Author Topic: My First Bow! completed (Read 690 times)

Wingless Arrow · « **on:** September 10, 2011, 09:03:00 PM »

this is my first bow, it is made from a young hickory tree. i got 2 splits from it but this was the only one that was straight enough.

the initial ruff-out of the handle.

this is from the bottom limb to show the curves and twists.

these are the tools i had to use. no draw knife at that point.

i finished this a few days back, just got caught up in finishing it and did not have time to post it.

KellyG · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2011, 09:17:00 PM »

well now where is the full draw pic. congrates

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2011, 09:28:00 PM »

i would post one, but nobody is here to take the picture! i'll be sure to post one tomorrow. thanks.

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:00:00 PM »

here is the completed bow! dont laugh, but i only have some cooking string on it. lol. but i dont think i am going to bother getting a good string for it, because it already cracked! :( it was an unavoidable thing, but oh wel, life moves on.

this is a good shot of the side, upper limb towards the camera.

back of upper limb.

back of lower limb.

back of grip

upper limb

i went crazy trying to tiller it so i wont have a, i believe the term is "hinge". i ended up reducing it to practically nothing. i dont have anything to measure it with but i would say somethin like 10#-15#. so its practically useless. if it didnt crack i would throw a backing on it and shorten it to up the #. but i dont know that it would be worth it. what do you guys think?

i get my next osage stave in a week or so. i knew this one wouldnt turn out right, it was just my trial run before i get a good stave. so i wasn't expecting it to be good. at least i know where i went wrong and how to fix the problems, mostly.

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:02:00 PM »

lower limb

and finally the crack!! i was sad, but it was inveitable.

mwirwicki · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:41:00 PM »

Wingless Arrow: Congratulations. Though it wasn't a total success you took the leap. Especially, only with a hatchet and a couple of knives. You did learn a lot. Now, when you get your osage stave, take a moment and reflect upon what you learned, take your time. I'd be happy to coach you along the process.

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:57:00 PM »

thank you! i did learn a lot. haha. i will definitely take my time on this next one. i want it to turn out nice. and thanks for the offer. i might take you up on it when the time comes.

Osagetree · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2011, 07:19:00 AM »

It can be done but takes a few years of perfecting technique.
A layout designed for the wood beeing used helps as well. Hickory should be closer to 2" wide.
If you can find a big sandstone and shape you a notch in it, it can be used to shape limbs by running the wood back and forth through your notch in the sandstone.
Oh yea,,, I would forego the arrow rest. Make the handle not as wide as the limbs (side to side) and shoot around the handle primitive style.
You get an "A+" for effort! Heck of a try!

razorback · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2011, 09:11:00 AM »

Looks an awful lot like the first bow I ever made. Hickory sapling and an old hatchet to do most of the work. Oh yeh and it ended up about 15#. hasn't broken and I still have it sitting in the corner. Great job on yours it is the start of many a wonderful and frustrating project. Good luck on the osage and keep the shavings flying.

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2011, 12:10:00 PM »

thanks all! im definitely going to plan out this one and take my time. try and make it right.

KellyG · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2011, 02:40:00 PM »

It appears to have cracked on a knot. So did you chase a ring on it?

Aznboi3644 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2011, 06:09:00 PM »

MAIN THING I NOTICED.

You made the bow BACKWARDS.

remove the bark and that is your back...remove wood from the sides and belly only.

getstonedprimitivebowhunt · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2011, 08:57:00 PM »

keep it up....you'll get ...HOOKED"

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2011, 03:40:00 PM »

i tried to chase one, but without the right equipment, i am posotive i violated a few times. and yes, i notice the backwards part a little too late. so i just went with it.

va · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2011, 10:39:00 AM »

Wingless - you are my hero!

I read many posts from people who are leery of making a bow because of skill or tools. You took what you had and now you are miles and miles down a wild and twisting and extremely enjoyable road.

Keep up the attitude and effort.

Wingless Arrow · « **Reply #15 on:** September 17, 2011, 12:12:00 AM »

Thank you va. i will be sure to keep posting as i progress. i am getting 2 osage staves within the next few days (probably later because of sunday) but i have been planning out my next project carefully. and reading up on my info from the bowyer's bible. and i now have most of the proper equipment. so i am hopin' it will turn out good.

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