Boo backed lemonwood

Pat B · July 09, 2018, 12:05:23 PM

I searched but couldn't find the old "hickory backed lemonwood" thread. I had to grind off the hickory backing because it lifted a splinter. I wasn't sure about the boo I had to back it with but I thinned and shaped it anyway...
...jump ahead a few months. I finally decided to go ahead and back the lemonwood with the boo. I was expecting it to come out light but was I surprised. I rushed the glue up after resurfacing both the lemonwood and boo but without doing a thorough inspection. It held about 2 1/2" of reflex off the form but as you can see the reflex is uneven. Fortunately there is plenty of weight so I should be able to even up the tiller.
Here are a few pics...

Roy from Pa · July 09, 2018, 12:15:53 PM

Nice, Pat..

This the thread ya want?

http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=156603.msg2702410#msg2702410

Pat B · July 09, 2018, 12:32:32 PM

I guess I didn't look back far enough. Thanks Roy.

Wolftrail · July 09, 2018, 01:06:22 PM

Looks good what kind of adhesive ya using.

Pat B · July 09, 2018, 02:38:57 PM

I used Weldwood Plastic Resin.
It's been so long since I made a boo backed bow that I didn't even consider the node placement on this bow or even up the bend before glue up. I really wasn't expecting it to be very strong but boy was I surprised. I guess we'll see how she holds up.

Forwardhandle · July 10, 2018, 04:36:29 PM

I would bet that combo will make a solid durable bow ,I really like slightly reflexed strait long bows , one of my favorite natural material bows they make great smooth shooters

Pat B · July 13, 2018, 03:48:03 PM

Well, I've got her shooting. She's 68"t/t and pulls about 50#@26". I still have to add the Tru-Oil finish, floppy rest and handle wrap. I'll post a full draw pic later when I can get Marcia to take one. Here are a few pics...

Forwardhandle · July 13, 2018, 05:38:46 PM

Very nice Pat it held it's profile nice at 68'' bet it's smooth drawing ! Looks like it has some positive tiller with the slightly more reflexed limb ?

Pat B · July 16, 2018, 01:20:15 PM

FRETS!!!

BMorv · July 16, 2018, 02:23:34 PM

Dang. I hate when that happens. Are they really bad?
I have at least 5 bows with frets that shoot just fine (although I would rather them not be there)

Forwardhandle · July 16, 2018, 03:39:47 PM

Wow I wouldn't of thought on a 68 '' bow I guess you never know that sucks !

Pat B · July 16, 2018, 04:40:23 PM

From what I've read, lemonwood is susceptible to fretting. I was concerned using the boo backing but it was the bad bend in the the lower limb that caused the frets. I was trying to relieve that bad bend by bring the bend back towards the handle when I noticed the frets. There are 3 or 4 across the belly and very obvious. I can't trust it.

BMorv · July 16, 2018, 05:31:17 PM

I read that too about lemonwood. Yeah if it's more than one and across the whole width that isn't good as I'm sure you realize. Man, was looking like a nice bow.

Roy from Pa · July 16, 2018, 06:42:02 PM

That sucks, Pat.

It was looking real nice.

Pat B · July 16, 2018, 11:28:55 PM

I can't blame the lemonwood. I made a hickory backed lemonwood ALB a few years ago that is still shooting as far as I know. I rushed the process on this one without thinking it out first. Glued up with uneven tiller then overcompensation trying to tiller it out.
I won't burn it but I may re-purpose it. Atlatl anyone?

Pat B · April 24, 2019, 03:58:52 PM

I finally got around to grinding down the lemonwood belly and added a thin strip of osage to each limb. I used TBIII because the Weldwood Plastic Resin was lumpy and I couldn't get it smooth. She's in the oven now. I turned the heat off after an hour and I'll let her rest in her bike tube bindings til tomorrow. This was a spur of the moment happening so I don't expect too much. Maybe I'll surprise myself.

Flem · April 24, 2019, 04:42:55 PM

Damn,too bad it was looking good. Funny how fret describes a physical effect and the emotional response it causes. Do you think the reflex had something to do with the frets?
Where the heck do you get Lemonwood? I didn't think it was available, being from Cuba

Pat B · April 24, 2019, 06:43:08 PM

I got the lemonwood from a guy that had it for years. It is still available but quite scarce.
I think the problem was I got in a rush and my tillering was off. Lemonwood is susceptible to fretting but I built a similar bow a few years ago(it was hickory backed) that is a great shooter and as far as I know is still shooting well. I donated it to the raffle table at the Tenn Classic.

Flem · April 24, 2019, 11:09:35 PM

How old is that Lemonwood, pre Castro? Wood does loose its elasticity with age. Lignins like other connective tissue degrade over time. I know mine has

Pat B · April 25, 2019, 09:54:07 AM

I believe this is pre-embargo lemonwood. The other piece I made a bow from did fine. Like I said I blame myself and not the wood, knowing that lemonwood is susceptible to fretting.
My lignins have definitely stretch out of shape after almost 69 years.