Just About Cried....
 

Would have if I thought it would help. Was shooting my Eric Krewson BBO today--shooting it pretty dang good, had about decided it was going to be my serious tournament bow this season. On one target, a split second before I released, I heard and felt a little crack--oh crap. After inspection, I saw the bamboo backing had cracked about 1/3 up the top limb. Talk about a sick feeling!

The good news in Eric can replace the backing. Bad news is I have at least 3 tournaments coming up soon and no way it will be done for them...arrrggghhh! I have a couple of other self bows I can shoot, and my longbow, and my recurve.....but it won't be the same. Oh well.....

I feel for you. I always wanted a Eric BBO. He said he isn't making them to sell anymore unless someone is a close friend.

I had that issue with a bamboo backed IPE and I took elk sinew and put a heavy wrap on. Its still shooting.

Did it crack width wise or down the bamboo? Did it go at a node? Thats where I had all my issues.

I ahve been having better luck with hickory backing.

How many shots do you think you have thru it?

Hate to hear it.

It cracked straight across, and not at a node. Eric said this is the first time it's happened with this paticular bamboo, but I know stuff happens--especially with my draw length.

I'm lucky to be able to call Eric a friend. He gave me this bow, which just made me feel that much worse. Less than 1,000 shots through it--just a bad piece of bamboo.

Last year he started only making them for friends and charities. I'd wanted to buy one myself for a long time, but something always came up. It's probably the best shooting selfbow I've ever had my hands on--out-shoots a lot of laminated bows.

I've got to get it to him so I'll have it for the rest of the summer. He's within driving distance for me, but it's a pretty good drive--an hour or better--might just mail it.

Chad

Holy cow, straight across?????

Thats quite an accomplishment. But as I am reminded all the time. These things called selfbows are really out of your control. An organic unpredictable thing.

It's not exactly a straight, clean break, but it did break across the fibers. It amazed me how much weight that little strip of bamboo added--I noticed that when I unstrung the bow.

I am just amazed it didn't fret the belly.

When I made my IPE/Boo bow, I floor tillered the IPE blank, and it felt like 40lbs, threw the backing on, and went to like 80lbs.

As best I can tell, the osage is fine--just haven't decided which bow I'll shoot for the next little while.

This coming Saturday I have a tournament in Collierville, TN; the following weekend a tournament in McCalla, AL (Tannehill St. Park--same place as the Howard Hill); then the weekend after that I'll be in Silver Springs, FL for the FL State Championship. Maybe he'll have it ready for FL....sure hope so....

Wow, only the boo. Usually when you get backing failure, you dont know until the limb breaks.

Funny you posted this subject, i just finished rebuilding a recurve for a kid. He had a 45lb custom build by a bowyer I have never heard of. It delamed and the riser was broke in two. It took a while but I got it all back together and tillered back to 45lbs @28". He was a happy camper. I need to get back in the shop. I have two special bows I have got to get started. Ive promised two good friends bows and have yet to get them built for them.

If nothing happens, I'll be headed to Eric's house tomorrow. He's only around 70 miles from me. He's going to replace the boo on the bow he made, and help me shape the grip on a hickory bow I made--I'll use it as a back-up.

Its good you live that close to him. This episode could have been a real heartbreaker.

Had a great visit--Eric and Glenda and just as friendly and cordial at home as they are at tournaments (of course). They have a beautiful home and Eric has an impressive shop.

Got my back-up bow fixed today--worked on the grip and the tiller a bit (just moved the rest to adjust the tiller)--feels like a totally different bow!

He's going to fix my BBO Saturday--should have it ready for Tannehill weekend after next, then FL. Got to re-seal my hickory back-up bow--no biggie there.

Plan on going back next week to pick it up and visit again--well worth the trip (just over 2 hrs.).

I would love to meet him. Tell him BC said hey and maybe we would run into each other if I ever make it to the TN Classic.

They do come to the Classic, and the Howard Hill. If you ever make it, I'll be sure to introduce you.