A very sad day...

[Jon]

It happened... my bow snapped

I guess I was lucky that the first bow I made lasted that long!

I think I pulled it back a couple more inches than normal to get a bit more power... and it just snapped. The top half went flying but I remained unhurt (:
Just before I'd noticed some stress marks along the belly of the bow but didn't think too much of them since my other bow has some as well and it's fine. Not sure what actually started the break. On the back there is a tool mark that the split in the maple started from, but it the whole break started further up in the walnut belly... I don't think it was the lamination as the start of the fracture is in the wood, which then goes out to the weakness at the join, and then back into some fault in the walnut.

I also didn't warm up the bow much and hadn't shot it for a month or so - maybe that's a reason for it? It had coped being drawn that far back before, even though the 'official' length was less.


In any case, very sad to see it go. It was close to my heart as my first 'proper' self-made bow. I think I'll have to glue it up and put it above the mantelpiece.

[Peter Remling]

Sorry to hear that but glad you're unhurt.

[Greg]

Yeah, these things happen. Glad you're okay!

[Elleth]

Oh dear!

But yes, thank goodness you're unhurt.

Perhaps a piece of the wood could go on as a knife handle or something - some useful reminder to carry with you?

[Straelbora]

Oh dear!

But yes, thank goodness you're unhurt.

Perhaps a piece of the wood could go on as a knife handle or something - some useful reminder to carry with you?

That's a great idea.

[Laothain]

I am sorry to hear that. But I am glad that you are harm free.

[Manveruon]

Bummer man. As someone who has had more than his fair share of bows break on him (so much so that I am officially registering my name in the SCA as "Michael Brekebowe"), I know very well how disheartening, and unnerving it can be to have a bow fail like that. May it rest in piece.

[Jon]

May it rest in piece.

I see what you did there. ha ha. ha. ):


I actually really like the idea of incorporating the wood into something else. Not sure what though - it was a flatbow so a bit to thin for a knife handle I think...

[Manveruon]

Heh, I try, in my own subtle little way. But still, bummer. I think using the wood for another project sounds like a really cool idea.

[Eric C]

May it rest in piece.

I see what you did there. ha ha. ha. ):


I actually really like the idea of incorporating the wood into something else. Not sure what though - it was a flatbow so a bit to thin for a knife handle I think...

I would say you could use the handle for maybe a hidden tang knife (not sure though). As for the flats, you could use them for a full-tanged knife - like the walnut one I just posted. Shouldn't be a problem for a knife maker of a little bit of skill.

[Ringulf]

You are very fortunate my brother! I have also seen some nasty injuries from bow breaks but as has been said, it happens, and you are clever and resourceful so I know you will not be bowless for long!

[robinhoodsghost]

Never had that happen yet, but I seen it at some touneys....glad you were not hurt.

[Sindara]

Oh Jon, I am sorry about the bow, but am so glad that you were not hurt. I was really at a loss when mine broke. Since I don't yet know how to make a bow, am still trying to get the money together to get another - and feel 'naked' without one!