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Topic Archives => Build Alongs => Topic started by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 10:59:00 AM

Title: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 10:59:00 AM
I met Cary a few weeks ago and it was the start of a real friendship.
Cary is an avid hunter, expert shooter, so I proposed to make him an osage selfbow.

Tim proposed to trade custom back quiver and arm guard at the same time (I saw his wonderful leatherwork in person and it is stunning!   :thumbsup:  ) so I hunted for wood first:)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:05:00 AM
Osage does not grow in Quebec, so I ordered Osage from Illinois and Kansas.

Of the 4 staves I received 2 qualified to make good hunting bows  in the high 50# at 26"

Cary wants a pure longbow, this over 65" stave with natural reflex and wonderfull growth ring will hopefully produce such a bow
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010164.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:08:00 AM
Tim is game for a reflex deflex flatbow in the style of my personal bow that I finished recently, so here is his stave:

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010165.jpg)

I will steam and  induce 2"+ reflex for the tips.
This stave is 65" long too
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:12:00 AM
After work this week I cleaned the staves a bit to be ensure that theywere free of cracks, bugs, ugly knots

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010187.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 02, 2007, 11:15:00 AM
I'll be watching this one Manny....LOL
  ;)    ;)    :readit:    :bigsmyl:  

A Torges-style solid osage bow??? mmmm..it don't get much better!

I wish you all the luck of the wood-spirits on these bows. Best of all, you'll possibly have the chance to see me shoot a deer this fall with it when you come and hunt with me. :)

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:18:00 AM
And now the looooooongest part: Chasing a ring, here on tim's stave:

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010189.jpg)

This is the part I like least, but is the most important for the future bow(imho)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 02, 2007, 11:21:00 AM
Manny...bet your wife is happy to see you head outside now... ;)

Carp-a-palooza III is coming up quick..have you got your gear ordered yet? :)

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:23:00 AM
I shellacked the stave when I was done for the day  chasing the ring, marking where I stopped with a pencil line  ;)

Wood is still green which is excellent to steam bend

I will work always at the same stage on these bows  :)
Next turn is Cary's  ;)

It will take time but all progress will be shown here
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 02, 2007, 11:30:00 AM
Hi BD,

Yes my wife is relieved to see me working outside, especially with 2 bows in the making!

I am aiming for a Torge's style bow by the book   :readit:   for you my friend, and a reflex deflex like mine  for Tim   :)  

Could you imagine if hunting together we killed deers with selbows you and me?    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on June 02, 2007, 12:00:00 PM
Dang, Cary let someone else in this! :bigsmyl:

Frenchy, it is looking good!  Waiting for hunting season makes the summer longer than it ought to be, but now waiting for a bow and hunting season, well I can feel the long dog days of August being streched out and it is only June!  I have set a goal to get a slick top whitetail with this bow come November!  
Thank you for the opportunity to watch the build a long!

>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 02, 2007, 01:13:00 PM
you and me AND Tim... :)  ;)  you know you got an invite oh-master-of-the-leatherwork...long-standing and always open.

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 04, 2007, 07:52:00 PM
Because I am working on both bows at the same time, I chased the ring on Cary's:

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010192.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 04, 2007, 07:55:00 PM
You can see the demarcation line where the scraper is. More than 60% done for the back of that bow on Sunday, that's a lot for me   ;)   Almost 5 hours straight while my lovely wife was gardening   :)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 04, 2007, 07:57:00 PM
Here is where I stopped

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010193.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 04, 2007, 08:00:00 PM
All this bow building gave me the urge to work on a back up bow  ;)
I will use this character stave:

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010191.jpg)

But it will go on the back burner when I will complete Cary's and Tim's
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 04, 2007, 08:49:00 PM
:readit:    :bigsmyl:    :clapper:  Manny, you da man!!! Dean would be slapping you on the back for this effort...
BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: W.Tim on June 04, 2007, 08:49:00 PM
love that Yellow wood  :bigsmyl:  , this looks like 2 bows in the making  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: R.W. on June 04, 2007, 09:59:00 PM
Manny,

Being a rank novice, I have a question. Hope this is not out of line.

When "chasing the ring" do you use only the scraper shown in your pictures?   :confused:  

Thanks,
R.W.
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 04, 2007, 10:08:00 PM
Lookin' good, Manny. Jawge
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 05, 2007, 03:18:00 PM
Thank you Jawge    :)  

R.W., for ring chasing I use a full set of scrapers, especially one that is rounded.

I bought them as a set for $11. Add a draw knife and a 4 in 1 hobby rasp and you're all set    ;)  
I do not use power tool for my bows.

Hope that helps,
F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Patience on June 05, 2007, 06:28:00 PM
Manny, looking good. Look forward to watching the progress.

Cary, I know you have to many bows. I'll take a couple off your hands. That osage would be nice. Did you tell Manny your left handed? ;-)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: northern fisher on June 07, 2007, 11:21:00 AM
Looks good guy's.It's always fun to watch the build alongs on here .It's even more fun when you know some of the people involved.
 Manny if I can make the carp shoot I look forward to meeting you and Cary it will be good to see you again.
 I was in Timmins last night glassing bears with Sergio and he told me he would have to miss the shoot due to other commitments(I understand because I am tied up with bass tournaments and bear baiting all summer)but he will loan me some bowfishing gear if I find a way to attend.
So I'm hoping for the best.
Gary
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 07, 2007, 12:37:00 PM
Gary,

I hope to meet you at the carp shoot  :thumbsup:

Cary and Tim, I might have secured a good water buff horn source for the nocks and accents on the handle.

if you prefer horn to purple heart, let me know  ;)

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on June 07, 2007, 08:10:00 PM
Hmmm...Buff Horn  :thumbsup: ...Purple Heart....Buff Horn for sure if it is no problem.  
Thanks Manny,

>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 07, 2007, 08:34:00 PM
let me think.....  :knothead:  horn of course!

Gettin' your gear ready for the shoot Manny?

See you in a few weeks.

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Luke Vander Vennen on June 07, 2007, 08:42:00 PM
Looking good Manny  :thumbsup:  

I'm looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks  :)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 07, 2007, 08:45:00 PM
Manny, you bringing the bows to whittle on???? might be nice to sit in the shade after a hot day on the water, making yellow shavings.

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 08, 2007, 08:15:00 AM
Guys,

If the water buff source deliver, it will be horn   ;)     :thumbsup:  
I'll have to have a couple of great carp skins to trade for it. It might be possible!

Luke, I'm looking forward to meet with you too!

Cary, I'm aiming to have the stave roughed out by then and in the drying box for a few weeks before tillering. Wood of both bows is not near as dry as I want.

This week end will be a week end to shoot the bows   :)   I'll bring Phoenix   ;)   I can't wait

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 11, 2007, 08:11:00 PM
Hi All,

Here is today's update:

Last week end I had Cary's stave back growth ring finished 100% and Tim's just started so I worked  this week end almost exclusively on Tim's.

Between Saturday and Sunday, I had Tim's bow back chased to final ring and the bow roughed out (real rough, and about 1" thick) to shape, ready to be steamed to form:
  (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010194.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on June 11, 2007, 08:16:00 PM
Tim's bow is showing its belly and you can see Cary's bow back finished, shellacked twice to protect it and prevent drying checks.

That's it for this week, next working session will be on Cary's bow.

By the way, Tim requested a name for his bow  ;)  .

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on June 11, 2007, 08:53:00 PM
looking good, Manny, love that yeller wood!

Well done, and a nice build-along.

BD  :bigsmyl:    :thumbsup:    :archer:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on July 02, 2007, 01:14:00 PM
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/Timroberts_bucket/FM001.jpg) (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/Timroberts_bucket/FM003.jpg)

Here are a couple of pictures of the quiver that I built for Frenchy Manny for the bow that he is building.

>>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Ian johnson on July 02, 2007, 01:33:00 PM
tim, you need to do a build a long on that thing!
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 02, 2007, 04:22:00 PM
What a fabulous quiver!   :notworthy:    :clapper:    :clapper:  

Everything is amazing in Tim's work.
We just came back from Carp a Palooza III and I had the pleasure to see again Tim's work, second to none!

I can't wait to receive my quiver and arm guar  ;)

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 08, 2007, 07:11:00 PM
Here is where we aretoday:
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010260.jpg)

Bows are getting close to rough shape
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 08, 2007, 07:12:00 PM
On the left, it's Tim bow, the upper limb straightened nicely
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 08, 2007, 07:16:00 PM
Center is Cary's bow with a slim D. Torge handle.

I had to chase a drying check to health wood on the bottom limb, so I might have to start all over.

There will be no compromise there!  ;)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 08, 2007, 07:17:00 PM
On the right, the stave with 2 big knots (Back up) that I decided to have ready, just in case.

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on July 08, 2007, 09:31:00 PM
Looking good Manny!!!!  :thumbsup:  
While it is very nice to see the progress, its kind of like being teased abouyt Christmas in June!
Keep up the great work, and the teasing...well that is one of the things that make life so interesting!

>>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on July 09, 2007, 09:20:00 AM
Manny,
how goes the battle with the drying check??? do you think you can salvage that stave??? I really like the look of the centre one. as long as it could hit 50 pounds plus at 26", it could work?

Tim, I'm jealous now...  ;)    ;)    :archer:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 09, 2007, 09:58:00 AM
No reason to be jealous guys  ;)

Big Dog,

I'll do my best, and anyway do not worry for the results!

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 22, 2007, 06:23:00 PM
Here is where we are tonight:

The checks in Cary's were too deep in the handle area and in my opinion would certainly pose a problem.

I will start over, and have a perfectly straight and clean stave for this. Cary's will have all my attention, while Tim's will be drying in the Chevrolet drying box  ;)

You can see it on the picture in the background.

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/Sun22.jpg)

Tim's is now fully rough shaped (bottom limb done)and ready to be steamed straight and reflexed

I received Tim's work of art, what can I say? Wow!

Thank you Tim

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Osagetree on July 23, 2007, 09:36:00 AM
Thanks for posting this build. May I ask to see your steaming method?

Joe
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 23, 2007, 10:01:00 AM
Joe, it will be my pleasure.


Thanks,
F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Osagetree on July 23, 2007, 10:39:00 AM
Thanks, I will be waiting with baited breath! What does that really mean anyway? (Baited breath?)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on July 23, 2007, 05:21:00 PM
Manny,
It is looking good!  :thumbsup:  

Joe, I think "baited breath" means Manny has one nibbling and he ought to set the hook....Show a picture.   I could be wrong though????????

>>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on July 23, 2007, 08:40:00 PM
It is "bated", as a writer I know it means to await anxiously...
Nice work Manny,Can't wait to see the bows in person.

BD:)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 05:53:00 PM
Hi Osagetree,

Here is how I steamed Tim's handle to center the string:
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010016.jpg)

Masking tape on the back, and the wood was protected by 4 coats of olive oil.

I steamed it for 45 mins before bending, and hold it in shape until cool
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 05:55:00 PM
I worked long hours this week end:

Tim's bow, faceted:
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010017.jpg)

Ready for floor tillering  ;)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 05:56:00 PM
The handle area, slimmed, showing the facets (Dean Torges way)

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010020.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 05:58:00 PM
Cary's new stave:

  (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010023.jpg)

Another view:

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010022.jpg)

You will be happy my friend

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: HARL on July 29, 2007, 06:28:00 PM
Manny,I don't notice your accent on this thread !  :D  Looking good .
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on July 29, 2007, 06:34:00 PM
Ohhhh, I like that Manny, looking "fantastique"! ;)

Well done, Tim was just talking to me on the phone a bit ago, he is super pumped for his new selfbow from you.

Keep us posted, see you on the 4th, any idea what time?

BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 07:58:00 PM
Cary my Friend, I will be in B.Ville at about 10 am.

Will you be going with me to Jim's?
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 08:00:00 PM
Tom, when I type I don't have a f....g accent  ;)

Looking forward to see you

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: LONGHORN on July 29, 2007, 08:02:00 PM
F-Manny are you going to fit handle or to pick it up    :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 29, 2007, 08:03:00 PM
I'm going for fitting the handle Serge

I will be picking the bow the next Friday

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: LONGHORN on July 29, 2007, 08:09:00 PM
:thumbsup:  cool,you will like it I'm sure.Let's start the countdown    :jumper:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on July 29, 2007, 09:39:00 PM
LOL, your mastery of the english language is immpeccable Manny!  :smileystooges:    :bigsmyl:    :archer:  
you are so-gonna love your new longbow from Jim, he is doing amazing stuff. I was just out driving tacks with SweetPea from 20 yards.
BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: JEFF B on July 29, 2007, 09:46:00 PM
wow!!manny they are looking good !!
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on July 30, 2007, 08:38:00 AM
Thank you Jeff!
Cary, I can't wait  ;)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on August 27, 2007, 06:46:00 PM
And here is Tim's bow, starting to look good!

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010129.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on August 27, 2007, 06:48:00 PM
There is still a bit of corrections to do, but we are getting there

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on August 27, 2007, 07:00:00 PM
Looking good Manny!

>>>>Tim------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on September 03, 2007, 06:06:00 PM
Here is today's update:
Last correction is done on Tim's:
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010133.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on September 03, 2007, 06:13:00 PM
I steamed the handle part of the bow to make sure that the string will be where it should.
The tracking of the string was off by a 1/4 of an inch.

Because there is a lot of wood there I steamed it for 45 minutes.

I'm happy with the results. I spent the next 4 hours refining the limbs, cutting the nocks:

  (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/P1010135.jpg)
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: Frenchymanny on September 03, 2007, 06:19:00 PM
I will now put her in the chevy hotbox again for a week, and then final tillering.

F-Manny
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: tim roberts on September 03, 2007, 07:23:00 PM
As usual, looking good Manny!  
Thank you for the update.

>>>>Tim-------->
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: JEFF B on September 03, 2007, 07:23:00 PM
cant wait for the next lot of pics awesome work manny.now whens mine comming now dont forget its 60" long #45 @26 1/2" draw flat bow LOL!!!!  :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: B.O.D. on September 03, 2007, 08:12:00 PM
Manny.....  :bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:    :goldtooth:  

you da man....as usual.
BD
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 03, 2007, 08:40:00 PM
great looking bows
Title: Re: Cary and Tim bows buildalong
Post by: LONGHORN on September 03, 2007, 08:55:00 PM
Col Manny, very difficult to wait for the end results    :D   , always been    :bigsmyl:    :thumbsup: