Hickory sapling R/D selfbow

[Rileykinsel]

60 inches and 40 pounds at 28. Traced one of my favorite glass reflex deflex bows onto a 2x6 to make the form. Tried something new for the heat treat. Instead of coals or a heat gun i actually used a flame thrower meant for burning weeds. Took a little experimenting to find the right setting and distance but by the third try I got a nice deep heat treat. About 45 minutes per limb until the whole limb as black as possible without actually burning. As thorough as the coals method with less than half of the time invested. Follows the string a bit more than I’d like so I will be adjusting my form next time with less initial delfex. Finished with trap wax and a heat gun. Black leather handle grip with brown artificial sinew. No rest.

[gifford, MO]

Very well done young man, you did good. I would have never thought that one of those weed burners would work for heat-gunning hickory. You didn't mention which of the hickory species you used, just curious. G

[Pat B]

Nice hickory selfbow with beautiful tiller. She looks like a hunter.     

[Rileykinsel]

I believe it was shagbark hickory. It was small so the bark was pretty smooth but the majority of the hickory where I cut it is all shagbark

[Rileykinsel]

Decided to gift it to my wife. I’ve been really digging 60+ pound bows for myself lately. Once we get some snow here in Michigan, we will see if she can get a bunny or 2 with it!

[gifford, MO]

I've had good luck with Shagbark Hickory, back in the day I've tried most of the hickories; generally in a flat-bow design. Never thought about an R/D hickory, Kudos for trying something a bit different design-wise. G

[Squatchbilly]

That’s a fine looking bow! Nicely done. I’ll be cutting down a few dying shag bark hickory trees in my back yard soon, thinking of splitting it up and starting it to drying for some bow staves and axe handle blanks. This gets me pretty excited to get it done!!

[Pat B]

Squatchbilly, I'd be careful with dead or dying hickory. It really doesn't take long for fungus to attack hickory once it starts dying. For ax handles, furniture or firewood it should be ok but I would be concerned using it for a selfbow. 

[Squatchbilly]

I’ll definitely be looking it over quite thoroughly for sure. I have a few that the tops are definitely looking dead but had some good growth on it through the leafy season. They are coming down when I can control it instead of when they land on the neighbors fence.