Using A 100 Year Old Fence Post To Make A Bow.

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[@redeyestones3738]

I dig the fact that this video is more like a day in the shop, rather than a how to, with a narrative. It's a nice break from the norm.

[@sandollor]

I thought the same thing.

[@kurttrzeciak8326]

An explanation of the processes involved would have had me watch the whole video. As it is, I cannot even give this a thumbs up.

[@paulregner5335]

Stabilizing your own wood and a much bigger/well equipped shop. You're moving up in the world! It's fun to see people prosper!

[@damonteague7442]

Osage is my favorite species to work with so i could feel and smell every second of this video. Nice build...super clean!

[@namejamledre9377]

It seems like that would take a lot of hard days of work to build those bows! Thanks for posting this video, it looks like making those handcrafted bows isnt as simple as I thought previously before watching this video, Good Work

[@helojoe92]

Awesome Build! I still remeber in the early days of this channel, when you were struggling with "simple" bow-builds, but now you're making it look easy! Great to see how the processes and tools became more refined and better over time!

[@bubuoha]

Yes, I was thinking the same! Kramer has been progressing quite nicely over the years! A fine bowyer!

[@vagabondmatt5152]

Nobody is talking about the seamless edit of the wedge toss? Nice work dude!

[@kender1412]

I like that you used an old wedge to split the old post. It was a nice touch.

[@howardpohatu3868]

Why the wedge when you used the saw after that?

[@howler6490]

I'm a sucker for craftsmanship...this was very cool. No patterns etc ...all by eye...superb. Well done...

[@timbow50]

Sweet build. I used to make longbows ( self & laminated) many years ago but never even thought about looking for a piece of old wood like you have there. Awesome!

[@zangarretson4536]

Designed to hunt and built to be to be framed. Video explains it all. Total passion.

[@philiprogers8620]

I can’t believe that surface decomposition was only millimeters thick! There is a 14in thick Osage corner post at my grandmas that my great grandpa installed in the late 40s, looks just like that…on the outside! Think I need to go harvest it! Amazing wood.

[@buggsy5]

Osage makes a good self bow - although it is a bit hard to work. A hickory lamination on the back makes an even better bow.

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

I was wondering if it was Osage. Did you know that Osage orange is also called Bodark (Bois d’Arc)?

[@SHAGBARKcreations]

Buggsy5 Osage orange and yew are the king woods for bow making, next comes your mulberry, ash, black locust and yellow locust. Hickory is more durable and easier to find in straight pieces, however it is noticeably slower than the prime now woods and follows the string badly without a sinew backing and has a snap that you feel when firing it.

[@micjisters]

this is one of those vids that happens every 1000 vids or so. i couldn't stop watching, hooked right away. i only wish there was a narrative answering the fistfull of questions i have but hey, nobody said u can't have secrets. good skill, good job.

[@drummergirl14216]

Oh my gosh this was a beautiful build. You have a good skill and pay attention to detail with patience. Keep it up!

[@richgood1791]

You have come a long way true dedication. Looks like the way Big Jim makes them also.

[@robertlamb7513]

Never have I looked at a fence post and thought that would make a gorgeous bow but now I will

[@FriedrichHecker1848]

Amazing to see the amount to which you have professionalized over the years Kramer. I'd love to buy a bow from you someday.

[@shawnn.ammons3442]

You will have that opportunity someday.

[@j.muckafignotti4226]

Get on it Sonny, that’s beautiful and I’m second in line!

[@robmarshallofficial]

I’m interested in one too

[@danielhandy397]

Awesome!! Beautiful yellow locust. Sawed it many times at the sawmill very hardwood. Sawed dried locust for firewood and seen sparks flying from chainsaw chain.

[@christopherworth1]

Damn! So many separate skills you had to develop in order to build a truly beautiful bow. Great Job.

[@TheKydyr]

Beautiful work and no two will ever be the same. Very sweet

[@franzdelrim1503]

The sheer creativity in this video is insane.

[@bok500]

Had me on the edge of my seat. U remind me of my self using power tools. Was waiting for a finger to drop. Nice longbow.

[@sigmanarchery54]

Very cool my friend, it’s been a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work great job it turned out great. A nothing like having a 100 year old new bow. God Bless Kramer and team. 👍🏼🏹🇺🇸

[@jasonmccord1287]

Technically older because once it was a tree

[@belfieldaxeandtool]

Beautiful piece of work there. Looks good and runs good, well done!

[@xtherieldealx]

The wood stabilization process is really interesting! I have some OLD pieces of wormy American Chestnut that I'd love to have a riser made out of someday...

