Saracen Bows
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Saracen Bows
I just finished watching the first season of the BBC TV series of Robin Hood, and i would love to find out how to make a replica (if possible) Saracen bow. Anyone have any ideas??
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
A couple of quick comments.
What is a "Saracen Bow" and what did they look like? Do a search on the Ozbow website for Saracen as there has been a fair amount of chat about the subject.
How to make one? Assuming you have decided that it is essentially an Asiatic-style of bow then it is simply a task of making an Asiatic-style bow with non-working Siyahs to your plans.
A start http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.p ... 15&p=65594.
What is a "Saracen Bow" and what did they look like? Do a search on the Ozbow website for Saracen as there has been a fair amount of chat about the subject.
How to make one? Assuming you have decided that it is essentially an Asiatic-style of bow then it is simply a task of making an Asiatic-style bow with non-working Siyahs to your plans.
A start http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.p ... 15&p=65594.
Grahame.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Re: Saracen Bows
which Robin Hood is it Bandsaw? Is it the recent series or the 1980's classic that set the scene for all the new films etc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_of_Sherwood
Is it on free to air at the moment?? Would like to check it out.
Is it on free to air at the moment?? Would like to check it out.
"With staff in hand, the hunter stood on Radholme's dewy lawn" The Hunters Song (Olde Lancashire Poem) by Richard Parkinson.
Re: Saracen Bows
Muntries, it is a recent one.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0787985/
Here is a pic of robin holding the bow. Yeah grahame, but i was hoping to make it without the glass, if possible
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0787985/
Here is a pic of robin holding the bow. Yeah grahame, but i was hoping to make it without the glass, if possible
- Attachments
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- saracen.jpg (13.82 KiB) Viewed 2708 times
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Did you ever finish that chinese bow grahame?? And would any hardwood suit for the riser and syahs??
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
ok correct me if i'm wrong guys, the Saracens were turkic peoples, which was/is a huge and reasonably diverse group of people. their bow styles were equally diverse. we have two "turk" bows at our club.
one is very similiar to the north asian bows and easily strung, the other is owned by a woman and is a "crab" bow and she uses a board and peg system to string it.
Bandsaw, why don't you try googling Toth, Grozier or Lukas Novotney and see what their turkish bows look like and perhaps "borrow" a design there that would suit you
Hue
one is very similiar to the north asian bows and easily strung, the other is owned by a woman and is a "crab" bow and she uses a board and peg system to string it.
Bandsaw, why don't you try googling Toth, Grozier or Lukas Novotney and see what their turkish bows look like and perhaps "borrow" a design there that would suit you
Hue
I can only be who I am
Re: Saracen Bows
Hue, the Saracen's were the turks and from the telly series (i dont know how historically factual it is) it looks like there were two types of bows used. One was the bow pictured and the other looked like the korean horse bow that john mcdonald sells.
I got the design from the tv series and other bows. I was mainly looking for a method of making the bow using only wood (no glass) and the atcual possibility of it working. But by reading GrahameA's buildalong has given me hope that it would. I might just have to use light wood for the limbs.
I got the design from the tv series and other bows. I was mainly looking for a method of making the bow using only wood (no glass) and the atcual possibility of it working. But by reading GrahameA's buildalong has given me hope that it would. I might just have to use light wood for the limbs.
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Bandsaw,
Building static tip bows is not overly difficult. Pre planing the project is the key to a successful ending.
The photo depicts a bow that I built about six years ago. The core incorporating the siyahs was laid up on an adjustable form. An adjustable form allows you to experiment with various limb profiles.
When the plan of the limbs was shaped I copied this to some prepared bamboo and cut them to the plan. The inner of the bamboo was spoke-shaved to give the desired taper. These were then glued to the core on the form. The glue-ups are done in a few stages.
If you wanted to get adventurous the bamboo could be replaced with horn and sinew. The other alternative is to use glass. Siyahs can take any length/design within reason to suit your tastes.
Think outside the square and don't be afraid to experiment.
Daryl.
Building static tip bows is not overly difficult. Pre planing the project is the key to a successful ending.
The photo depicts a bow that I built about six years ago. The core incorporating the siyahs was laid up on an adjustable form. An adjustable form allows you to experiment with various limb profiles.
When the plan of the limbs was shaped I copied this to some prepared bamboo and cut them to the plan. The inner of the bamboo was spoke-shaved to give the desired taper. These were then glued to the core on the form. The glue-ups are done in a few stages.
