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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 07:55:00 AM

Title: Cherry Fail
Post by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 07:55:00 AM
Well my latest attempt at bowyering was a failure. It began as a 3/4" cherry flat bow 72" for end to end. The handle was 9" and then tapered to 1/2" wide at the tips. The belly tapered from 3/4' at the fade to 1/2" at the tip. Tillereing was going good until I reached full brace and then it developed a significant twist.  While trying to work out the twist the bow failed about 8" from the tip. I had it pulling 42#s at 19" of draw.  Looking at the failed pieces I noticed the wood failed perfectly along the line of the grain. The bow was backed with two layers of fiber tape with linen on top of that. Life is full of ups and downs.
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2017, 08:28:00 AM
If it twisted as you were drawing that means the thickness was uneven from side to side.
 Will you post pics so we can do an autopsy?
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 12:32:00 PM
Here are the photos for the autopsy. Let me know what yall think
  (http://imgur.com/a/IdxH2)
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 12:34:00 PM
Well I don't know what happened. I'll try again
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 12:37:00 PM
Ok, I think that'll work now. Again after the autopsy is complete let me know what you think.  http://imgur.com/a/IdxH2
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: LaBill67 on March 15, 2017, 12:40:00 PM
What think you experienced bowyers about this idea.  Cut both limbs down to 24 inches and shorten the handle to 6-7 inches and make this into a light weight bow for a grandson?
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: Roy from Pa on March 15, 2017, 01:44:00 PM
Looks like severe grain run out where it broke. Cherry isn't the best choice of wood for a bow.
Title: Re: Cherry Fail
Post by: Pat B on March 16, 2017, 01:20:00 AM
That's exactly what it is, severe grain run out. sound wood breaks along the grain.