Back in the summer and early fall there were a few short, bend through the handle bows posted here that made me want one pretty bad. So, here is my "attempt" #1 to make a hunting weight short bow.
It is 49" over all. It is 1 1/4 wide at center out to about 10" from the limb tip narrowing down to 5/8 at the tips.
The stave was not the best but not the worst I guess. So, I decided to back it with sinew. Gonna let it dry for a couple weeks before I start the tiller.
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0881.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0882.jpg)
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David, what drawlength are you looking for? And did you glue in any reflex?
I've also wanted to sinew a bow but haven't gotten a-round-tu-it.
My draw is 26" and was wondering how short I could go.
I think sinew is the way to go on a short bow like that. The Titebond II will be susceptible to moisture so be careful there. If it dampens it might break loose. I just did an oak bow that I sealed at one point during the roughing out stage with Titebond II. When I wipe it with a damp rag the glue would instantly come alive and got sticky again. I'm guessing I could wipe it completely off with a warm, wet rag and some elbow grease. fyi
Red, I'm hoping for 26-27 of draw. My draw is right at 27. I would like to see it come in at 45-50#. But, like I said it is attempt #1. I did not glue in any reflex. the stave was pretty straight and when I did a little tweaking with some dry heat I turned up the last 8 or so inches maybe 1/2".
Steve, I'll keep that in mind. I was planning on putting some snake skin on it if it makes a good bow and sealing up with Tru Oil. My nephew brought me a 44" coperhead last weekend. Should work pretty well.
I'm no expert bowyer by any means, but from what I understand about shorties, it really helps to flip the tips on them. Not sure you can do that now that you've applied sinew. I'm sure that there will be someone that will post on here that's much more knowledgable than me. Good luck and keep posting pics!
I don't think you will have any problem with the TB2 but you could give it a overcoat of TB3 after it is dry.
I'm finishing a 49 inch sinew / juniper right now and hope to bring it in about the same spec's as you are aiming for. Go slow on your tiller and exersize it well with each change.
If she makes it the 44 inch copperhead will make a awesome dress.
Looking good, David. Hope it works out for ya.
Im just impressed that you have a 44" copperhead skin! That's huge!
Yep! Copperheads down here in the south end of Ark rarely make it past 20"! Life span is limited due to the fear factor...
Looks good, David.
Charles, I did a little smooth sanding on the sinew and put on a healthy coat of TBIII. Probably put on another what that one dries. Thanks for the info. I put on 500 grains of deer leg sinew. It dried out pretty smooth.
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0895.jpg)
Here is that little ole copperhead. Sorry for the cut off pic. My nephew did a little too much damage to the first 4" of the working end of it. I guess he was a little excited with theat 36" boat paddle in his hand! :laughing:
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0894.jpg)
Beautiful color on that snake.... This is going to look sharp!!!!
The southern copperhead sure is pretty, I got a couple that size that would pair well with it, don't think you will need them for that little bow.
The bow is looking great and 500 grains should be about right.
That's going to be one sharp bow.
Rob
I need some tiller help. Here are two pics one unstrung and the other at 3" brace.
What to do now? What should the brace be on a short bow like this?
Can someone help me take those huge pics off my post? I hate photobucket!
Not sure how to alter someone else's pic size. The bow is looking great, I think you're about at brace ht in your pic. Keep the brace ht low. Looks like you have plenty of bend in handle at this time. Keep the last 5 inches of the tips stiff, use them for levers. Work it out slooowly.
Maybe look at the tiller on this shorty...
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=008911
Okay, let's try the pics again.
didn't work!
Thanks Charles. Question: When tillering and shooting, where should you grip the bow? Dead center? Below center?
I'm gripping center, heck the bow can be shot either end up. One orientation will be a bit sweeter.
I am finishing a sinewed (49 inch) flat juniper, I'm drawing it about 25 inches at about 50#'s. Will get some pic's up tomorrow.
Well, I have been trying to get some old projects completed so I can get to my trade bow. I fininshed the tillering and am shooting the little osage now. I don't have any of her makeup on yet but here she is as of today. I has previously decided to put the big copperhead on it but may put a couple cotton mouth skins on instead.
