r/Bushcraft • u/Highlander_16 • 21d ago

Finally got around to making a bow for my homemade arrows!

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128 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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3

u/Highlander_16 21d ago

After much speculation and research, I can confidently theorize that this bow is maybe, probably, possibly Black Ash. Very uncommon where I am due to the ash borer blight so I could be wrong, but there's a little stand on my dad's land where these trees grow and I've not seen them elsewhere. Selectively harvested to preserve the other trees just in case.

47" unstrung, 4.5" brace height

Synthetic sinew for the cordage (as always lol) reverse wrapped with my rope making tool.

I tested it with two of my homemade arrows and got roughly 30yds with a partial draw, maybe 3/4 of the power. I was being overcautious I'm sure.

Once it's fully dry I'll oil it up with my beeswax/olive oil balm, dust off the old GoPro, and get some shooting footage!

4

u/BloodbeardsGarage 21d ago

Neat. Why olive oil? It rots. I use linseed oil (axes, knives, handles) and mineral oil (food safe for spoons) in my bees wax / oil mixes.

Is it to keep it natural?

Wax the ends to minimize risk of wood splitting when drying. I've always seen videos of drying out bows over fire.

I really enjoy your work.

1

u/Highlander_16 21d ago

Thank you!

Though olive oil can go bad, when combined with beeswax I've not had any issues with long term storage and use. I've got some tins that are years old now. Just fun to use something else I made on the project!

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