A good friend of mine, Gary, asked if I would make a bow for his son. Gary likes to shoot a longbow and frequently uses a vine maple bow that I made him. His son owns a compound bow and only takes it out a month before the season starts so they don't shoot together much. Gary thought if he gave his son a longbow that might be a good excuse for them to spend more time together.

I had some lemonwood boards sitting in my garage that another buddy had shared with me a few years ago. Lemonwood was the bow wood de-jour back in the early 20th century so I figured it would probably make a dandy longbow if I backed it with bamboo. The finished bow is 66" ntn, 1 ¼" wide at the fads and tapers to 7/16" at the tips. I built the handle up with osage and the tips are overlayed with a some mystery hardwood flooring material. The bamboo and belly are stained with a tan leather dye. The handle is elk hide dyed with mahogany leather dye. The bow pulls 57# @ 27" and zips an arrow out there really nice. I think Gary's son will be happy with this one.

Awesome Gordon!  Tiller looks spot on!  

very nice! I'm working on a Hickory backed bamboo bow right now and was wondering how you did the tip overlays? Do you sand the bamboo flat? how thick of a piece of wood do you ise for the overlays? Thanks-Scott

Scott, I do flatten the bamboo before installing the overlays. The overlay blocks are about 3/8" thick when I initially glue then on. By the time I am done shaping they are about 3/16" at the thickest point.

Gordon,
As always, another great looking bow!      

Very nice longbow! Where can one get some lemonwood? I've been curious to compare it to osage, but do not know a source.

Bruce,

My buddy picked up the wood at Gilmore lumber in Portland, Oregon. They do sell wood off their website, but I don't know what it would cost to ship.

Thank you all for the compliments.

Gordon

Your work inspires me. Another fine piece of art.