49" osage with sinew back

David Flanrey · October 18, 2012, 09:02:00 PM

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.

red hill · October 18, 2012, 10:13:00 PM

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.

Steve B. · October 18, 2012, 11:11:00 PM

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

David Flanrey · October 19, 2012, 06:47:00 AM

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.

nlester · October 19, 2012, 08:10:00 AM

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!

snakewood3 · October 19, 2012, 08:16:00 AM

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.

Roy from Pa · October 19, 2012, 02:23:00 PM

Looking good, David. Hope it works out for ya.

psychmonky · October 19, 2012, 02:31:00 PM

Im just impressed that you have a 44" copperhead skin! That's huge!

red hill · October 20, 2012, 03:49:00 PM

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.

David Flanrey · October 21, 2012, 04:17:00 PM

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.

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!

coaster500 · October 21, 2012, 04:38:00 PM

Beautiful color on that snake.... This is going to look sharp!!!!

snakewood3 · October 21, 2012, 06:53:00 PM

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.

Trapper Rob · October 21, 2012, 07:35:00 PM

That's going to be one sharp bow.
Rob

David Flanrey · November 08, 2012, 08:22:00 PM

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?

David Flanrey · November 08, 2012, 08:26:00 PM

Can someone help me take those huge pics off my post? I hate photobucket!

snakewood3 · November 08, 2012, 08:48:00 PM

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

David Flanrey · November 08, 2012, 08:59:00 PM

Okay, let's try the pics again.

didn't work!

David Flanrey · November 08, 2012, 09:04:00 PM

Thanks Charles. Question: When tillering and shooting, where should you grip the bow? Dead center? Below center?

snakewood3 · November 08, 2012, 09:54:00 PM

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.

David Flanrey · January 27, 2013, 03:34:00 PM

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.