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0976.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0978.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0980.jpg)
Well, I have been trying to get some old projects completed so I can get to my trade bow. I fininshed the tillering and am shooting the little osage now. I don't have any of her makeup on yet but here she is as of today. I has previously decided to put the big copperhead on it but may put a couple cotton mouth skins on instead.
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0976.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0978.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_0980.jpg)
WOW!!!!!!
David you sure did a dandy job, that is a awsome looking bow.
That cooperhead skin is amazing :cool:
I have seen other use snake skins and had never given it any thought myself, but that cooperhead might just have changed my mind about em.
You give me hope, as I am in love with short bows.
That is a beautiful bend on that bow David!! What part of Arkansas are you from?
SWEET ! Bet that little stick really casts an arrow. How far are you drawing it ?
She is bending pretty David!
Thanks guys for the compliments. When I get her all dolled up I'll post the finished look.
Jamey, I am in extreme northeast Arkansas. Little town called Paragould. About 10 miles from the MO bootheel.
Charles, my draw is 26 1/2" and I pretty much have it at full draw. It is pulling 45#. I just can't believe you could draw a 48" NTN to 26". I know the sinew makes alot of difference and the bend through the handle does to. This was my first very short hunting bow but it won't be the last. It was alot of fun to make.
Sweet bow, David. Well done.
Thats pretty cool David. You did a great job. I hear ya on the big copperheads I've got a 48" skin rolled up in a ziploc bag just waiting on a project. Your bow sure does look great though.
Nice looking bow Dave. Sweet tilller.
That tiller looks perfect Dave! I have a sinew question - you said you used about 500 grains for that shortie; I'm assuming it was deer leg sinew? About how many strips was that? I have a bunch saved up from the last couple years of deer hunting that I want to use, but I've never sinewed a bow before and I have no idea how much to use or how many layers, etc.
Joe
That's a marvelous feat. Great job squeaking every last drop out of that bow. :)
Yep, its a good looking bow.....
Joe, that was about 4 deer leg tendons (sinew). I don't really remember. When I process it I put it in ziplock bags. Then when I get ready to put it on I weigh it and try to put even amounts on each limb.
On this bow I sinewed the whole bow since it was going to bend from one end to the other. I put only one layer on this bow but I have put as many as 3 on other bows.
David
nice!
It's nice and makes me want to do a couple shorties...
Where did the final draw weight end up at? And, did you ever skin it?
Joe,
Haven't weighed it for a few days. Been having too much fun shooting it. I'm gonna skin it this weekend.
Copperhead or Cotton Mouth?????
I'd save the copperhead for something a little wider.
Nice little bow, David. I love the shorties. I make quite a few of them. Your tiller is spot on, also. Good on ya!
The TBII does work, as evident in your success. I use hide glue with sinew, no exceptions. They're compatible, for one. Also, I think I get a bit more reflex out of the sinew using the hide glue. I back all of my sinew bows with a snakeskin as a moisture barrier. If you'd like to try any hide glue out on a future project, let me know. I have a bunch of the stuff.
Congrats on your big success!
Matt
That is a cool little bow. I was always a long, straight bow kind of guy but over the last few years these little sinew back bows have gotten my interest up. I've built a few and am shooting one now but I have a few more ideas in my head about others.
Beautiful full draw. You got all the goody out of that little osage stave.
Very nice. Bue--.
Is it dressed in skins yet?
Final pics. All dressed up and just in time for turkey season.
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_1097.jpg)
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx165/dflanrey/IMG_1101.jpg)
It ended up at 40# @ 26", I made the wrap from some deer rawhide and muskrat fur. Named it "Muskrat"
Nice David, but don't cha think that skirt is a little too short? :)
Roy, that's my summer time huntin cloths. :laughing:
You should enter that sweet little bow in a bow of the month contest. That is really nice and I love the way you have it displayed on the shirt. Even if Roy thinks it is a skirt. Roy not all buckskin cloths are skirts.
Great bow and neat pic's. Best of luck on the turkeys.
Summer time huh? Well the breeze will feel good, bet the mosquitos will have a blast:)
I know razorboy.
That's one nice bow!
Nice!
Very Nice!
Wonderful looking bow love the snake skin :)
:thumbsup: :notworthy: