Author Topic: Advise on through knot in handle (Read 5239 times)

epage_backwards_hat · « **on:** March 23, 2024, 08:43:51 AM »

This is a beauty price of hackberry I’ve been working up into a 66” basic flat bow type design. I ultimately will have a shallow handle that planned to leave some bend in… but this knot may not allow for that.
Need opinions from experienced builders! Do I leave this one ridged through fades and handle? Continue with having some bend? Build up the handle area? Not sure if what is best at this point. It’s got plenty of wood around it and the belly side was filled with Titebond 3.

mmattockx · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2024, 10:41:37 AM »

I certainly wouldn't try for a bending handle with that knot. If you keep it very rigid the stresses should be low enough that the knot won't cause problems.

Mark

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2024, 10:46:50 AM »

Quote from: mmattockx on March 23, 2024, 10:41:37 AM

I certainly wouldn't try for a bending handle with that knot. If you keep it very rigid the stresses should be low enough that the knot won't cause problems.

Mark

I’m leaning that way myself. Just not sure if I should build up or let it ride.

mmattockx · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2024, 11:07:02 AM »

Quote from: epage_backwards_hat on March 23, 2024, 10:46:50 AM

I’m leaning that way myself. Just not sure if I should build up or let it ride.

I'm a fan of built up handles myself so I would go that way, but I am biased. If the grip area is thicker than about 1.5" it should be thick enough on its own but adding material won't hurt if you're unsure of what you have.

Mark

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2024, 02:29:11 PM »

Decided to build up the handle. Floor tillering is showing no bend in the fades so I think it will be safe. I’m gluing on a piece of Mahogany. More pics to come tomorrow.

Pat B · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2024, 12:26:05 PM »

If you want a bendy handle you could add a thin wood overlay or even multi layers of thin, gradually longer overlays that will flex as it bends. I think I
d fill the void in the knot first. I personally would have used super glue with saw dust mixed in, putting it down in layers as the previously layer completely set. I guess you could do it with TB glue but I've never tried it.

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2024, 03:59:59 PM »

A slight backpedal in the process but I think this was very much worth it. Flattened out handle and added an extra 3/4” in mahogany.
I will continue to post pics to finish this post out. Lord willing as a success story 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Pat B · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2024, 05:24:47 PM »

Looks like you are at a good place to start tillering. Slow and steady from here!

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2024, 04:39:35 PM »

Short string is on and tiller looks great after exercising limbs. Little on the stout side but all down hill I hope 👍🏼
I did have to steam tips a couple days ago as they got off while blank was drying.

Pat B · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2024, 06:29:57 PM »

Nice! How's she shoot?

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2024, 06:47:43 PM »

Quote from: Pat B on March 30, 2024, 06:29:57 PM

Nice! How's she shoot?

Going to start shooting in tomorrow (as long as it doesn’t rain or get too humid). Here I set once again kicking myself for not having a scale lol I do okay going off of feel but I would rather know weight for certain so I don’t over stress.

Mad Max · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2024, 06:52:02 PM »

66" is plenty long with a 7or 8" fade to fade

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2024, 07:01:36 PM »

Quote from: Mad Max on March 30, 2024, 06:52:02 PM

66" is plenty long with a 7or 8" fade to fade

Agree. I’m certainly a believer in Paul Comstock’s basic flat bow design.

Buemaker · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2024, 07:49:26 PM »

Since you do not have a bow scale, why not use your bathroom scale? That is if you have one. Bow looks fine.

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2024, 08:09:33 PM »

Quote from: Buemaker on March 30, 2024, 07:49:26 PM

Since you do not have a bow scale, why not use your bathroom scale? That is if you have one. Bow looks fine.

I don’t own one of those either haha next investment is a good digital scale.

Kirkll · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2024, 10:50:45 PM »

Quote from: Buemaker on March 30, 2024, 07:49:26 PM

Since you do not have a bow scale, why not use your bathroom scale? That is if you have one. Bow looks fine.

A bathroom scale? This I gotta watch….

Please take a video.

epage_backwards_hat · « **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2024, 10:54:23 PM »

Quote from: Kirkll on March 30, 2024, 10:50:45 PM

Quote from: Buemaker on March 30, 2024, 07:49:26 PM
Since you do not have a bow scale, why not use your bathroom scale? That is if you have one. Bow looks fine.

A bathroom scale? This I gotta watch…. Please take a video.

No no it works very well. You make a reverse tillering stick with a larger base on it so it applies pressure to the scale evenly. The string goes on the top of the stick and you draw the actual bow down towards the scale to desired draw length you wish to take the measurement at and the scale will read the weight. Lots of bowyers still do it as a go to.

onetone · « **Reply #17 on:** March 31, 2024, 10:40:24 AM »

A cool thing about this craft is how resourceful, inventive and creative bowyers are with DIY and making do with want is at hand.

Mad Max · « **Reply #18 on:** March 31, 2024, 04:47:33 PM »

Longcruise · « **Reply #19 on:** April 01, 2024, 08:36:46 AM »

I've been using one of these for a few years and it works very well. The hook doesn't rotate so I crimped an S hook onto it to allow 90 degrees of rotation. Just depends on how you use it.

It's no longer available on Amazon but probably can be found elsewhere.

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Author Topic: Advise on through knot in handle (Read 5239 times)

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