Some Said It Couldn't Be Done?

Joe(thebow)M · Some Said It Couldn't Be Done?

I never brought this subject up here on Archers Rest so this post
is not about anything anyone offered up information wise from our
nice little community here. I just wanted all to know this before I
continue.

I had noticed on a few other websites (I won't name names or sites
nor PM any names or sites to anyone) that a question came up off
and on about the use of three different types of wood glued together
together to make a longbow. It seems the consensus was it couldn't
be done, and if it could be, the bow wouldn't amount to much as
there would have been to much use of glue which would slow the bow
down.

Now I did not take part in these conversations, but I did follow them
a bit,,, just enough to find out if some felt it could be done and that a
person would have a good workable longbow with good speed. A few
thought it possible, but most thought not.

Well,,, not to brag but I did it! I built one from Hickory, Ash, and Maple,
72" long - #55 @ 28", test shot it tonight before sealing it with Tru-Oil,
and friends, I think it's a fast bow! I will post pictures tomorrow night
of this "three wood longbow" as the sealer is still drying at this time
and I will be adding a few more coats.

The 24 arrows I shot tonight told me enough that the glue (TiteBond III)
did not slow "this" long bow in any way IMHO. I think the secret is in the
center 3/16" Ash. The maple was used on the front of the bow for backing
and the hickory is on the back of the bow with a riser formed into it as the
hickory also runs the 72" length of the bow.

Granted, many more arrows need shot with this bow to draw a conclussion,
but I feel it's a good bow that will give many years of good service.

Pictures tomorrow night of this latest longbow.

Liam

Sounds interesting Joe(thebow) looking forward to the pics

wintellect

Yeah - would be cool to see the pics!!!

Joe(thebow)M

It's an overcast day here, but I thought I better get these
pictures taken and posted;

#55 @ 28" - 72" Maple backed Hickory longbow with 3/16"
Ash center.

Click to see full size image

joe croatia

well done Joe(thebow)M

, nice work
so when will you start shipping them on this side of the pond

joe

Joe(thebow)M

Thank you Joe! I don't know if I'm allowed or even set up to ship overseas for certain? I will have to talk with the Post-Master. I certainly would ship overseas if it's possible and if anyone was interested. I wonder what shipping cost would be???

I shot this bow again today. It's one of the heavier pull weights I've done. I do like it.

pafc1886

Hi Joe

Nice work there mate - can't see the join !!

Congrats.

Les

Joe(thebow)M

Thank you Les!

I rely on the TiteBond III for a good adhesion and I try to
make sure my surfaces that will get the glue are as flat as
I can get them. However I do give the credit to the glue as
it dries slowly so it should be getting absorbed into the wood
good.

Today or tomorrow I should be getting some spools of flemish
that I ordered so I can start making my own bow strings.

M Hardman

Well done on another success!
If I understand you correctly, you have laminated three staves of wood together to make a longbow? People said this was not possible? If that was what they said I am very surprised, almost every single longbow I have ever seen has been made from 2, 3, or even 4 laminations of wood. The idea, if you're not familiar with it, is to get a good tensile material on the back of the bow, and a good compressive material on the belly. A horn-wood-sinew bow takes this idea furthest, sinew being able to be stretched twice as far as wood, and horn compressed 5 times as much (if memory serves).
If you're planning on laminating more staves, I'd advise bamboo, good bamboo makes an excellent backing.

Joe(thebow)M

I found myself scratching my head also with some folks thinking that three
woods laminated together wouldn't make a very fast bow, that the bow
would be sluggish??? I have not found that to be the case at all, and yes,
I to have seen bows with many laminations.

The big news today however is that my flemish came, along with my
flemish string jig. It's probably a given that you all know what I'll be
playing with this weekend.

Someday I may give the bamboo backing a try but it's pretty high priced
from what I could locate, so for now I'll stick with the maple for backing.
I've never had a problem with maple for backing, in fact I like it a lot.

Steve B

Once again your Title is confirmed Joe(the bow)M. Love looking at your pictures and work, both are very good, I am watching your shipping comments with great interest as well

Once again a top job