[@jocoseness]

I’ve always loved the color and finish of Osage Orange, very dense and heavy. I’m surprised you were able to get a piece with no age cracks. Very nice bow!

[@pskemster]

The quality of your work Sir! Is impeccable!

[@arthurmccorkle2525]

What a craftsman. Kudos brother!!!

[@danfox1458]

Just want to say thank you, I came across your channel and it's got me back into archery and now my bf want's to do it as well

[@scottcates]

Really nice to see the resin stabilization.

[@Kurogane_666]

When you guys said at least it's consistent I thought yeah consistently bad, but I had a 350 year old log, from a trappers cabin, I stabilized it, and made a few axes and knives for the descendants of the trapper who had owned it, 3 of them sold them for beer, one donated it to a local museum, glad one has some honor

[@heyreddin2.0s10]

Sure

[@lindacarruthers3423]

What a truly beautiful work of art . Even if the only thing it ever did was to sit about the house looking superb, it would be fulfilling enough of a function . It is however the Purdy of bows .

[@dianasherwin9175]

Its beautiful! So young to be a master craftsman. XX

[@IndianaBows]

Well done bow, and this video edition... you should work in Hollywood. 👏👏

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

that is my favorite of all the bows you have made... In case you missed it, I REALLY like that bow

[@simonsparks5738]

Brilliant. And fine shooting at the end. Don't forget to patch up your door !

[@10actual]

Osage orange. The Indians made bows from this Bois'darc tree also. This wood never rots. During a building boom in Dallas they used blocks to keep the beams off the ground. In the early 1990's we did a remodel of a house built in 1880 or so and the "piers" were as solid as new. There were no Bois'darc trees for100 miles. The "fruit is called horse apples.

[@Creekstain]

I had never heard the term bois d'arc. There is a du bois nebraska. I am guessing there was an osage abundance in that area. It's a french word which makes sense as Nebraska was New France until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and didn't become a state until 1867. There is a historic osage hedgerow at the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Ne. Where Daniel Freeman, the very first person to file for the land act of 1862 built his cabin.

[@lawrencemick1665]

In Missouri we call it hedge. It's one of the hardest wood in the world. It. Makes the best fire wood money can buy, burns real hot. The older and longer it sets the harder it gets. When cutting seasoned hedge I've seen sparks fly many times. I have it is good for making bows.

[@gizmonomono]

That nail throw was impressive. I appreciate the effort for that one second shot. Excellent production quality, too. Well done!

[@jarmstrong2843]

Outstanding! Your bows are reminiscent of my old 60# and 75# Fred Bear bows that I hunted with back in the 1960s when I was a much stronger and youthful individual. A 35#-40# bow today would be more to my liking. Great craftsmanship in your bows. It shows you take great pride in your work. Awesome gigs to form bow. Thanks for sharing!👍👍👍👍👍

[@connorhart7597]

Oh yeah? I just picked up a bear kodiak hunter with the copper coin a few months back. Had some delamination, but I'm attempting to fix it, cause it's just so dang cool. But while I'm giving the epoxy a few days to dry, I'm starting to work on a red oak long bow to practice on before trying to use a 50# recurve hahaha

[@jarmstrong2843]

@@connorhart7597 If I recall correctly, repairs for delaminating should be done under pressure. You certainly don’t want the repair to come apart while pulling a draw. That would be very bad for you. Suggest contacting Bear Archery to see what they recommend for repairing the laminations.

[@connorhart7597]

@jarmstrong2843 not sure why I hadn't thought of that before. I've been kinda exercising the limbs, and I plan on making a tiller tree kind of thing to draw it back without it being a danger to myself lol

[@jarmstrong2843]

@@connorhart7597 There may be old glue used in the construction of the bow that has not shown cracks forming yet. Your repairs may be stronger than the old glue and cause failure else where in the bow. If the bow is an old model that is valuable, Bear Archery may even offer to repair for a nominal fee. Fred Bear took great pride in the bows his company made and built them to last a life time. I suspect that philosophy still stands at the company. It’s worth a try to find out.

[@connorhart7597]

@jarmstrong2843 certainly worth a shot I guess. I'll see if I can find an email this afternoon. If it doesn't work out, it's not like I'm put much money, but it'd still be a bit disappointing

[@jerrylong381]

Wow! And here I've been using those same Osage Orange post to make mighty fine BBQ all these years.

[@rmj7306]

So glad to see this. One of my favorite channels

[@joseprado3732]

I loved seeing a very detailed process of pure craftsmanship. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jdhenry6300]

Man, ur skills and process has come a long ways from ur first videos. Awesome bow. I’ve made several longbows out of Osage, but definitely not equipped to make anything like in this video. Well done sir.

Always the best videos ever! Best bow maker... that is a piece of art.

[@jimmyford4509]

Very nice work, Mr. Ammons. I do a little woodwork myself, but nothing even close to what you did in this video. I was completely mesmerized by the whole production. The craftsmanship and care you put into making this bow was completely off the chart. I can only imagine what you would sell a bow like this for ( me trying to talk wife into a house remortgage), so I can only imagine what it would feel like to actually be able to use it ( I am available at short notice at any time, by the way). Very nice work, and beautiful results.

[@domhamai]

Brother, please don’t remortgage. Debt is a trap that is used to enslave us, and the world is entering a Great Recession, if the value of your property drops the bank will put extreme pressure on you.

[@MasonMWang]

Fantastic!!! Great artwork. I wish I can use part of your video for my new book

[@derrickcordick1315]

Wow beautiful out come well done man you should be proud for that

[@markzambelli]

(before watching)... How were people in 1922 posting about their fences?...we didn't have the interwebs back then! (after watching)... Ohhhhh, now I get it Nice to see you back Mr Ammons, glad you're ok

[@richardtaihitu6157]

Wow Wow wow "Really cool" a masterpiece the result of a fairly long process. Good job friends 👍🏿🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@andrewmcgibbon9785]

Handsome bow. I was dubious that you'd get a large enough piece of clear defect free wood for the riser from that old post.

[@robertpeters6923]

Damn impressive. Cool bow making. Shows why custom bowyers charge what the do to make a bow.

[@Adui13]

As a side note; I envy you your shop! I wish I had half that shop! Oh and ABSOLUTELY Gorgeous Bow!!

[@victorbarulis4716]

Good to see some craftsmanship going on ,,beautiful grain and figuring as my timber crafting ancestors would say .. Not only utility but a beautiful wall hanging objet d,art would grace any dwelling, maybe get mask and goggles for all that dust ..huh lov yer Victor

[@frankcowan6625]

I do t look at titles much So I'd dint know it was Kramer!!! Till the band saw showed up and we seen your face. Hugs!!!!!

[@frankcowan6625]

The camera trick at the split was so engaging I never looked to see the face.

[@jonathanrobinson73]

What an artisan, incredible.

[@labtrainer09]

Hi, Kramer. You have done a terrific job of documenting this bow build. Thank you! Is there any chance you'd consider making a shorter, simpler video to tell the story of the 100-year-old fence post and why you decided to give it a new life in the form of a new recurve? I would also love to know more about the details of the vacuum-tube treatment (please forgive my ignorance). Presumably, it improved the working characteristics of the fence-post wood in some way? Best, Chris

[@My_initials_are_O.G.cuz_I_am]

My guess is that the vacuum chamber thing was to draw out all the air, so that the oil gets sucked deep into the wood.

[@richardhatt6541]

It is a resin that is heat dried

[@keithbaxley8433]

a product called cactus juice is commonly used via submersion in a vacuum chamber to stabilize wood that is either punky or of other questionable qualities.

[@davidmorris4353]

The wood is Osage Orange Or Bois D Arc sometimes called Hedge Apple. I have harvested many over my lifetime for bows, staffs, tool handles(usually axe handles) and have never found stabilization necessary when milling and processing normal lumber from this amazing species. IF I was using a hundred year old post in this condition I certainly would. Stabilization does slow the inevitable oxidation of this species BUT NOTHING can stave it off forever. It eventually loses its beautiful bright yellow orange color and turns a very mundane reddish brown. Kramer Ammons is a master at this time consuming technique and shows great competence in his processes! I do kiln dry my Osage after 1-3 years of air drying in the rafters of my barn. Processing this wood is similar to Ebony, Epe or any extremely hard wood and requires high quality blades and tools if done in any volume. Wearing a respirator is highly recommended processing this wood as it is high in silicates and mildly toxic. Osage is however worth the trouble and is called "The King of Bow woods" for a reason! I still hunt with an Osage self bow that I made back in the early Eighty's and many Texas Whitetails have fallen to its power over the last 40 years. To this day it exhibits zero string follow and still draws at 62 lbs after 4 decades! Properly cared for and stored they can be passed down to the next generation.

[@johnsiu7217]

Your best video so far! Beautiful work.

[@JackMyersPhotography]

Thank you for sharing your bow making process. The art and science were really interesting to behold.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Pretty awesome bow build, I am glad that it turned out well and didn’t break halfway through the process. With all that wood and fiber glass dust flying even with the vacuum tubes one should have some proper protective gear. Goggles 🥽 and respiratory mask. Looks like a good shooter with plenty of power. 🏹💪🏻

[@botsnaken]

What’s your taper rate on the core? I build my hybrids with two bamboo lams of a total of 003.(2+1)

[@gregmead2967]

I was thinking the same thing. Especially, sanding fiberglass? Not good to breath in! Wood dust is now recognized as a carcinogen, too.

[@SweetPea2022]

I was thinking the same thing, great craftmanship but mask up man cancer is no joke! 😔

[@lidotrijsturis]

My experience is that the more powerful bow has the tendency to hit a little higher, amazing work

[@sarafayelawton652]

That was cool. You have such a gift.

[@rmiller2179]

The wood is Bois d'Arc (tree of the bow) or more commonly Osage Orange or Hedge Apple out here on the plains. A very beautiful wood when cured--it has a metallic shimmer to it .

[@Brangustx]

I just had a "DUH" moment, using a chalk line to mark a log prior to ripping on the bandsaw. Brilliant.

[@gm3087]

You might want to consider don't wearing a hoody with loose laces when working with these kinds of power tools. It gives such a mess when you got grabbed by a 1000 rpm spindle and your face gets smashed into a fast rotating sanding belt or some other nasty piece of equipment. I know: safety nazi, but it comes from a good heart 👍🙂

[@jdctact]

Hope the commentary isn't gone, hearing about the process and the ups and downs adds 100% to the value of your channel

[@ballisticblake7526]

Dude, that bow is powerful. You better take that hunting next season.

[@DD-sw1dd]

Wow. Well done. The production of both the bow and video was epic.

[@ahteijo]

amazing craftmanship!!!

[@mikegoodlock7821]

Been waiting since my lunch break at work to watch this. Very awesome I love it. You are one bad ass dude 😁

[@johngrenfell7171]

This bow looks beautiful well done you

[@geetar82]

I bet you have the most respect from your tradesmen.

[@pedroacuna7790]

Gracias por mostrar tu arte

[@junito1957]

REALLY NICE BOW YOU MADE !!

[@redeyestones3738]

Cool old post. If it came into my possession I'd have a hell of a time deciding what to do with it. 300 knife handle blanks? Rifle stock? Laminate arms, and handle for a bow? You made a pretty good choice

[@teamofstars]

Aloha Red Eye... it's been a day of amazing coincidences and seeing this video encouraged me to respond to you, my fellow crafter and artist, with an unconditional offer from the heart and fellow creative mind... i have made what i call "shamanic tools" since my early hippie days in the 60's... over that time i've collected a lot of beautiful, rare and often sacred materials to work with... 7 or 8 years ago i was visiting a friend in a yoga community in West Virginia where i lived for 15 years in the 80's and 90's... lots of old history there, both Native American and white american... the land where my friend lives is the site of an old homestead from just after the Revolutionary War that was given to one of the army generals as a reward for his service... there is an old hedgerow on the property that was made in the late 1700's out of Osage Orange wood... i think the wood in this video is the same kind... it never rots or decays... i harvested about 20 pieces, each one hand selected, to use as handles for the rattles i make that are inspired by the Native American traditions... i'd like to give you a couple of them since it sounds like you would know just what to do with them... let me know if you'd be interested... no charge, just sharing great stuff with a fellow crafter...

[@redeyestones3738]

@@teamofstars sounds too good to be true...

[@teamofstars]

i speak from my heart, brother... here with you and in my daily life... not sure if you mean the story of the wood or my offer... everything i said is true and it's up to you to believe it or not... i have the old osage orange wood from the property in the old days of General McCreary, who was a big name in the revolutionary war and was gifted by the government with the 500 acre parcel... as the shamans do here in Hawaii, i cut it into 15 inch long pieces to use in my art work, then polished it to some degree on my friends machinery there in West Virginia... i'm 74 and in poor health, so the idea of giving my rare crafting materials to people who would respect them and know what to do with them is on my mind these days... as i saw on a Facebook meme the other day... "I thought getting old took longer than this" ;) it's up to you, brother... if you want a couple of the pieces for your own work they are yours, if not it's all good

[@redeyestones3738]

@@teamofstars I now know you're in Hawaii. That is a totally different situation. I myself grew up on Maui, and understand that people in the islands are more open minded, and willing to share, and spread joy and love whenever possible. At first I just thought you might be a scammer who was just trying to get my personal information. I would love to get ahold of a piece of Osage. I've never even seen a piece that wasn't already crafted into something useful. Like I said, I spent most of my life in Hawaii, and just never came across any. Now I love in northeast Washington State, and there's not any around here either. I really appreciate the fact that you are in a position to make the offer. Very kind of you. I've been missing the spirit of aloha over here, and this is just what I needed on a harsh day. Mahalo nui. Where do we go from here?

