and get to shoot'n
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 12, 2006, 09:51:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 12, 2006, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 12, 2006, 10:11:00 PM
Post by: ironrhino on September 13, 2006, 04:27:00 AM
once again, THANKS!!!
God bless all you guys,
RHiNo
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on September 13, 2006, 10:30:00 PM
Post by: Paul/KS on September 13, 2006, 11:33:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on September 14, 2006, 09:41:00 AM
Love the Arm Guard!!!
Post by: TimZeigler on September 14, 2006, 11:13:00 AM
So whats next on your list of builds? Hopefully it'll be a recount of your first kill with all of this homegrown equipment.
Thanks for the inspiration, and keep up the great work.
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 02:37:00 PM
Well, it took a few days to do this one, so that's why I've been away for a few days.
I felt had to make another string for this bow. I only used 12 strands of Dacron B-50. I've already shot it a few times and I think it will be fine with only the 12 strands @ the now 51lbs @ 28".
Like I said, I may use some questionable tactics to get the job done. Well here is another strange thing. My string silencers. You know I'm trying to remain as Home grown as I can with this equipment, so here goes.
Last winter my coon hunting friend brought me a coon tail to use in the crafts I make. It has been in the freezer every since. I was going to let it hang from a quiver but what the heck,,,, I need some fur for string silencers.
After I split the tail open and removed the tail bone and as much flesh as I could from the skin, I salted it down real good for overnight and most of the next day.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringsilencercoontail2.jpg)
Then I scraped the salt and skin again with this sraping tool I have.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringsilencercoontail3.jpg)
Then salt it again and let it sit another night.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringsilencecoontail4.jpg)
After salting and scraping for two days, I scrape it one last time to clean it up good.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 02:42:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail1.jpg)
And scrub it good with a bristle brush.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail2.jpg)
Rinse the soap off the skin real good and warm up the hide tanning solution left over from other projects that required tanning. I just place the tanning solution in a glass of hot water for a few minutes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail3.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 02:58:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail4.jpg)
And then massage it in real good with a latex finger cot and my finger.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail6.jpg)
Then while still wet I fold it over skin to skin and let it set overnight.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/sscoontail7.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 03:03:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail.jpg)
After stretching skin a bit.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail1.jpg)
When good and dry, I cut the strips for my string silencers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail2.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
Slipping one end of the skin through the string, I wrap the skin around the string to form my silencer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail4.jpg)
Keeping the skin tight to the bow string
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail5.jpg)
When I get to the end of the skin I pull the end through the string again.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/ssscoontail6.jpg)
A little funny looking to me,,, we'll see.......
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 03:37:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Homegrowngearfinished3.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 03:40:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/HOMEGROWNGEAR2.jpg)
Post by: initialimage on September 16, 2006, 03:49:00 PM
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Post by: LazerRay on September 16, 2006, 04:13:00 PM
Post by: JBell on September 16, 2006, 05:47:00 PM
Justin.
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 07:58:00 PM
:smileystooges:
Post by: 4runr on September 16, 2006, 08:23:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 16, 2006, 08:31:00 PM
As soon as I get a chance we'll have to try and line up a hunt!
Good to see your still watching! Have you worked that nice osage stave you had at Flint Ridge?
See ya,,,,,,,
Post by: 4runr on September 16, 2006, 10:57:00 PM
A time to come hunt with you is lookin better all the time. In a couple weeks I'll be able to nail down a date and time.
Post by: Emmons on September 16, 2006, 10:59:00 PM
Post by: Longbows4life on September 17, 2006, 12:00:00 AM
Post by: blacktailchaser on September 17, 2006, 12:30:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on September 17, 2006, 08:47:00 AM
I am experimenting with the best way to haft points to these arrows. this is my attempt at a hardwood insert to haft heads to the shaft.
A scrap piece of osage will be my insert
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead.jpg)
With a draw knife I reduce the scape osage to dowel size
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead4.jpg)
When I get close to fit, I use a hand plane and scrapper to finsish it off
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead7.jpg)
Now that the insert fits into the hollow of the cane. I bevel the cane using sand paper to make a nice transition between the cane and hardwood insert
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead9.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 17, 2006, 08:48:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead10.jpg)
Then mark the insert to lenght to haft the bone head to the hardwood
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead11.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 17, 2006, 08:49:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead12.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead13.jpg)
My three hack saw blades taped together tha I used for cutting in the self knocks on the arrows was exactly the width of the bone point. I use the three blades to cut in where I will haft the bone point.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead14.jpg)
A pretty good fit I must say. Notice I have filed the barbs from the bone point and reduced the shaft on the point to fit the width of the hardwood insert. Barbed heads are not legal in Ohio!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead15.jpg)
Because I like my points mounted verticaly I mark the shaft to position the point when inserted into the cane arrow
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead16.jpg)
Know I am ready to tie it on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead17.jpg)
After hafting I use some super glue on the sinew to make sure every thing is secured and stays in place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead18.jpg)
And the finished product
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bonehead19.jpg)
You can tell by my wood pile I have been splitting last winters osage logs that I cut. it is the last of the good trees where I cut my wood and I need to find a new source for my bow wood. Hopefully while scouting some new hunting grounds i will find what I need.
Post by: Osagetree on September 17, 2006, 08:56:00 AM
This will work fine for the bone point intended for small game or upland game birds.
Post by: Haf2hunt on September 17, 2006, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on September 19, 2006, 08:22:00 PM
I'm going to get to the hunting arrow points soon, but first I'll need me a string keeper.
From the leather left over from the arm guard and shooting glove, I cut two pieces to fit the tip of the upper limb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringkeeper.jpg)
Lay them on top each other and punch some holes with the finish nail.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringkeeper1.jpg)
Using the dacron B-50 I sew it up. And test fit it to the limb tip, it's a good fit.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringkeeper2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/stringkeeper3.jpg)
A leather strap and one of my famous coping saw cut antler buttons with two holes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringkeeperandbow.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 19, 2006, 08:22:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringkeeperandbow1.jpg)
You can see where I'm going with this I'm sure.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringkeeperandbow2.jpg)
The only trick to this string keeper is getting the button holes to tightly fit the leather strap. This risistance will hold the string against the button when sinched down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringkeeperandbow3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Stringkeeperandbow4.jpg)
Post by: the Ferret on September 19, 2006, 08:37:00 PM
Just wanted to say, this is a great thread, and has been a real pleasure to follow! :notworthy:
Post by: vermonster13 on September 19, 2006, 08:41:00 PM
Post by: Patience on September 19, 2006, 08:52:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 20, 2006, 12:19:00 AM
Post by: initialimage on September 20, 2006, 03:12:00 AM
Post by: MI_Bowhunter on September 20, 2006, 02:13:00 PM
Keep it coming
Post by: TexMex on September 20, 2006, 02:25:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 21, 2006, 08:47:00 PM
I was at work when you came to my neighborhood, so I'm glad you did not waste time looking for my house again. With any luck I'll get to meet you someday.
4runr, glad to see your still keeping up with this. A couple more weeks and I should contact you so we can plan us a hunt of some sort.
Initialimage, season starts Oct. 30th. My goal here is to make meat, so check back on the 31st ;)
MI_bowhunter, I agree,,, lots of talent on this site. Thanks for saying that on my thread!
Patience, you have the right handle to stick with this build along. Thanks, glad you are enjoying it.
TEXMEX, Thanks dude!
I have already created several new friends due to this thread. That alone is worth more than all my efforts are worth. I am amazed how many good people there are on this site.
Nice, helpful, giving, compasionate, encouraging, considerate, great stewards of archery, informative, hospitable, friendly, awesome,,,,Are only a few words that does not even begin to explain the members of this site.
From this thread, I have met several members either in person or over the net.
4runr, I met at the Flintridge Knapp-In. He's a real nice fellow and I plan to meet up again so we can do some whitetail hunting and swap bow talk.
Hey Kenny!
:wavey:
Chad801, read my thread and come to find out we work at the same place and had never met. Chad is very interested in learning how to make self bows and I am excited about helping him out as much as I can. He said he wants to pass the knowledge down to his son's. So, this will help keep selfbows going for the next generation, at least. He mentioned a family member has osage on thier land and we plan to cut some of it this winter.
Hey Chad!
:wavey:
And there are many others I consider friends just due to the nice comments made, even when the thread was not going as planned.
Hey Gang!
:wavey:
I have also made one enemy,,, my young friend who works at the local machine shop. See he promised to take my old saw blades that I had drawn trade point patterns on and cut them out for me to make my broadheads from. Well, he took my old saw blades weeks ago and I can not locate him or the old blades. I am screwed on homemade broadheads :mad:
That is where my newest, bestest buddie in the whole wide world comes in. Though we have never met, I consider this guy a friend for life and I will be forever at his beckon call for any assistance I may possibly provide.
His name,,,, Woody Blackwell aka "Knife River"!
I say he is one lucky man and a real generous person. He was reading my thread and wondered what I was going to use for heads.
Woody contacted me and asked me if I was needing heads as he could knap me a few after returning from his Alaskan adventure. Well, I was very interested in this offer and he came through for me like a real tropper! He sent me some unbelievable stuff!
I do not know what type of materials these points are made of, but they are beautiful!
I hope Woody will chime in and elaborate a bit!
Thanks Woody, And I am just astonished at your abilities with this stone material.
I can only wish,,,,,
Post by: Osagetree on September 21, 2006, 08:48:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Broadheads3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Broadheads4.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 21, 2006, 09:14:00 PM
Post by: knife river on September 21, 2006, 09:36:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 21, 2006, 11:18:00 PM
This site is awesome!!!
Post by: GrayRhino on September 22, 2006, 03:24:00 AM
Osagetree, thanks for the time you've invested in posting all these photos and captions for us to follow along. Quite an unfolding drama of the ultimate traditional archery challenge. Thanks!
Post by: UKarcher on September 22, 2006, 04:01:00 AM
Graham
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 03:01:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Haftedflintrivercanearrows.jpg) :bigsmyl:
:archer:
Post by: the Ferret on September 23, 2006, 03:05:00 PM
Post by: knife river on September 23, 2006, 04:40:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 23, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 07:14:00 PM
I never heard of a corner tang knife, so I had to do some research to find how it was used and hafted.
