jeburf
New member
Just a couple of quick questions,
I've just been to a local hardwood sawmill looking for some ash to build a longbow from and there was nothing suitable. There wasn't much to choose from so it was all either too short or the grain had been cut through making chasing a growth ring impossible. I'll try another sawmill later this week and if I find myself in the same situation again I'll concede to making a linen backed bow instead. If I have to do this what should I look for in a piece of wood? do I just need to make sure that its knot free and not worry about being able to chase a growth ring?
Second, I'm not sure what dimensions i need to make the bow. Can I just follow the dimensions from the full compass bows in the back-street bowyer (below)but leave the handle area stiff while tillering? The bow will be 40 to 45lb @ 28"
I've just been to a local hardwood sawmill looking for some ash to build a longbow from and there was nothing suitable. There wasn't much to choose from so it was all either too short or the grain had been cut through making chasing a growth ring impossible. I'll try another sawmill later this week and if I find myself in the same situation again I'll concede to making a linen backed bow instead. If I have to do this what should I look for in a piece of wood? do I just need to make sure that its knot free and not worry about being able to chase a growth ring?
Second, I'm not sure what dimensions i need to make the bow. Can I just follow the dimensions from the full compass bows in the back-street bowyer (below)but leave the handle area stiff while tillering? The bow will be 40 to 45lb @ 28"
45lb at 28?
Width at handle = 30mm
Width at tips = 15mm
Thickness at handle = 20mm
Thickness at tip = 15mm
bow length = 1.9m
This bow is very square in cross section