bamboo backed lemonwood bow

[gordonf]

A good friend of mine, Gary, asked if I would make a bow for his son. Gary likes to shoot a longbow and frequently uses a vine maple bow that I made him. His son owns a compound bow and only takes it out a month before the season starts so they don’t shoot together much. Gary thought if he gave his son a longbow that might be a good excuse for them to spend more time together.

I had some lemonwood boards sitting in my garage that another buddy had shared with me a few years ago. Lemonwood was the bow wood de-jour back in the early 20th century so I figured it would probably make a dandy longbow if I backed it with bamboo. The finished bow is 66” ntn, 1 ¼” wide at the fads and tapers to 7/16” at the tips. I built the handle up with osage and the tips are overlayed with a some mystery hardwood flooring material. The bamboo and belly are stained with a tan leather dye. The handle is elk hide dyed with mahogany leather dye. The bow pulls 57# @ 27” and zips an arrow out there really nice. I think Gary’s son will be happy with this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mmgrode]

Awesome Gordon!  Tiller looks spot on!  

[Scott E]

very nice! I'm working on a Hickory backed bamboo bow right now and was wondering how you did the tip overlays? Do you sand the bamboo flat? how thick of a piece of wood do you ise for the overlays? Thanks-Scott

[gordonf]

Scott, I do flatten the bamboo before installing the overlays. The overlay blocks are about 3/8" thick when I initially glue then on. By the time I am done shaping they are about 3/16" at the thickest point.

[Walt Francis]

Gordon,
As always, another great looking bow!      

[Bruce Martin]

Very nice longbow! Where can one get some lemonwood? I've been curious to compare it to osage, but do not know a source.

[gordonf]

Bruce,

My buddy picked up the wood at Gilmore lumber in Portland, Oregon. They do sell wood off their website, but I don't know what it would cost to ship.

Thank you all for the compliments.

Gordon

[Shaun]

Your work inspires me. Another fine piece of art.