As I learned about the corner tang knifes use, I found I had done this to most all my modern knives. I had lost a knife while gutting a deer once and started drilling a hole in the handles of my knives to place a leather strap to go around my wrist. So, when I let loose I do not lay it down, it just hangs from the wrist.
Here is my modern gutter and skinner, both with straps.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Knifecomparison.jpg)
The knife is held in this manner while is use.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Primitiveknifehafting1.jpg)
If there is a need for use of your grip you can let loose of the blade and not risk loosing it in the fall leaves or tall grass. A flip of the wrist and it is back in your hand, ready to use!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Primitiveknifehafting2.jpg)
The corner tang knife knapped by Knife River.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Primitiveknifehafting.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 07:39:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Primitiveknifehafting3.jpg)
Post by: yleecoyote23 on September 23, 2006, 07:52:00 PM
Those are some awesome points Knife River!!!!
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 10:16:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath.jpg)
Then cut the antler to the lenght I desire.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath1.jpg)
Trying to determine the angle I want to place the blade on the handle.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath2.jpg)
Once the angle is determined, I mark it so there is no doubt where to cut the slot for the blade.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath3.jpg)
Using a flat file I tapper the end of the handle to fit the diameter of the blade
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath4.jpg)
With the hand saw I cut a slot to the depth I want the blade sunk into the handle
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath5.jpg)
Using my string nock file, I follow the slot cut with the hand saw
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath6.jpg)
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 23, 2006, 10:25:00 PM
BTW your son is crazy/myhero/crazy :scared:
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 10:28:00 PM
to better fit the blade
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath7.jpg)
Placeing the blade in the handle with a tight fit I check to see if I like it before tiying it on
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath10.jpg)
I thought about the artificial sinew for this hafting of the blade, but I recently used dacron and super glue on a knife project and it turned out realy well. And, since the color theme seems to be black, this dacron method will look pretty good.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath11.jpg)
I soak the dacron with super glue and let it dry. When dry, it is a hard tight wrapping that hold up to alot of abuse
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath12.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath13.jpg)
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 10:33:00 PM
Don't even think about it!
Either one won't be good,,,,
:smileystooges:
:knothead:
Post by: Osagetree on September 23, 2006, 10:42:00 PM
Mark a pattern on the last of the black leather I got from the flea market
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath14.jpg)
Cut out the pattern, fold it over, punch some holes to make sewing easier and use the dacron again to sew it all up,,, doubled the dacron and double sewn seam.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath15.jpg)
I use a utility knife to cut in some fancy fringe
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath16.jpg)
Pretty nice fit
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifeandsheath17.jpg)
Post by: mqqse on September 23, 2006, 10:58:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 24, 2006, 02:01:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifesheaths.jpg)
And because I never want to loose this knife, I add a keeper loop to secure it in the sheath.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifesheaths2.jpg)
As you can see I use the anlter button for the snap
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifesheaths1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifesheaths3.jpg)
This project realy got my heart pumping just thinking about possibly getting to use this knife to feild dress with,,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Jamesriverknifesheaths4.jpg)
Thank you Woody! :notworthy:
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 24, 2006, 03:55:00 PM
I kinda dont really sorta know what to say and you probably couldn't understand me anyways. The drool coming out of my mouth makes it kinda hard for me to talk.
BTW If you accidentally sit on that knife and break that AMAZING work of beauty, I'm going to kill you. haha, just kidding. But seriously :readit:
WOWOWOWOW
I love natural knives like that
Post by: Bowspirit on September 24, 2006, 04:08:00 PM
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on September 24, 2006, 04:12:00 PM
Post by: UKarcher on September 24, 2006, 04:26:00 PM
Graham
Post by: Osagetree on September 24, 2006, 05:47:00 PM
Shiney steel and no edges. These are going to take some work.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepointstwelve.jpg)
I'm out of propane so I'll ise the electric stove to heat the points up red hot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints.jpg)
A can of old used motor oil to drop the red hot points into
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints1.jpg)
The points on the bottom were the ones I blackened in the oil. This takes off the shiney finish and makes the point black
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints2.jpg)
I use a small bench grinder to make a double edge on both sides of the point. I leave a nice burr on the edge of the blades so the point will sharpen up with a leather belt
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints5.jpg)
Sharpened up and ready to haft
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints6.jpg)
Hafted points to the cane arrows
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints7.jpg)
After a bit of practicing I will resharpen with a belt sander to get then splitting hairs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/tradepoints8.jpg)
Six days till season.. I'll be shooting every evening and off and on all day friday before the hunt.
Post by: Osagetree on September 24, 2006, 06:37:00 PM
Bowspirit, I can't make my wife happy!
Ukarcher, I'm not much on hats unless it's a baseball cap or taboggen. I can make some predator calls and other odds and ends though. We could add those to the list and try for some predators after I harvest a whitetail.
See ya,,, I'm going out to shoot a bit....
Post by: Shaun on September 24, 2006, 08:59:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 24, 2006, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: Bowspirit on September 26, 2006, 03:38:00 PM
Post by: lucznik on September 29, 2006, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on September 29, 2006, 10:40:00 PM
Funny, I was checking the Tradgang before I crash for the night and saw your "TTT" maybe that's a good omen. Thanks!
Going to put it all to the test in the morning. Season opens at daylight!
Sure hope I can get one close enough,,, we'll see!
Safe hunting to everyone starting opening season in Ohio :archer:
Post by: LazerRay on September 29, 2006, 11:39:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on September 30, 2006, 03:57:00 AM
God bless you Sir.
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on September 30, 2006, 08:16:00 AM
Post by: GrayRhino on September 30, 2006, 08:53:00 PM
Post by: knife river on October 01, 2006, 12:12:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on October 02, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
1st day, 1st hour of season and I had several deer under my stand.
A big doe, her last years doe and a little button buck were browsing around my stand.
I was trying to do to much, to soon and was moving to quickly while the big doe was 10yrds from the stand.
As I drew back, I realized I had my ball cap on and it was not turned around backwards. So, I let off the draw turned my hat around, and oh yea,,, made sure she was in the video view finder.
When I turned to look back at the big doe,,, she was looking right at me. I froze for a second and she bounded out about 12 more yards and started browsing again after a short while. The button buck took her place in my shooting lane and I could not bring myself to shoot him.
Just then the yearling doe walked over and ran off the little button buck.She was broad side to me and her head was down to the ground as I drew Two Snakes back to anchor. As I drew back the MOJO HOG KILL'N point sent to me by Knife River, I felt real good about the shot opportunity I had, so I released the cane arrow.
My stand is 25' or higher and she was only ten or eleven yrds from the base of the tree. So, I intended to hit her a little high but, not that far back. From the video I can tell it was not a hit to the main vitals I may have got the liver though the penatration was not as deep as expected either.
The doe bolted down the hill and at the time I was very confident in my shot. I held off about 45 minutes until a driving rain ran me down the tree. I was fearing any blood would be washed away and I would have to search instead of track.
A few loose hairs where she stood, but no blood.
It was obvious where she had ran as the ground was soft and wet leaving identifiable tracks off a running deer. About 75 yrds down the hill the woods end and a cow pasture begins. Along a thin ridge and brushy strip of woods that fingers out into the overgrown pasture, ispy the tracks of my deer,,, still no blood or arrow to be found.
As I slipped out in the pasture and along this ridge of brush I saw the tracks of the big doe and button buck flollow in the tracks of my deer. I thought no way they have met back up with this deer.
About that time I look over to the pasture and see a little button buck bound over the first flat in the pasture. At this point I was not sure it was the same button buck, so I ran to the edge of the flat to see it run across the holler. Sure enough there was the big doe the deer I shot and that little button runing for the wood line on the other side of the overgrown pasture. They all stood ten yards from the woodline and looked back cursing me,,, I'm sure.
I decided to back off and look for my arrow or more sign. After trapsing throught he high wet weeds in the pasture, I was soaking wet.
I left for the house to eat and get my tracker (My Wife) to help me look some more. I do not like to give up on anything and I was sure my hit was good enough, I was just pushing her to much.
I slipped in the video of the shot while I was at home. The shot was actualy to far back to hit the boiler room, but it looked like a liver or maybe even a rear lung puncture.
Me and the tracker headed back to the spot where I had last seen the trio standing at the wood line. It was sunny when we left the Jeep, but by the time we got to the spot the wind picked up, the sky turned black and the rain started pouring again.
Seems just right, as far as the way this thread has gone for me. I hunted Sunday morning and saw nothing out of that stand.
I practiced again on Sunday evening and again today after work. I seem to be shooting with confidence. But, I feel like crap for having to abandon the search.
When I view the video, I can see the camera move when I drew back the bow as I went to shoot. I may have felt the camera hit my hip and at 25' up it don't take much to spook ya.
We'll a poor excuse is better than none at all,,,, :knothead:
Knife River, Sorry that is one point we will never see again. I thought your MOJO on that hog killer would be the ticket. That was the first flint tip I ever shot and the first flint tip I ever shot at a whitetailed deer. THANKS for the experience! :notworthy:
Like I said, I don't like to give up on anything so, bear with me a while longer Gang!
Post by: knife river on October 02, 2006, 11:23:00 PM
Post by: just_a_hunter on October 03, 2006, 06:58:00 AM
Todd
Post by: Bowspirit on October 03, 2006, 01:06:00 PM
I'm still praying you get your deer this year. Besides, the seasons far from over... :saywhat:
Post by: blacktailchaser on October 07, 2006, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on October 08, 2006, 08:24:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on October 08, 2006, 06:14:00 PM
Saturday morning at 8:00am, I hunted out of my Lone Wolf Climber in another area. I had a doe and fawn coming in and as I was trying to stand and ready for a shot, another doe was coming in behind me and busted me moving. She blew, then the other doe started blowing and the gig was up.
I sat there until 10:40 and a doe came by at about 35 yrds with a spike trailing her. She was moving on and I thought he acts like he is chasing her like a hot doe. Just then, another spike came along the same trail keeping the same fast pace to its walk. I thought no way,,, it's too early for the rut!
I sat there another ten minutes before I heard a faint grunt,,, I thought I was imagining things but, sure enough,,, here comes a fork horn just a getting it. Had his nose to the ground jsut like he was trailing a hot doe.
I told my buddy about this and he stated someone else told him close to the same thing...
WHAT'S UP WITH THAT???? :confused:
Later, I saw the doe and fawn again but they were out of my range.
I left about 12:00noon and returned at 4:00pm for the evening hunt. I saw nothing, but a big owl swoop past right at dusk. I thought he may have been after my snake skin but trealized something was not right and pulled off his attack at the last minute. Funny how you can not hear them owls when they fly by! Silent fletching, but illegal!
This morning the wife hunted with me and we did not see a thing. We sat for five hours! The wife was tickled as a small bird landed on her arrow as she sat in her tree in full camo. She has told me the story three times today!
One good thing,,, we stopped at a friends house to see if his hunting had been any better and he tells me the guy next door just dozed a haul road to the an old gas well and he had up rooted a small osage tree. My friend said "I got out my buck saw because I thought you might come by. Lets go get it if you want it." The tree was not a real good specimen, but I could not tell him as he was so excited he found me some osage!
The three on the floor are the ones I got today
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Timmysosage.jpg)
Hang in there with me TRADGANG & Thanks for your support!
Picture from the tree, for the Gang
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/TwoSnakes1sthuntoct2006.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on October 08, 2006, 07:27:00 PM
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 09, 2006, 12:36:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on October 09, 2006, 12:46:00 PM
Looks like that puppy is growin.
Some work changes have kept me from even gettin out yet. Plus the fact that I can't hit what I'm aimin at yet. I'm not goin back to the wheelie, so I just have to keep practicin.
Good luck Bud!!
Post by: Curtiss Cardinal on October 10, 2006, 02:14:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on October 10, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: Osagetree on October 10, 2006, 09:59:00 PM
Darkegreen, I sure hope your right!
Tom, well,,,, did you go get the osage?
Kenny,, don't work to hard we got to set our priorities you know,,, God, Family, Country, Hunting then work!
Shaun, I created a hunting monster when I got my wife to start hunting a few years back. Today, it's 81 degrees outside and when I got home from work at 4:00pm. She didn't have dinner ready,,,she had the hunting gear ready to go.
I told her she could set in the stand and I would still hunt around and try to push something her way. To make a long story short I jumped 5 does within the first couple hundred yards. Took a shot at a running rabbit and missed badly.
The best thing about this evening was as I slipped though a small path with honey suckle and greenbriers thick on both sides, I came face to face with a nice little eight pointer. We had a mexican stand off for about 2 minutes before he turned and hauled *&^%#! He didn't go far. I don't think he really knew what I was, because he slipped around and down wind of me. I could barley make him out through the sceen of greenbries and small saplings before he took off again.
Just across the creek from where this event took place, I have two stands that were hung last season. So, since I was there I went to see what sign was around these stands. Glad I went to look. I'll be in one of these stands next time I hunt.
Talk about incentive! :archer:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/TWOSNAKESANDARUB.jpg)
Post by: Patience on October 11, 2006, 04:31:00 PM
Can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Amazing :thumbsup: . You really should take this whole thread and turn it into a book. :notworthy:
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 12, 2006, 10:41:00 AM
Post by: 4runr on October 18, 2006, 08:06:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on October 19, 2006, 04:15:00 PM
Last weekend I saw a total of eight deer and one was a decent buck. None of them within my shooting range though.
I also saw a coyote and called him in to within 25 yards, but could not shoot due to him hiding in the honeysuckle. He hung up there and I did not call anymore as he was scoping hard for the sounds I had been making. He turned and went back the way he came,,, I was sure he'd step out for a shot, but he never did.
Off work the next three days and will be hunting most of the time. I'll shoot some pics if nothing else!
Post by: the Ferret on October 19, 2006, 04:21:00 PM
Good luck this weekend. Saw a big 10 out cruising yesterday morning. Unfortunately I was driving at the time.
Post by: Osagetree on October 20, 2006, 05:45:00 AM
It's hard to lead something if it's standing still upon release.
Dang the rain this morning! :mad:
Post by: leftbow on October 20, 2006, 01:23:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on October 20, 2006, 01:45:00 PM
This morning around 9:15am, I spot a small spike coming down the trail to my right. He was walking at the edge of a steep drop off just above a small creek or what I call a wash as it only has water in it after a good rain. This little buck was intently looking accross the wash as if he was watching something on the other side of the hollow. I was going to wait, but he gave me a good broadside shot through an opening in the leaves and trees, about 30yrds away which is really pushing my range limit.
The shot felt right, so I released. The arrow whizzed just under his chest and just behind the front legs. A good clean miss.
I saw the arrow fly over the drop off and thought to myself, that one is gone for sure! As the little buck high tailed it back the way he had come, two dogs came accross the wash/creek and up the hill and were hot after the running deer.He must have seen the dogs and was standing still motionless hoping the dogs he saw would move on so he could continue on his cautious way.
An hour or so later I went to find the arrow. Just as I was going to give it up. I turned to leave and saw the arrow sticking out of the dirt just on the other side of the wash, so I snapped this picture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/twosnakesmisses1.jpg)
Post by: the Ferret on October 20, 2006, 01:59:00 PM
Ever notice you find most arrows just after you've decided to quit looking?
!["[laffsmyl]"]("graemlins/laffsmyl.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Talondale on October 20, 2006, 02:02:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on October 20, 2006, 02:06:00 PM
God knows you need something better than a spike to top out this thread. I have a feeling you'll be drawin on a nicen before it's all said and done!
Good luck Bro!!
Post by: Marvin M. on October 20, 2006, 02:06:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on October 22, 2006, 04:58:00 PM
Windy today as all get out! It was already good and daylight when I got down in the hollow I was going to hunt. I walked a haul road in and at a "Y" intersection I turned towards my intended spot. One step around the corner and I see two racks heading toward me. I'm in the wide open, so I back up a couple steps and back up against a multi-floral rose bush.
It seemed like an hour but was only about 1 minute before the first buck rounds the bend. A small eight pointer or six pointer,,, I was trying not to look at the rack!...
Just my luck he turns towards me instead of heading out the other road. He was 4 paces away and quartering towards me. He spotted me, but he was not sure what I was, but he wasn't staying to find out, and then he turned and trotted back past the other buck. They stood together, looking back down the road about 35 yrds away. A few minutes later they both hit the woods and went up the hill face's into the wind. It was four paces away and could not get a shot.... that's hunt'n!
I usually tree stand hunt, but today I was heading for a dead fall with my three legged folding stool to hunt from the cover of the deadfall. I climbed through the dead falls limbs looking for the best spot to sit. before I could get my stool off my belt, I spotted a spike 30 yrds out heading my direction. I kneeled on the ground and readied myself raising my selfbow. This is it, I though to myself,,, just as I got to full draw he looked right at me,, ten paces away! I released and the darn thing jumped the string and the arrow just grazed its back and the hair flew. Straight down over the hill and acrossed the hollow he went,,, that's hunt'n!
I like this spot at the dead fall and have never taken a deer from the ground with a bow. So after missing the spike, I spent some time making the deadfall into a blind by using brush and dead tree limbs.
I decided to cross back over the hollow and see if I could walk out this knife ridge thicket and spot something before it spotted me. There is large cow pasture's on each side of this ridge.
It was really windy and I figured most deer would be bedded, hopefully in the thicket out that ridge.
As I crossed the hollow I found where the spike I had grazed earlier had stopped. I must have gotten a little more than hair. I found some blood and a few more spots as he walked off again. It petered out qiuckly and I soon lost any trail. This little buck will be fine as frog hair and a little smarter from now on,,, I'm sure!
That's hunt'n!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/October22nd.jpg)
Finally at the ridge, I stalked slowly using the wind to hide my movements and sound. Toward the end of the ridge, I started getting discouraged and just had given up when I walked a few paces at normal speed.
I took this pic. I never seen a turtle sleeping with its head out of the shell....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/October22nd1.jpg)
Then I took two more steps and up jumps the devil,,, a monster buck and 4 does running out of the thicket 20 yrds away and out and down the hill through the wide open cow pasture,,,, That's hunt'n!
I had had enough,,, and walked out into the pasture for an easy walk back to the Jeep. As I walked toward the woodline, I spot some turkeys about 150 yrds ahead and out in the pasture. My heart starts beating and I set up in a clump of brush in hopes they would keep heading my direction.
Half way to me they turn left and into the woodline,,, That's hunt'n
My digital camera is fairly cheap and you can't hardly make out the turkeys in this picture at 150yrds,,, but that's my luck this year.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/October22nd2-1.jpg)
As I head toward the jeep, I slow down at a thicket that I sometimes jump deer in. Again just as I give up on the still hunting a four pointer jumps up and snorts as he heads south over a steep bench on the hillside,,, that's hunt'n!
Regardless of the mishaps, I really enjoyed the morning that lasted until 1:00pm,,, THAT'S HUNT'N!
:archer:
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on October 22, 2006, 06:26:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on October 22, 2006, 06:53:00 PM
That's usually how my still huntin goes too. It seems like I just never stick with it long enough. About the time you stop bein extra cautious, up they go right from under yer feet.
Dang, why didn't I wait just a second longer??
Better luck next time!!
Post by: lucznik on October 29, 2006, 07:27:00 PM
Just can't let this one move too far from the top.
Post by: Bowspirit on October 29, 2006, 07:52:00 PM
Post by: adkmountainken on October 29, 2006, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: Haf2hunt on November 05, 2006, 12:27:00 AM
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on November 05, 2006, 08:32:00 AM
You ought to really consider it. I would buy it, I know thats for sure.
Post by: Osagetree on November 05, 2006, 09:27:00 PM
Thanks Gang!!!
I have a nice update for you all,,,
Sorry, I'm tired from hunting all day with lot's of up's and down's and up again,,,
Here is a picture to keep you interested and I'll have a story and more pictures soon.
Got to go for now,,, lots of work still left to do here,,,,,,,,
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/TwoSnakes11.jpg)
A special thanks to Woody - aka - "Knife River" for the awsome flint points!!!
My first deer with a stone head!
Post by: Bowspirit on November 05, 2006, 09:28:00 PM
Yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!! You did it!!!!!!!
Post by: longbowhntr on November 05, 2006, 09:32:00 PM
Post by: adkmountainken on November 05, 2006, 09:32:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on November 05, 2006, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: bbassi on November 05, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
PS - your right about Woody's heads, they are awsome!
Post by: Hood on November 05, 2006, 09:53:00 PM
Thanks for sharing.
Robert
Post by: knife river on November 05, 2006, 09:57:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on November 05, 2006, 10:00:00 PM
He's got a story to tell and I ain't got all night!
Oh yes I do! I'm gonna park my butt right here in front of this laptop till I get the skinny.
All of it!
Dang, fella! If you back up a couple of my posts, I think you'll see I called this one!
I am FIRED UP for you Bro!!
That is an awesome BUCK!!!
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on November 05, 2006, 10:01:00 PM
Post by: Huntrdfk on November 05, 2006, 10:24:00 PM
David
Post by: Shaun on November 05, 2006, 10:29:00 PM
Post by: UKarcher on November 06, 2006, 02:19:00 AM
Graham
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Post by: kojac on November 06, 2006, 02:24:00 AM
Post by: philil on November 06, 2006, 02:47:00 AM
Post by: TimZeigler on November 06, 2006, 05:45:00 AM
Post by: Emmons on November 06, 2006, 07:16:00 AM
James
Post by: DarkeGreen on November 06, 2006, 07:28:00 AM
Post by: the Ferret on November 06, 2006, 07:48:00 AM
Congratulations sir! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Post by: JBell on November 06, 2006, 08:04:00 AM
Congratulations!!!!!!!
Post by: Philip Morris on November 06, 2006, 08:25:00 AM
Phil
Post by: MI_Bowhunter on November 06, 2006, 09:36:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on November 06, 2006, 09:57:00 AM
Looking forward to the story Joe. And what project/adventure you have in mind for us next year.
Post by: Pat B on November 06, 2006, 10:18:00 AM
Post by: BamBooBender on November 06, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on November 06, 2006, 05:12:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on November 06, 2006, 06:08:00 PM
Are you in there? This seat is gettin kinda hard.
My eyes are gettin kinda fuzzy and I'm thirsty.
Got story????????
Post by: 4runr on November 06, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
Adam and I are goin shoppin. Hope to hear from that boy when I gits back!!!
Post by: bentpole on November 06, 2006, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: bbassi on November 06, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
Post by: the Ferret on November 06, 2006, 09:58:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on November 06, 2006, 10:01:00 PM
I had things to do today and was worn clean out last night!
See the wife dragged me back out hunting this evening. We were really upset yesterday before finding the deer I shot. So we had to try and redeem ourselves this evening, with no luck again!
Here's the story that explains it all,,,
Sunday morning, 11/5/06 @ 4:30am I woke up the wife to find she was not feeling well, and that meant I was on my own for the morning hunt.
I was in the stand, just as it was breaking daylight. 45 degrees and the rut was on. A good morning to be in the stand.
No sooner than I got myself settled in I heard a crash up above me on the hillside,,, very thick in there.
I spy a large doe running straight down the hill and she blew past my stand before I could grab my bow...
I knew she was being chased by something, so I stood and grabbed olde "Two Snakes" with a firm grip, and knocked my best flying rivercane arrow that happens to be tipped with one of "Knife Rivers" flint tips.
Here he comes nose to the ground and moving pretty fast down the same trail the doe was on. If he keeps coming he'll be about 15 yards from the base of my tree. Sure enough he come trotting by and I give him the olde "MAaa" with my mouth, and he stops dead in his tracks. by this time I'm at half draw and I pull back to deliver the shot.
Dang it,,,, just as I release he bolts off after the doe.... To late, I have released and the arrow strikes him in the rear end about where the hip joint is.
I knew this was not too good and I sat down cusing my luck,,,, again. I watched as he ran out towards a cow pasture that is about 100 yards away, and then I lost sight of him.
I waited until 10:30am before I climbed down. I saw a coyote come accross the hollow and I was afraid if the buck had bedded the coyote would jump him up. So, I got down and started looking at the area where I had shot him. My hopes were that I had hit the femerul artery located in the rear haunch. If so,, he'd bleed out in no time.
No blood on the ground at the point of impact, but a large clump of brown/grey hair. I new the arrow sunk in deep as I could see it sticking out as he ran towards the fence line of the pasture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway5.jpg)
My hopes dwendled after about 50 yrds with no sign of blood. I though to myself,,, I've done this before and still hunted to the wounded animal and finished'em off with a follow up shot.
It was my only hope, so I started the still hunt in the direction of the buck’s departure.
Then I saw a couple small specks of blood. I continued on to find more and thicker blood at about 75yrds.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway4.jpg)
My hopes started to raise a bit... Then more and more blood. I thought to myself,,, If he jumps the fence and hits the tall grass in the pasture, I may loose the trail.
Here at about 50 yards from the fence, I find a bed, but I was not sure he'd laid there or run over another deer's bed. After that the blood turned very spotty and I was getting concerned again.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway3.jpg)
At the fence line, I lost the trail for a while and had to search pretty hard before finding a few small spots of blood that told me he did not jump the fence but followed the fence line up the hill,,, Not a a good sign at this point.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway1.jpg)
I continued on to the top of the ridge. there I stopped and glassed the thicket in the hollow in the bottom of the other side of the ridge. Just as I gave up and stood up to take a pee,,, I hear something in the bottom. Dang it,,, there he is trotting out of the thicket and on to a small haul road. I gave it another half an hour and still hunted to the thicket to find his bed with no blood.
I was getting sick by now!
I slowly worked my way to the haul road and as I peak around the bend I see him standing with his back to me, and he is looking the other way.
I figure, dang he's hurt bad or he'd be long gone.
I'm 36 or 38 yards away and I don't want to take a "Hail Marry" at his buttocks,,, so I snap a picture.
Note the small log at the bottom of the picture frame. I think if I can get across that log without spooking him I'll be about 30 yards away and I'm taking that hail marry shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway72.jpg)
Well, I sneak over the log and he is still there as I decide to snap this picture
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Nov4th2006Gataway92.jpg)
As I draw back olde Two Snakes,, I feel the wind change and it's blowing up my back and straight at him. He ain't standing for that and off he trots,, kinda awkwardly.
I gave him a few minutes after he trotted off, and just for curiosity, I picked out a leaf on the ground where he had been standing just to see if I could have hit him as I had intended with the hail marry I was about to take. I only missed the leaf by an couple inches. I probably would have stuck him again, but to late at this point, he was gone again.
When I got to where he was standing there was only a small puddle of blood, but I had gone close to 400 yards already and I was not giving up yet. I knew he was heading for the open woods and if I speeded it up a bit I may see him crossing the next hollow. Sure enough, there he was stopped again in the open woods,,, he looked ill.
I tried to move in on him again, but the wind was in his favor and he walked to a barbed wire fence line and crawled under the fence. he was heading towards a small thicket and I thought if I backed off he may bed there and bleed out.
I left for home and got me a bite to eat. The wife was feeling better by 2:00pm and I told her she could sit in the stand while I looked for my deer. The incentive for her was I might run something past her while looking for my wounded deer/buck. So she agreed to go back with me.
When we pulled into the farm,,, the land owners Son's truck was there and I knew he had come to hunt. Not wanting to mess up his hunt looking for my deer I decided to hunt with the wife in a double stand we had place earlier in the year.
I hate to admit this, but while we hunted that stand, we had a huge ten point come by at 20yrds,,, Well, unbelievably we both go shots at it and we both missed it. My shot was a clean miss by an inch under the vital area and her shot hit a limb that sent both the buck and her arrow flying way up into the air.
At dark we headed for the jeep. We ran into the land owners son as he came in on his ATV. He stopped and asked me if I shot flint tipped arrows with that funny looking bow I was carrying. I said it is a selfbow and I shoot rivercane and flint arrows.... He then handed me the arrow I shot the buck with that morning and said,,, your buck is laying about 50 yards the otherside of the barbed wire fence. I was elated and then he offered to help me go get it.
Well that is how it all came together. And with all the up's down's and up's again that day,,, it's one day I wont soon forget.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/TwoSnakesinthedaylight3.jpg)
I think I'm going to make me a homemade predetor call next and try for some coyotes,,, would anyone want me to do a build-along on the predator call?
P.S. Thanks for all the kind comments on this thread so far,,, you guy's are the best,,, for sure!
Post by: Emmons on November 06, 2006, 10:19:00 PM
Post by: knife river on November 06, 2006, 10:24:00 PM
Does anyone want you to do a predator call build-along? You don't have a choice, now that you brought up the possibility!!! :D I'm looking forward to it!
Post by: Shaun on November 06, 2006, 10:35:00 PM
Mickey, you know I was teasing - and I really liked the combined (even if it was subliminal) word for finishing with eating.
Post by: 4runr on November 06, 2006, 10:37:00 PM
This has been my favorite thread on here. I kinda hate to see it end. I like the hero shot with all the gear and trophy. Great job all the way!!!
Post by: vermonster13 on November 06, 2006, 10:38:00 PM
Post by: Steve Kendrot on November 06, 2006, 11:41:00 PM
Congrats on an awesome accomplishment.
Post by: Pat B on November 06, 2006, 11:57:00 PM
Let's do some predator calls now! Pat
Post by: GrayRhino on November 07, 2006, 01:52:00 AM
Post by: TimZeigler on November 07, 2006, 05:59:00 AM
Post by: Arrowslinger on November 07, 2006, 06:31:00 AM
Jeff Kitchens
Post by: adkmountainken on November 07, 2006, 06:50:00 AM
i believe you probley still have a couple tags left right? that means this thread and hunt AIN'T OVER YET!!!!!
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on November 07, 2006, 07:34:00 AM
Please do make the coyote call, I would like to know how to make one and do some yote hunting myself.
Post by: Pasty Face on November 07, 2006, 07:43:00 AM
WAY TO GO.
Post by: Bowspirit on November 07, 2006, 07:53:00 AM
Post by: the Ferret on November 07, 2006, 07:55:00 AM
Post by: lucznik on November 07, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
Congratulations!
Post by: uncowboy on November 07, 2006, 06:08:00 PM
Post by: bbassi on November 07, 2006, 06:21:00 PM
Now, one question; What did your brother say? :)
Post by: Hunter John on November 07, 2006, 06:25:00 PM
John
Post by: Tique on November 07, 2006, 06:36:00 PM
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on November 07, 2006, 08:32:00 PM
Terry
Post by: Flesner on November 08, 2006, 04:32:00 PM
I also use all homemade stuff, but have yet to connect with a stone head. You have managed to make all your equipment and make meat in under 5 months!!
My hat is off to ya' !
Enjoyed the read, also. That took some grit to do it in public.
Post by: billy on the road on November 08, 2006, 09:38:00 PM