If you wanted to get adventurous the bamboo could be replaced with horn and sinew. The other alternative is to use glass. Siyahs can take any length/design within reason to suit your tastes.
Think outside the square and don't be afraid to experiment.
Daryl.
Last edited by greybeard on Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Saracen Bows
So was bamboo the only wood used in this bow daryl?? How did you get it to curve, was it just by gluing different layers of wood together and then clamping it to the form?? And are the syahs a separate piece of wood to the limbs or have you just tapered the syahs down to the thickness of the limbs?? And wat poundage did this one end up coming out at??
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Morning All.
Hi Hue:
As for Bows the authenticity of some reproductions are a bit "iffy". Have a read of this http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/pr ... s_8_1_1037 and have a read of this http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/2 ... .curve.htm.
I would not hold much hope for anything on that particular show being well researched or factual - still a good piece of light entertainment. Yes, you can build them from timber - see Daryl's comments.
It is currently sitting unfinished but with new Siyahs on it. I made another bow instead and I should get motivated and finish it off.Bandsaw wrote:Did you ever finish that chinese bow grahame?? And would any hardwood suit for the riser and syahs??
I doubt that many people here would remember Robin of Sherwood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig4bdX5CoDk Clannad fans naturally would:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb5v5vtPlx4which Robin Hood is it Bandsaw? Is it the recent series or the 1980's classic that set the scene for all the new films etc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_of_Sherwood
Hi Hue:
Yes and No. In true sense the Saracens were Turkic and did not include Arabs - however they are often lumped together when used in a Crusader era context.ok correct me if i'm wrong guys, the Saracens were turkic peoples, which was/is a huge and reasonably diverse group of people. their bow styles were equally diverse. we have two "turk" bows at our club.
one is very similiar to the north asian bows and easily strung, the other is owned by a woman and is a "crab" bow and she uses a board and peg system to string it.
Bandsaw, why don't you try googling Toth, Grozier or Lukas Novotney and see what their turkish bows look like and perhaps "borrow" a design there that would suit you
As for Bows the authenticity of some reproductions are a bit "iffy". Have a read of this http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/pr ... s_8_1_1037 and have a read of this http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/2 ... .curve.htm.
Hue, the Saracen's were the turks and from the telly series (i dont know how historically factual it is) it looks like there were two types of bows used. One was the bow pictured and the other looked like the korean horse bow that john mcdonald sells.
I got the design from the tv series and other bows. I was mainly looking for a method of making the bow using only wood (no glass) and the atcual possibility of it working. But by reading GrahameA's buildalong has given me hope that it would. I might just have to use light wood for the limbs.
I would not hold much hope for anything on that particular show being well researched or factual - still a good piece of light entertainment. Yes, you can build them from timber - see Daryl's comments.
Grahame.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Re: Saracen Bows
I found this site while searching for asiatic/turkic bow designs.
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/index.php
There are alot of helpful things on there that help you with stuff that has gone wrong in your bows grahame.
Ben
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/index.php
There are alot of helpful things on there that help you with stuff that has gone wrong in your bows grahame.
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
I'm sorry that this is not related to the Saracen Bow, but I'm looking for a DVD of the film "Robin of Sherwood" that Grahame mentions. So has anyone got a copy or know where I can get a copy to view on loan. I will pay for its postage costs on its return...thanks.........Bill
- looseplucker
- Posts: 1558
- Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:32 am
- Location: Canberra
Re: Saracen Bows
That ATARN site is a cracker.
Here is one bow I particularly liked - all wood:
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... sc&start=0
Here is one bow I particularly liked - all wood:
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... sc&start=0
Are you well informed or is your news limited?
Re: Saracen Bows
The Complete series of RoS is available from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Sherwood-Co ... B00180IPQW It appears to have both the Micael Praed and Jason Connery episodes in it.Bill wrote: I'm sorry that this is not related to the Saracen Bow, but I'm looking for a DVD of the film "Robin of Sherwood" that Grahame mentions. So has anyone got a copy or know where I can get a copy to view on loan. I will pay for its postage costs on its return...thanks.........Bill
There are a few episodes on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B7bfsovT1E However, the quality is nowhere near as good as what it is on a DVD.
Ben - do a search for ATARN on this site - OZBOW.
