Bart Schleyers Meare Heath Bow

[b.glass]

Since Tom has been asking about a Holmegaard bow, it has got me to thinking about making a Meare Heath. I have made a wide limbed bow before but maybe not exactly a Meare Heath.

I really like the looks of Bart Schleyers bow that Tom posted and wondered if anyone has any of the specifics on it or could tell me who might know.

It looks like it is made of maybe zebra wood. I have researched some and found pictures on the Wensels website that shows it is the same wood back and belly.

The tips look like they come to a point like the prehistoric bows did but it is hard to tell from the pictures.

A story written by Mike Mitten at the same site tells that Mr. Schleyer made his first Meare Heath bow to draw at 105 lbs.!

Any help would be appreciated.

Bona

[Jack Skinner]

If you are looking for informatin on Schleyer bows i dont think a lot of info is out there, yet. There were two articles in TB about Schleyer and if I remember right it refers to some of his bows. The bent stick has some info if I remember right but I will have to look at my copy tonight to tell for sure. Primitive Archer mag also had articles on meare heath bows Vol 16 Issue 2 is one. An internet search will bring up articles on the oringial bow found it its approximate dismensions.

Elm and Ash were used not zebra wood. The grain and stain used give it that zebra wood look.

[b.glass]

I got some information from The Traditional Bowyers Bible II on Meare Heath bows but would like to have specific info. on Mr. Schleyers bows.

I wondered if staining couldn't give it that look.

Here is the wide limbed bow that I made several years ago. I shot it through chronograph at MoJam in 2000 so I know it was made before that. I didn't put a date on it and I gave it to my sister.
Hickory
47# @ 26"
62" ntn
prairie rattler backing
2" limbs
mink tail adornmant

 

[b.glass]

I could have tillered the upper limb a little better. It needed to bend more at the tips but it was one of my first "successful" bows.

Until this year I haven't had the luxury of showing someone my work and getting immediate response. It sure helps to have that kind of feedback. You know "Are you seeing something that I am not?"

You guys are great, really helping to put out some gooood bowyers.

BTW, this bow has a set of 2 1/2" on the lower limb and less than 1 1/2" on the upper limb.

[Glenn Newell]

Looks like a nice bow b.glass. I was at Mojam in 2000, I was the one talking english, but no one could understand me. I learnt a lot there, I built an osage self bow with Gary Davis.
If you have one limb taking more set than the other, wouldn't that mean that one limb is under more stress than the other and you would need to even that up during the tiller process so that they take even set?...Glenn...

[b.glass]

Well, I don't make them symetrical. The lower limb is shorter and tillered with less bend so it is under more stress. I don't know how common it is to have that much different in the set but it WAS one of my first bows.
That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

[TomMcDonald]

b glass, thanks for continuing this thread, I'm keen for more information on these bows too.

The one I'm having made will have 3" limbs and will be pignut hickory, 70lbs and 68 or 70" ntn.

I've resurrected this thread from Pow Wow,   http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=048429  ,maybe you can ask this Bowyer for assitance. I really love the look of his bow.

By the way Mom ( ) What was your bow's speed?

[b.glass]

Tom, I had written it down on something but I'm not as organized as I should be. As I recall, it was not that fast. That was like 9 yrs ago but for some reason 140 fps comes to mind.

I could have made it bend better near the tips. That should have helped it with its cast.

Bona

[b.glass]

Tom, I was on Pow Wow before coming here and saw that thread. Thank you! I didn't even look at the date that it was originally posted and thought it was a new thread.  

That does help! Just before coming to Bowyers Bench I saw that Terry had taken my thread to the top.

Thanks guys!     Bona

[b.glass]

I found out the contact info for Doug Theiner who help Mr. Schleyer with his first bow. I will let you all know what happens next.

Bona

[TomMcDonald]

           

[michaelschwister]

Bart's bow was made from Ash. Barry and Gene have more specifics, and would answer your questions.

Mike

[b.glass]

Thanks Mike.

[b.glass]

Can't get in touch with Doug. Asked Barry but he said he couldn't help me directly. He said I should talk to Mike Mitten. I have an e-mail out to him and waiting for a reply.