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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: hayslope on April 19, 2012, 04:38:00 PM
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Those that know me know that I do love the 62 Kodiak. The 62K was my one and only bow for about 18 years of my life. I cannot have one in my hand without smiling!
I am also a bit of a "wood nut". Wild figure in hardwood trips my trigger. Wild figure in brazilian rosewood pretty much tops the list in my book!
I took a chance on what was obviously a "beater" 62K. The photos were dark and somewhat out-of-focus. Still, I thought I could see some really wild grain in what was a 62 Kodiak that had seen better days.
When it arrived at the house (happily in one piece), I knew I made the right decision. A fairly rare one piece riser. And the figure made me smile. The previous owner had stripped most of the finish, leaving a few areas on the riser and around the decals on the limbs.
I put a string on it and noticed a very very slight twist to the upper limb. I grabbed the tip and tweaked it a few times and it lined right up. I squinted my eyes as I did some test draws. Test #one....it didn't explode! Nice and smooth.
I dabbed a tiny amount of mineral oil on the riser to get a sense of what it would look like if it was refinished. :)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0002.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0001.jpg)
The "wood nut" in me smiled!
I left it strung and took it to a local bow shop that has an accurate scale to verify that it was really 55#. 55 1/2# to 56# each time.
I stepped into the indoor range and decided to try a few shots with it although I didn't have any arrows with me that would probably be matched. I used some CE 150s that I knew would be a bit weak. Wow! It shot a nice consistent group.....and didn't explode! Test #2! And the string never moved. So much for that minor twist.
:archer:
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I have other 62 Kodiaks.......but all are in the low 40s...lighter than I would hunt with. I do shoot 3-D with one of them. This "new" 62 is destined to be in a treestand....this fall!!!
Obviously, I wouldn't want to use it in its current condition. It needed a new finish. And that is not my forte'!
I have a friend in PA that shares my passion for old Bear bows....and has the skills to bring them back to life when needed. Although he is a member here, I won't mention his name......I'm pretty sure he wants to keep the "retire" in retirement!
I take the 62K down to PA. After the first "WOW", I knew he was just as excited as I was!
Since most of the finish had been removed, it didn't take him too long to get the remainder of the bow cleaned up and sanded.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_4.jpg)
He even "restored" the "black" on that old pewter coin!
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_3.jpg)
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New decals had been ordered from Al. When they arrived, it was time to decorate those grey limbs.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_limb_1.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_limb_2.jpg)
They are the appropriate light green shade. His camera flash just "washed" them out to white in the photos.
:archer:
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With the initial prep work done, it was time to put the coin back where it came from.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_5.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_6.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_7.jpg)
Now the hard work begins.......or at least the time consuming aspect: Spray, Sand, Spray, Sand, Spray, Sand.....well....you get the idea.
That old brazilian rosewood has lots of pores that must be filled. And using "filler" is NOT the way to go.....especially on wood this nice. The spraying and sanding process might be time consuming, but you end up with a fantastic looking smooth finish.
This thread will go on for a while. I'll keep it updated with progress photos.
:campfire:
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Outstanding craftsmanship!!! I'll be anxious to see the finished product.
Keep the pictures coming.
:campfire:
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Oh come on Tony!
Here I am scrolling down, reading and find out I have to WAIT!!! That is going to be a pretty one..... I saw the pictures of the 59 your friend worked over so I'm sure this will also be very sweet. Can't wait to see that very nice grain pop out.
Anticipation.........
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Holy cow does that wood have some grain!
You found a beauty Tony.
Can't wait to see it finished, gonna be a very special 62'.
........Philip
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Its gonna look like its on Fire when done.
I have been admiring your now for a few weeks now.!!!!
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Thanks guys.
A nice warm dry day for spraying:
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/spray1.jpg)
He has lots of sanding to do, but this should give you an idea of how it looks with a fresh coat of finish on it.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/spray7.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/spray5.jpg)
This gives new meaning to "anticipation"!!
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/spray3.jpg)
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NICE!!!!!!
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I am glad you restored the "black" to the coin. It looks great.
What type of finish are you using?
I like the spray rig too, I have always hung them vertically but I can see some advantages of waist level spraying.
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Don,
I'm not doing the bow, but I'll ask what finish is being used.
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It's hard to believe the transformation that takes place when a true craftsman goes to work. That's going to be very nice, to put it mildly. Well done!
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Looks awesome , I'll have to make a spraying rig like that, great idea
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Beautiful bow Tony! Will she be making an appearance at Denton in July??
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Very nice!
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Thanks everyone.
