Elm Holmegaard build along...

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 07:22:00 PM

Well...I figgered it's about time fer a Holmegarrd build along.
David Mimms gave me this awesome stave of Elm about three years or so ago. This is da little split that came off when I kerfed the stave ta get two. Lemmie tell ya..if ya never split Elm..ya's in for a treat. That dang stuff is WAY harder ta split than Osage..and for that I thank ya Dave (and the Stave).
This lil' piece of wood was just wanting to be a Holmegaard. I have always admired these bows. The first and only one I ever saw was Sean (aka Hooligan) at MoJam. I saw it shoot and BOY was it sweet..and neat to look at as well. Well enough of that...lets get on with the build. Please bear with me as my time to work is spotty at best. Ya ready...first installments...

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sparkylongbow/my_photos

Sparky

DCM · December 12, 2004, 07:29:00 PM

Switch your yahoo account over to public Sparky.

Did you get the twist out of that stave?

If the bow you are making is what I think it is, be careful on the outer fade. From what I gather, that's the key to the design.

Dano · December 12, 2004, 07:34:00 PM

I'm ready Sparky, sitting here waiting :rolleyes: :D

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 07:37:00 PM

Ok try now...I edited the original post...I think it was the dot on the end....LOL

Sparky

Dano · December 12, 2004, 07:44:00 PM

Lookin good Buddy, now tell me what's the WD40 for?

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 07:53:00 PM

I use da 40 fer sticky clamps. It is also good fer my aching joints...

Sparky

Dano · December 12, 2004, 07:57:00 PM

Your too young fur acky joints buddy!!

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 07:59:00 PM

Dave...she had about 30 deg of twist, but it was localized to one end. I think I got her going my way. as I said this is da first go round. We got some left/right stuff to work out as well.
Notice the Caul...this I give credit to Mickey...he has a awesome design on his site to induce reflex into your stave, mine is a bit less radical but non the less...for all you new guys...

Sparky

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 08:02:00 PM

Dano..I ain't as young as ya think friend...too much partying in the late 60's and 70's...I'm paying for it now...

Luke Vander Vennen · December 12, 2004, 08:19:00 PM

excuse my ignorance here

but what is a holmegaard bow?

Dano · December 12, 2004, 08:29:00 PM

Well ya look young anyhow, if thats any consulation

The 60's and 70's took a lot outa me too. :rolleyes:

Sparky · December 12, 2004, 08:34:00 PM

The Holmegaard is the oldest artifact definitely identified as a bow. A pre-agriculture, pre-warfare society developed this bow.
it was a hunter/gathers type bow typical of the times, but superior by engineering means.
A 9,000 year old artifact has been researched and documented.

Thanks,

Sparky

Meathook · December 12, 2004, 08:41:00 PM

u-da-man Sparky. Bring her home.

Madpigslayer · December 12, 2004, 11:33:00 PM

sparky, you got fans bro. Yer gonna be posting for awhile now!!!

John Cooper · December 12, 2004, 11:40:00 PM

Hey, Sparky! I'm lookin' forward to seeing your bow turn out...however, I have a question about your signature: Where do I find a farmer who says that??? Sounds like the coolest thing!

~John

Timo · December 13, 2004, 06:59:00 AM

I rekon I'll watch! Is that o.k. Sparksmyster? :D

AZStickman · December 13, 2004, 07:42:00 AM

I'm pulling up a stump and planning on sitting a spell.... :D Terry

Marvin M. · December 13, 2004, 09:58:00 AM

Looks interesting. I've thought about trying to do one of those too, but since I only have one working bow to my name and it's nothing to write home about, I'll wait on the Holmgaard until I have a little more experience.

Linc · December 13, 2004, 06:32:00 PM

Alright!!

Sparky · December 13, 2004, 10:07:00 PM

OK fellers...Tim I hope you is looking, gonna need some tiller help.

Meat..gonna try we'll see.

Marvin...hey go for it. Ya never know till ya try.

Linc...I bet that VM would make a gooden'

New pics added. Got her profile roughed out. Houston we have a problem! Looks like we got a wind check right at the top growth ring near the tip. It will remain stiff so I think I can be creative and do a fix on it but it ain't purty. Pic is kinda blurry, but it is definately there.
Got some shaping and profiling to do. I left myself some fudge room to work with.
Stats: 66" long will be 65" ntn. 6" grip, 2" wide up 13" tapering gradually to 1/2" nocks. Going for a circular tiller as legacy indicated with the tips being just able to bend. I tried to make this as close to the original dimensions as I could find, but is not completely accurate.
Hopefully more to come tomorrow.

Sparky