[@redeyestones3738]

I'm usually apprehensive of anyone who has zero content on their KZbin channel, and tells me they want to send me something. Because more often than not, ppl with zero content on their channel are either trolls, who don't want to leave a trail, or scammers who just set up the account, to con folks. I'm a bit paranoid in the online realms

[@reapergrim76]

Wow! Amazing work! 👏

[@johnk5193]

That was outstanding Kramer! Thanks

[@andrejochimsen3478]

Cool. What if you use the hard wood inside and cover it both sides with bamboo. Would be interesting to see what the smoothness is, and sound effect.

[@ricochetrabbit4618]

What a piece of artwork!

[@indy2867]

I just was watching videos and this pops up. I got about halfway through before I realized this was the same guy that tried to make a bow out of pencils, and I already was a subscriber to your channel! 😂😂😂

[@normazarr3106]

Very Cool Stuff, ya know what you are doing, and you do it well! Quite Artistic, beautiful wood. You got it going on! ✌❤😁🤟

[@ti62ti]

Ich habe mir schon früher Bögen gebaut. Der erste war mit einer Dachlatte 😁👍 Du hast ein schönes Hobby. Hut ab.

[@zolero7055]

This was an acacia wood fence post as I could see in your video. Awesome work dude!

[@shahriar1159]

Marvelous work.

[@tradmanmike3360]

Love this video, very interesting work. The music, a bit painful to the ears. Big fan of your channel. what a beautiful Osage longbow! I think it deserved the clear glass. I also love the tone, as the sun hits Osage, it darkens so awesome. Always thumbs up!!!

[@TheGzumD]

i love u and your work! you gave me so much inspiration to bow on my own, thats so a great hobby! much love🤍

[@courtneyheron1561]

Nice work! Thank you for sharing your skills! Beautiful Bow!!

[@jeeplife2035]

The best bows I’ve ever made was with bamboo. Naturally flexible and easy to work with. If you’re just starting out making bows start with bamboo first then move on to the harder projects

[@robertflint4115]

Stunningly beautiful and what a skill you have. Think safety, maybe secure hoodie strings hanging down when using power equipment. But again, great bow and great video. 🤘😎

[@punisher3607]

Black locust is still hard as a nail nearly a century later, truly an underrated wood. Incredible!

[@jonny555ive]

Sick Bow dude, you've done this once or twice I can see... Outstanding craftsmanship, it turned out beautiful. And the camera/editing work is badass. You've got a new subscriber 🤘🤘 Looking forward to seeing more of your content. Take care, stay safe. ~Jonny5🥁

[@terryboehler5752]

What an attractive bow.

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@twizzle1112]

That is an awesome bow!

[@Albiom]

14:56 i was thinking ''just use clamps ffks'' and then the air filling the hose... mindblowing

[@Michael-mj1bz]

Fabulous build man!

[@jdhed1]

Having never fired a Bow, any of the tools, or a century old fence post, I feel I'm ready to give this a go.

[@santoshthakur3617]

IOU

[@Smokkedandslammed]

Thr first time I ever shot a bow was at the local ye olde archery shop and it was the compound bow I bought. I bought it cause it snapped my fore arm, had my arm rotated towards the bow. She drew blood so I had to take her home, the bond was formed. It's one the coolest things ever. No matter what kind of bow you end up with, it's an ancestral feeling shooting a bow. :)

[@lexigold8448]

if you do try making a bow tho please only do it if you have a safe way to test it first!! because if you pull it up to full bend and it explodes, i have a friend who's ended up with a lifelong injury from a ten inch splinter doing exactly that. Just a word of caution.

[@bellofbelmont]

@@lexigold8448 Tillering a bow is done in stages. The bow is brought back on a jig slowly, an inch at a time, as it's being shaped, so there really shouldn't be a "first time" when it's drawn. Jim Bell (Australia)

[@lexigold8448]

@@bellofbelmont Exactly my point! If people try to do this themselves without knowing this they might injure themselves.

[@korgan7779]

Very nice work!

[@nathanielgrimes3882]

Very impressive! Respect!