Newbie with a question
Hi all,
I've made quite a few bows, but they've been Longbows, Flat and Cable bows, now I really want to make a Horse Bow. I know there's a lot of different styles, so I've settled on Mongolian or Scythian ( for the first one, anyway).
I said I'd have lots of questions, so here's the first :D .
Has there been anywhere on the forum that shows just how to make one, from start to finish? I've got some info already, and picked up a fair bit going through the recent posts on here, such as materials and stuff, but any 'step by step' instructions? Sizes/dimensions and stuff. Or are there any links that you could let me have?
This is for totally authentic, wood/horn/sinew, not fibreglass.
Cheers.
I've made quite a few bows, but they've been Longbows, Flat and Cable bows, now I really want to make a Horse Bow. I know there's a lot of different styles, so I've settled on Mongolian or Scythian ( for the first one, anyway).
I said I'd have lots of questions, so here's the first :D .
Has there been anywhere on the forum that shows just how to make one, from start to finish? I've got some info already, and picked up a fair bit going through the recent posts on here, such as materials and stuff, but any 'step by step' instructions? Sizes/dimensions and stuff. Or are there any links that you could let me have?
This is for totally authentic, wood/horn/sinew, not fibreglass.
Cheers.
First: welcome :D
Second: no there isn't :(
My observation is that most first-time hornbow makers settled on a Turkish design and most have done significantly well. Long siyahs (Mongolian) or narrow limbs (Korean) present bigger challenges to beginners. The 'real' Scythian design is a challenge to the experts.
I think that we need for an experienced bowyer to trawl his own knowledge and ATARNet to create a step-by-step manual based on using commonly-available materials.
For Turkish bow design, many people refer to Klopsteg's 'Turkish Archery'.
Good luck!
Second: no there isn't :(
My observation is that most first-time hornbow makers settled on a Turkish design and most have done significantly well. Long siyahs (Mongolian) or narrow limbs (Korean) present bigger challenges to beginners. The 'real' Scythian design is a challenge to the experts.
I think that we need for an experienced bowyer to trawl his own knowledge and ATARNet to create a step-by-step manual based on using commonly-available materials.
For Turkish bow design, many people refer to Klopsteg's 'Turkish Archery'.
Good luck!
Stephen,
Andrew Hall did post a set of plans, with dimensions for the Moscheveya Balka bow reproduction, if you remember. Not exactly step by step but at least a good starting point.
Gimley,
Do not confuse the popular Grozer Scythian with the 'real thing'. There are some photos on the forum of Scythian reproductions by Redhawk, not the easiest design for your first attempt.
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t ... c&start=15
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=182&start=0
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t ... +balka+bow
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=705
The above links should help.
Andrew Hall did post a set of plans, with dimensions for the Moscheveya Balka bow reproduction, if you remember. Not exactly step by step but at least a good starting point.
Gimley,
Do not confuse the popular Grozer Scythian with the 'real thing'. There are some photos on the forum of Scythian reproductions by Redhawk, not the easiest design for your first attempt.
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t ... c&start=15
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=182&start=0
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t ... +balka+bow
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=705
The above links should help.
Cheers guys,
I'll take your advice on this. I won't be able to start it for a little while yet anyway. My main problem is getting Sinew ( without paying a fortune for it!!), any ideas? I don't mind if it comes in a plain brown paper parcel :wink: Roughly how many would I need, using, for instance, 6" deer sinew?
Another question too. What's the draw weight of the wood core for about a 50lb bow? I know when I'm doing a hide backed cable bow it's roughly a 3rd less than the final weight.
Cheers.
I'll take your advice on this. I won't be able to start it for a little while yet anyway. My main problem is getting Sinew ( without paying a fortune for it!!), any ideas? I don't mind if it comes in a plain brown paper parcel :wink: Roughly how many would I need, using, for instance, 6" deer sinew?
Another question too. What's the draw weight of the wood core for about a 50lb bow? I know when I'm doing a hide backed cable bow it's roughly a 3rd less than the final weight.
Cheers.
Highland Horn is the best source for sinew and water buffalo horn.
There's a possibility I can get hold of some Ostrich sinew. Anyone tried this, and does it work?
Draw weight of core wood is nothing to think about. What gives you bows weight is length and thickness. Core for a Turkish look alike bow 48" 70 lb is about 3-4 mm and 32-34 mm wide, horn about 3-4 mm. Mass with horn, kasan , handle and ears 300 gram. And dry sinew 60-70 gram. So you will end up with a mass of around 400 gram. It can be +- 50 gram depending on how much wood you dare to use :)
Lower weight bow as your 50 lb I would not recommend to built, a 70 lb is easy enough to draw.
No need for more reflex then the horn gives, it's enough. A more reflex bow is harder to brace and if you are not aiming for flight record you will not need more reflex.
Lower weight bow as your 50 lb I would not recommend to built, a 70 lb is easy enough to draw.
No need for more reflex then the horn gives, it's enough. A more reflex bow is harder to brace and if you are not aiming for flight record you will not need more reflex.
Thanks Redhorse.
I'm looking forward to getting started on this, when I get the time.
I'll be making a record of this anyway, 'cos someone at the museum I did the Meare Heath bow for wants it. I'll post it on here too, as long as it works!!!!!
I'm looking forward to getting started on this, when I get the time.
I'll be making a record of this anyway, 'cos someone at the museum I did the Meare Heath bow for wants it. I'll post it on here too, as long as it works!!!!!
I have heard good things about ostrich sinew, but have not tried it myself.
Thanks.When, or if, I get some I'll let you know what's it's like. In the meantime I'll keep trying to get Deer sinew.