Grahame.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Re: Saracen Bows
yeah, i was aware that the saracens were not arabs in any sense Grahame, much like the tartars were actually Mongols!
i seem to remember reading somewhere that Saladin and Richard had a parley during the third crusade. Saladin tried to brocker a deal with Richard to partition Jerusalem on the condition that the christians helped the arabs to curtail the activities of the saracens. yet another mistake by Richard was when he refused the deal!
Hue
i seem to remember reading somewhere that Saladin and Richard had a parley during the third crusade. Saladin tried to brocker a deal with Richard to partition Jerusalem on the condition that the christians helped the arabs to curtail the activities of the saracens. yet another mistake by Richard was when he refused the deal!
Hue
I can only be who I am
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Ben,
If you go to the following link and scroll down to my replies it will explain how I constructed the bows.
http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3714
Daryl.
If you go to the following link and scroll down to my replies it will explain how I constructed the bows.
http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3714
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
- Stephen Georgiou
- Posts: 429
- Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:54 am
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Daryl.
The form of the link to go to a post.
http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.p ... 4&start=15
3714 is the number of the topic and the start=25 tells it to start at the 15 post. Which is your first post. Should have done this earlier, as I promised, but I was reading some other stuff
The form of the link to go to a post.
http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.p ... 4&start=15
3714 is the number of the topic and the start=25 tells it to start at the 15 post. Which is your first post. Should have done this earlier, as I promised, but I was reading some other stuff
Grahame.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Re: Saracen Bows
I'm definately gonna have a go at one of those bows Daryl. When i get a bit more experience under my belt.
I'll have a look on here Grahame.
I'll have a look on here Grahame.
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Is there anyone out there with plans for dean torges' adjustable form???
Ben
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Ben rewatch his dvd that you have he tells you how to make it.
woodie
woodie
may your arrows fly straight and true and your limbs return.
Re: Saracen Bows
Oh fair enuf, i forgot he explained how to make it. You slap me next time you see me.
Ben
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Ben,
The photo shows an end post with a built in base and intermeditate posts. This base allows them to be clamped to the main beam so they don't push out as the laminations are being clamped down. Intermediate posts can be made to different heights to give more flexibility with bow designs.
Intermediate posts are positioned to produce the desired shape. Small clamps are used between the posts to hold the laminations together.
Speed clamps are good as you can as you can clamp down in unison either side of the centre post.
Nails driven into the top of the posts will stop sidewards slipping when clamping down the glued laminations.
Daryl.
The photo shows an end post with a built in base and intermeditate posts. This base allows them to be clamped to the main beam so they don't push out as the laminations are being clamped down. Intermediate posts can be made to different heights to give more flexibility with bow designs.
Intermediate posts are positioned to produce the desired shape. Small clamps are used between the posts to hold the laminations together.
Speed clamps are good as you can as you can clamp down in unison either side of the centre post.
Nails driven into the top of the posts will stop sidewards slipping when clamping down the glued laminations.
Daryl.
Last edited by greybeard on Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Saracen Bows
Thanks Daryl, you are a font of knowledge. Will definitely have to knock one or two up.
Ben
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Morning.
If you look at the photos of my Yumi build there are several of Daryl's form in use - along with a multitude of clamps. http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=9092
If you look at the photos of my Yumi build there are several of Daryl's form in use - along with a multitude of clamps. http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=9092
Grahame.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Shoot a Selfbow, embrace Wood Arrows, discover Vintage, be a Trendsetter.
"Unfortunately, the equating of simplicity with truth doesn't often work in real life. It doesn't often work in science, either." Dr Len Fisher.
Re: Saracen Bows
That's one gnarly bow Grahame. Do you just use a scrap bit of wood to get the shape u want first??
Ben
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly
Re: Saracen Bows
Hi Ben,
If you decide to go down the glass road it may pay to make a rigid form when you settle on a design.
The rigid form shown in the photo allows me some latitude when deciding on the overall length of the bow.
Daryl.
If you decide to go down the glass road it may pay to make a rigid form when you settle on a design.
The rigid form shown in the photo allows me some latitude when deciding on the overall length of the bow.
Daryl.
Last edited by greybeard on Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Saracen Bows
Cheers daryl, Is there a section in one of the TBBs on laminated bows?? I'm only up to the tillering chapter in TBB 1.
Ben
Ben
Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly