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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: critman on March 03, 2013, 09:55:00 PM

Title: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: critman on March 03, 2013, 09:55:00 PM
I posted in the Pow Wow about losing a good friend today. I went to the shop and proceeded to build a bow. Got as far as tiller and bottom limb broke. Got another started, made it to checking weight and another broken limb and a heckuva sore hand where the limb popped me. As you probably realize these are not stave bows but board bows. Anyway, got bow 3 to tiller and heard bottom limb starting to crack. Proceeded to #4 and same result except this one too broke. I did all this while trying to deal with the loss of my friend and now realize what happened. For the new guys (like me), LEAVE THE BELT SANDERS ALONE!!!! And don't try and build a bow unless you are concentrating on just that, building a bow. Oh and by the way, there is a reason why the guys that know their stuff say poplar doesn't make a good bow, even a low poundage one.
I hear I forget
I see I remember
I do I understand   :banghead:
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: bigbob2 on March 03, 2013, 11:06:00 PM
That is so True critman, one has to have a really clear mind for this game.Sorry for your loss, and remember you will succeed.
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: Roy from Pa on March 03, 2013, 11:24:00 PM
So sorry for your loss and I do understand your feelings, as I have been there many times with losing friends, mom, dad, etc.
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: pruiter on March 03, 2013, 11:52:00 PM
Yup

mondays a new day
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: critman on March 04, 2013, 09:51:00 PM
Yepper, Monday was a new day Paul. Started bow #5 and it looks like this one will be a keeper. Found a pair of hickory plow handles and "Shazam!" I now have enough wood for 4 kids bows. I looked at those handles every day for a week and never thought to check them out. New day, new bow.
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: pruiter on March 05, 2013, 03:19:00 AM
good Anya

I've said goodbye to many. but their with me everyday
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: LittleBen on March 05, 2013, 09:37:00 AM
Sorry for your loss.

Regarding the poplar, it's possible but not worth it.

I made one successfully but its 68" long, 2.5" wide pyramid bow and draws maybe 35# at 28". It's painfully slow. Save your time and money.
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: Frosty the Bowman on March 05, 2013, 02:29:00 PM
Sorry for your loss, keep them in your memories and they will never leave ya all the way.

Lost dad years ago, still find myself at times laughing about something stupid I did, and commenting how it must be making dad laugh too.
But thats just me.

Good job on not giving up, the new prospects sound real good, good luck on them.
Title: Re: 4 broke bows=grief
Post by: razorback on March 05, 2013, 03:00:00 PM
Critman, sorry for your loss. The passing of anyone we care for is difficult and should make us sad. Of it was me I would take those broken efforts and use them to light a campfire, grab a beverage of choice, a couple of other friends and sit around telling stories about your passed friend.

Keep building the bows and one will be awesome.