This little project was initially just intended to explore how much twist and malformation could be corrected through drying a badly mishappen green field ma[le stave whilst clamped to a form. The stave came out so well that I decided to persevere with it and the project ended up turning into a full bow build. The end result is a nice sweet shooting deflex reflex selfbow. The full build can be seen here: https://southmoorbows.com/build-along-field-maple-deflex-reflex-character-longbow/

As is typical of Field Maple, this stave lacked much in the way of colour or grain so I decided to stain it. Antler tip overlays and a simple black leather handle/arrow pass compliment the natural character of the bow. The limb cross section ranges from crowned/convexed to almost rectangular with some mild valleys, troughs and hills around the few small knots and naturally wavy grain.

Measurements are as follows:

Length Nock to nock: 66″

Limb width at widest point – Top: 2 1/8″ Bottom:2 1/8″

Mass: 655 grams

Draw Weight: 50lb at 26”

Arrow speed at 9gn/lb = (450gn arrow) = 158ft/sec

Brace Height: 6”

Tiller: 1/8” positive