It’s been a while since I published a bow here. I’ve become a little lazy in these matters. Frank asked me for some details about this bow (it can be seen here: https://primitive-bows.com/staining-with-ironchloride/ the fourth bow from the right, built already in 2020). So I’m taking this opportunity to show it here.
The bow is made of dogwood (cornus sanguinea), a very common species. It grows everywhere here in my region.
The back is stained with ferric chloride, and some remaining cambium spots create a beautiful play of colors.
The stave was oval in cross-section, approximately 2.5“ x 1.75”, and was split along the long side. Except for string alignment done with a heat gun, no heat or steam was applied to the stave.
The upper selftip was given a special shape, with a single notch on one side.
There is a big knot in the upper fade, I was concerned if it would hold – but it is fine so far.
The bow is built as HLD, the groove is also running across the handle. I like these elegant lines.
dw/dl: 30#/24”
ntn: 50”
bh: 5”
max. w.: 1⅞
reflexi:”
reflexn: 1¼ ”
mass: 336 gramm
asymmetrical
bendy handle
species: cornus sanguinea
08”: 6,1
10”: 9,6 (+3,5)
12”: 12,5 (+2,9)
14”: 15,2 (+2,7)
16”: 17,8 (+2,6)
18”: 20,6 (+2,8)
20”: 23,5 (+2,9)
22”: 26,6 (+3,1)
24”: 29,9 (+3,3)
8 Comments
Thank you Simon! – This will help a lot, I’ll keep you posted…
Best
Frank
Glad I could help!
Good luck on your project.
Challenging project here but no problems so far. Worked on the grove for 3 hours straight today and really got into the flow over it. This HLD opens up a whole new horizon in bowery!
Many thanks for all the great advice!
Frank
Frank, thanks a lot for your nice comment.
I’m really curious how your project turns out. And yes HLD is a strange thing – a lot of work, but worth the effort.
My pleasure if I could help!
Simon
Hey Simon,
CAAAAAAAARFULLY searching my way towards brace hight on the shortest and most difficult stave with the most challenging cross section I ever workrd on, and I would want to share some of my experience so far:
1st: it is a lot of fun!
2nd: it requires to be in the right mood to work on it! (for me at least)
3rd: even though I have no experience with short staves nor with dogwood there is a springiness to it that I would say comes from that cross section!
If anyone feels like trying HLD I would stongly recommend NOT to try dogwood as a first go! Find the cleanest ash or hazel, 2,5 to 3″ of diameter, and go for a straight longbow. Especially if patients might be an issue. Dogwood has all these ridges, dens and plateaus right next to each other, and they all need to be followed somehow! – If I don’t succed with the one I am working on, I will do exactly that!
Hi Frank,
thanks for your comment, I like to hear about the experiences other bowyers make.
And yes, HLD is another level. It is a good advice to try first with perfect clean staves around 2-3″ in diameter. An evenly crown is also recommended.
Thanks again and good luck for your projects!
Simon
Hey Simson. I just had to check in and see what you have been up to.
Still making beautifully tillered bows. So glad to see that.
Miss your posts on PA but I understand the time involved.
Wishing you the best of health and happiness.
Bjrogg
Thanks Brian!
I send a pm!