Kenny - Yes, it should be at Denton - barring a drastic change to cool weather for the rest of the year!!! I've been shooting the Bear TD quite a bit lately, but when this old girl is finished, something tells me it will be in my hand most of the time......in preparation for hunting season this fall! You are going to have to fling some arrows with her when you get a chance.
He sent me a note that he took the bow outside in the sun after it dried........and was simply amazed at the colors in the rosewood. If you look at the first two photos in this post where I dabbed a tiny bit of mineral oil to see what it might look like, I was anticipating exactly that! This bow seems to have just about every color we've come to expect from brazilian rosewood; orange, black, various reds and purples, chocolate brown, light brown. The only thing I didn't see was the light straw color of any sapwood.
:campfire:
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Wow!
That some piece of lumber Tony.
That is by far the most beautiful 62' Kodiak I have ever seen.
...........Philip
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nice bow. I am also in the process of refinishing a 1959 kodiak. And I need 2 sets of silk screens. I would really appreciate it if you could send me the information. I have 2 62's, they are nice shooters. One is 52# and the other is 55#.
Thank you,
Curt
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Awesome work there! great job...
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Will you be at whittingham Tony?
I will be there on Saturday.
.........Philip
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I'll be there on Saturday as well. Let's hope for good weather.
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That is perhaps the best riser wood I have seen! Nice job!! :thumbsup:
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Thanks Bjorn.
As I mentioned earlier in the thread, the original photos left a bit to be desired, but I thought that I could see some nice grain on this bow. Like I said, those photos were a bit on the dark side:
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_1.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/62K_2-1.jpg)
Just enough visual stimulation that told me to take a chance on it. I'm sure glad I did!
Now, if I can only have the patience for this transformation to be completed!! I KNOW I have the patience.....but that "clock" sure ticks slowly!
In all seriousness, even if it would take a year to get finished, I know the end result will be more than worth it!
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WOW, Good Call on that one Tony. Perhaps to hold in hand would make a difference but to look at the picture would lead me to have second thoughts as to the condition of the rest of the bow...
Sure is a pretty one!!!!!
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I have more than one thats in the midst of a face lift, better to go slow than screw the pooch by being in a hurry...
That is going to be stunner
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Yes Larry, my wife looked at me like I had three heads when I told her I was going after that bow. It could have just as easily gone the "other" way as well....it could have actually been a real ugly bow!
Rich/Kurt - I actually have all the patience in the world! I made it through a 20 month wait on a Dale Dye bow, so I figure no matter how long this takes, the end result will be proof that the wait was more than worth it.
That's the good thing about having plenty of bows to shoot.
Doing this thread and seeing the progress photos just contributes to those occasional moments of weakness......but I get over it quickly. This ugly duckling will turn into a swan!
:campfire:
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Can't wait to see it all done and home......
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Ron - I hope she accompanies me up to ADK this year. Those that like the old Bears can fondle her to their hearts content.
Yesterday, I spent some time in PA helping to do one of the final tasks....reapply the SN, length and draw weight. Don't ever let anyone tell you that it is easy......unless of course, all you want is chicken scratch. Then it should only take 30 seconds. Trust me....to get it to look good, it takes some time, especially on that slick non-flat surface!
One of the first things we did when I arrived (well, second - after having a beer) was take it outside so I could see the renewed colors in the sun. I'm not even going to attempt to describe it. When the bow comes home, I'll figure out how to photograph it closeup in the sun without all the glare and let you see for yourself.
I mentioned before about it having all the colors that we expect from crazy BR EXCEPT for the light straw color of sapwood.....well....I was wrong. If you look at previous photos of the area around the coin, there are areas above and below the coin just to the left side of the coin that are light colored. As I was holding it outside, I asked him if these spots were always there. He thinks the sanding just highlighted the sapwood that was already there. He also mentioned that during the sanding process a small area of sapwood in the grip area became pronounced, then just "disappeared". I would have loved to have seen the original "blank" of wood they chose that day....or better yet......to have a stash of that pre-ban crazy wood at home. One thing is for sure though, Bear found one crazy piece of rosewood for that bow!
He is on the home stretch now. It won't be long.
:campfire:
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I look forward to seeing that bow Tony.
I was on the phone with Mike the other day and he told me you drove to PA just to write the specs back onto the bow.
NOW THAT'S A BEAR COLLECTOR!!!!!
Bravo............Philip
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I'm with you Tony on the lettering. The very few I have done have resulted in 3 to 4 do overs to get it just right. Of course that one beer always help steady the hand!!
Anxious to see the end result as I know it's going to be a Nice One........
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I believe that I may have this "spruced up" ol girl back in my hands this weekend!
We'll take some photos, but when I get back from the shoot I'll have more time to take some good shots of the bow and get them posted.
:archer:
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Bring it to Denton to put it through a "money match".
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Hey Tony...come with the Shaws to Shade Mtn. Bowmens shoot in September....you can bring yhat ultra-cool 62'.....nice find.....john getz
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Very nicely done and that grain is outstanding.. :thumbsup:
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Simply Gorgeous :clapper:
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You need a day with light overcast, or a diffuser, to get accurate pics of stuff. Usually folks think they need a bright sunny day, but that leads to glare and harsh contrast.
Send it on down here, and I'll get pics for you, Tony. Then you can pick it up at Baltimore next year.
Killdeer :goldtooth:
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quote:
Originally posted by Killdeer:
Send it on down here, and I'll get pics for you, Tony. Then you can pick it up at Baltimore next year.
Killdeer :saywhat:
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Let's see it Tony!
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We were so "busy" having fun at last weekend's shoot in Greencastle, PA that we never took the time to take any photos of the restored 62K. Not that it didn't get fondled mind you.....we just never broke out the camera.
Please don't critique my photography skills! I just point the camera at the object and hope for the best. My apologies up front for the glare.......but you get the idea:
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0052.jpg)
I could not be happier with how it turned out.
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This bow got an original NOS Bear rug rest. And a handmade and dyed strike plate.
:)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0054.jpg)
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(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0056.jpg)
The grain really "popped" on this bow. Just what the doctor ordered!
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0055.jpg)
What looks like scratch marks.......is actually glare.
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My friend really did a great job on this bow. I can't thank him enough.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0057.jpg)
:campfire:
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She is stunning Tony!
55# is excessive weight. If you find that a 50# version suits you better, I can help you...... ;)
Congratulations once again.
......Philip
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One last photo. It's the area of the bow that originally caught my eye.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0053.jpg)
:archer:
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The wood is blemished very bad. All those crazy black lines and colors in the wood. Yuck! Lol
By far the wildest chunk of rosewood I've seen.
Couldn't be had by a nicer guy......bravo Tony!
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:goldtooth:
Yea....I thought about throwing it away once since it was so ugly!
Thanks Philip.......It's just up the road if you have a need to fondle or shoot it!
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Tony, It is a beauty. Congrats!
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Thanks Nick. It's good to know there are plenty of other folks out there that appreciate the 62K for what it is.
BTW - my Border Bear TD limbs arrived from Scotland. I have quite the story concerning them to tell you the next time we see each other! For the time being, lets just say they are IDENTICAL to yours!!!
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Tony, Yep, I have a thing for the '62s.
Congrats on getting the Borders. I hope you enjoy them. I finally got myself to put down the Kanati and have been putting some more string time on the Borders.
PM me your story!
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Yes Tony, that bow is spectacular in hand and our friend did one heck of a job on it. His talents never cease to amaze me. I do love the '62s myself.
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More then worth the wait Tony!!!!
Hard to believe what that looked like before and to see the difference now... WOW, What a Sweet One that is !!!!!!
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Tony,
Incredible!
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Thanks guys. This bow shoots really well. REALLY WELL. I need to get some arrows made up and matched. I have two new strings so it will be tuning time soon.
Since it's no longer original and has a new great finish on it, I won't even think twice about taking it out hunting when the weather conditions are less than ideal.
:archer:
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Originally posted by jackdaw:
Hey Tony...come with the Shaws to Shade Mtn. Bowmens shoot in September....you can bring yhat ultra-cool 62'.....nice find.....john getz
John
I may actually make it to Shade Mt. this year. I'll have to see as we get closer to September, but should not be many conflicts. It sounds like its a great shoot. I'll bring the 62 for sure.
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Tony - I keep coming back to your post to gaze longingly at your spectacular bow!
The 62's have become my favorite, even over my beloved 50lb and 55lb '64 Kodiaks - which is really saying something for me.
You got it all with that one - a great shooter, perfect draw weight and an absolute beauty!
You sir, are one lucky archer!
Thanks for taking the time to do this post!
Terry
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Terry - thanks for the kind words.
I'll send this thread back to the top for Casey37 since he wondered how to restore a pewter coin.
The old 62K will make her shoot debut at the Maine Poke & Hope this weekend. I'm already up in New England, so it makes the trip relatively short for me. I have some freshly made up arrows that shoot pretty good out of it.....we'll see if I can do my part!
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Beautiful!
-Jay