Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Apex Predator on September 05, 2008, 09:57:00 AM
-
I glued up my first R/D longbow last nite. Just thought I would share part of the journey with you folks. This one is being built for a friend with his help. He wanted to have a part in it's construction. He was by my side as we glued her up and tucked her away in the oven for the night. We are shooting for 66" and 45-50@28. The riser is osage and grenadillo. The limbs have a boo core and zebra on the faces. She cooked for 4 hours last night and this is what I found after unclamping. I'm excited!
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Unclamped.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Glueboogers.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Glueboogers-4.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Glueboogers-3.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Glueboogers-2.jpg)
-
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't build a great bow with this simple type of form with rubber innertubes for clamping. I have been very pleased with the results. Perfect glue lines and not a single air bubble on this one!
Stay tuned for more progress tonight.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Cleanedup-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Cleanedup-2.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Cleanedup-3.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Cleanedup-4.jpg)
-
Lookin really good Marty!! Thanks for your pics and post, they really fire me up! Great looking profile, cant wait for more.
How do you like the fuller plast, was it easy to spray through the air brush? Does it really dry in 15-30 mins?! We have similar weather as you do and I hate waiting so long on everything to dry because of the humidity. Im kinda rough on stuff hunting. I do alot of walking through really thick stuff and scratch up everything I have tried. I hear the FP is virtually bullet proof as far as wear and tear goes. Thanks-Greg
-
The fullerplast is wonderful. I can re-coat within 30 min every time. It feels dry after 15-20 min, but I want to make sure. I have sanded it after 30 minutes. No problem. I spray four coats with it thinned 50% on the riser, tips, and limb edges. After a few hours I sand it mostly off. This fills the pores of the wood nicely. Four coats of finish after that, with the last coat holding the sprayer far enough away that it leaves a really nice matte frosted finish. I'll try a close-up photo, but it may be too large.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Website%20Photos/FullerplastMatteFinish.jpg)
-
Looks great Marty,you're kickin serious butt on these bows. Tell us how ya like the r/d vs strait when you get it done!!
-
Sweet! That looks awesome! I'm gonna give it a try. Thanks Bro. I'm waiting on dyed boo to dry then I'm gonna lay it up in the form today.
Kenny, I know your ready!!! Just a couple weeks left! I think I'm going to Laurel Hill WMA on the 20th. They open bow, (9 pts or better) a week before the regular season here in TN. I'm soooo ready I can't hardly stand it!!
You guys are great! :notworthy:
-
Way to go Apex! Beautiful job!!
-
Marty,
That is just great! Hey, I think I recognize that riser design, too! That idea of using washers to keep everything lined up is a stroke of genius. What a time saver.
I made my first full weight BBOO tri-lam bow this past week. Still have to finish up the handle area and such but the lack of hand shock with this design is so different from the Martin Pioneer relex longbow I'm used to shooting. Like Kenny said above, let us know your thoughts on the straight vs R/D.
-
Excellent so far!
-
Marty, Another excellent job. Keep rolling them out like this and you won't have any time for your other job.
Fred
-
I may give a form like that a try. I made a form to use with a firehose, but it has certain drawbacks. Your form looks so simple and appears to have worked well.
-
Here are some updated photos for you folks. This morning my buddy Scott came over and we did quite a bit of work. I profiled the limbs while I was waiting for him. Max width is 1 3/8". I drew a straight line from a point 3" outside the fades to 3/4" tips. I then measured half way down the working limb and drew another line from there to 1/2" tips. I like the profile. I cut in some rough side nocks and put a string on her. I expected more of a "D" shape, but like the strung profile. This string is a little short and the brace was just over 7". I expect it should be closer to 6 3/4", but tuning will find the sweet spot. Here are some photos of Scott and the bow, and a couple more with the grip shaping that we did.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Scottwithbow-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Scottwithbow-2.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Scottwithbow-3.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Roughriser-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/Roughriser-2.jpg)
She shoots like a dream! She is a real screamer and I still have to trap the belly! I have the tip overlays cooking now. I should have some updates tomorrow evening.
-
Cool bow, tks for sharing.
BH
-
Looks great Marty!! :thumbsup:
-
Kenny, he really likes the zebra lams!
-
I thought they had super contrast! Glad you guys like em!
-
Great lookin bow, cant wait to see some finished pics. I know your buddy is gonna be real proud of that bow! Whats the draw weight comeing in at?
-
awesome dude!!
-
Last night I finished cutting the string grooves and trapped the belly slightly. This morning I sanding everything through 220. I will spray the sealing coat on tonight.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/AfterFinalSanding-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/AfterFinalSanding-2.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Apex%20bows/AfterFinalSanding-3.jpg)
-
Beautiful Apex!!
-
Can you use a FF string with that bow? What is the black material on the tips?
-
That's an extra layer of black glass under the granadillo overlays. FF is ok.
-
why do you have to heat treat bows
-
I cures the epoxy faster and makes it more resistant to heat damage in the future, although the latter is debatable.
-
Your bow is looking great! Keep posting photos!
-
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-2.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-3.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-4.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-5.jpg)
-
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-6.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-7.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-8.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/RD%2000508/RD00508-9.jpg)
This photos really don't do this one justice!
-
I've just been warned that I am no longer allowed to post any more topics about bow building, because I am not a sponsor. Sorry guys.
-
Say what??? isn't that the purpose of this forum? for bow build alongs and sharing of tips?? Maybe I'm wrong and that isn't what this forum is supposed to be about :-(
-
Just part of doin business I'd say. If a guy wants to make bows for sale he needs to be a sponsor here to show em off. It sounds bad when he's makin a bow for a friend and gets warned, but it's still doin business. JMO
-
Dano,
I agree with you and it even says that in the forum rules, but nowhere in this thread did I read that this or any other of his bows are for sale. Apex didn't mention anything about money or costs.He did say he was making the bow for his friend perhaps as a gift? or maybe for the cost of materials,we don't know because apex never mentions anything about it, which in no way advertises his bows as being for sale.Thereby not breaking or even bending the forum rules.
-
Man Apex I hope you become a sponsor so I can keep seein your builds, I absolutely love'em!!
That bow looks great!!! the fullerplast finish is perfect lookin!!!- Greg
-
Originally posted by Apex Predator:
I've just been warned that I am no longer allowed to post any more topics about bow building, because I am not a sponsor. Sorry guys.
Sounds tough to me.
Apex that bow has turned out really nice, good job...Glenn...
-
I guess I'm just looking at it from a bowyers viewpoint, if I know a guy sells his bows, and the guy shows his new bows a lot, I would start to think he's just advertizing.
-
My Dad used to always say that if you were going to take on a task, then make sure you do your best, and be proud enough to sign your name to it.
Nice job Marty. Keep up the good work.
And please keep me on your list and update me with any new projects.
Fredrick E Arnold
-
Looks like the "powers that be" are going to chase yet another great asset to this site over to the Pirates of Archery site.
-
What the heck!? It was because of Marty's posts that I've become interested in building some bows myself. I called and talked to him personally and he was gratious enough to answer any and every question I asked about how to get started.
And FWIW, he never mentioned at anytime in our conversation that he makes bows to sell.
-
Thanks for all the kind words folks! The moderators have a job to do, and I do appreciate what they do. I am selling bows now, and tried to think of a way to share my progress as an amatuer bowyer without showcasing bows for sale. The PMs do come in as buying inquiries. I guess it can't be done without forking out the dough. It's only fair to the "real" bowyers that are sponsors of this site. This one is for a friend that bought the materials and had a hand in it's construction. It was never for sale. I will pay my way here shortly, because I do enjoy helping others if I can.
Marty
-
Forgive me if I made it sound like you weren't a "real Bowyer" You make a fine bow and hope you do well with them. I just meant it wasn't fair to the ones that are sponsors.
-
I for one am glad that you will not leave this site...although I frequent the other sites you post on as well so I will never really be without my APEX fix. I love the inspiration of the bowyers that make such beautiful instruments/.
-
Marty,great attitude Buddy! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
-
Marty it is a breath of fresh air to see you react this way. I've seen so many times guys take things the wrong way and fly off the handle at admin for doing what they need to do. You have an incredible talent that I've seen growing in each new bow that you post. Stay an honorable man as you are and you'll go a long way. I don't always post my feelings on your bow posts, but I've always been impressed.
-
your right Dano. I've just never seen him offer to sell one of his bows. It's nice that folks will share tips and experiences with us. I don't think you'd ever see some of the big named bowyers share with anyone.
-
Mike Westvang of Dryad bows offers help alot. I've also seen Greg Coffey (sp?) of Shrew offer his expertese. Others too.
-
Joe, don't be so quick to judge the "big named bowyers" they are pretty darn busy keeping up with business much less life. These forums can use up a lot of time that ain't there. Like 4runr said there are some that take the time and God bless them.
-
Guys,.....I'm not sure why anyone is 'confused' or 'shocked' about the rules of selling as they have been in play since day one of Trad Gang.
We have never allowed 'selling' on Trad Gang, other than the classifieds of used bows, since the very begining. This was years prior to Sponsors.
A site must have rules if you want it to stay the way you intended it, and they must be inforced.
No one here is out to get anyone, or chase anyone a way. We are only enforcing the rules we originaly implied and those that members agreed to when they registered.
If we did allow selling, then that's all Trad Gang would be is one big sales catalog. Everyone and anyone would be selling all kinds of stuff, and that was not the intent of the site. This is also the reason Sponsors are only allowed to make 'periodical' posts as we don't want 'selling' to be the threme of Trad Gang.
The rules are plain and simple, and the same rules here are the same rules that are on the PowWow.
We are not mad at Marty, or out to get Marty. We think its great that folks build bows, and get into selling them, but we can't show Marty favoritizm as other's have had to follow the rules set from the begining as well. I think Marty understands that, and I thank him for it.
I hope this helps folks understand, and realize that the rules we are enforcing have been with us all along.
-
TTT for Joe.
-
Terry,
I understand what your saying and agree with ya, however I never seen anywhere where Marty was selling his bows. I had no idea he was getting into the bow buisness as something more than a hobbiest. In the posts above I never read anywhere a mention of cost, just that he was building a bow for his buddy.
I have no problem with the rules and am glad that TG isn't one big catalog.However, I would like to see some of the big name bowyers do a build along at some point. Guys like Morrison, Adcock, Pronghorn, Black Widow,shrew ect... I think it would be cool to see how some of them go about building thier bows.
Also Terry thanks alot for taking the time to clear things up, not often on many web sites that the big guy takes the time so thanks for making time for us
-
I have no problems with the rules either but I agree with Nighthawk, I never saw anywhere that Marty was selling a bow either, he just made one for his friend, what's wrong with that?...Glenn...
-
Previous posts guys, not this one. Bows made and shown on the PowWow and then listed on the classifieds a few days later is not allowed.
-
Terry, that bow was listed only after a moderator told me that I could post it with an associate sponsorship. I think you corrected me and stated that I must become a full sponsor. No problem! I thought I was following the rules at the time. I will be back in action soon with the necessary sponsor level to sell bows.
I do appreciate your site Terry, and all that you do. Maybe we can hunt together one day since we are obviously close geographically.
I appreciate the support, but Terry and the guys are trying to keep this forum in it's glory by enforcing the rules. I have no problem with that. Let's let this one die guys.
-
That's fair enough Terry...Glenn...
-
Thanks for understanding guys. Its a job trying to keep the site on target believe me. There's a LOT of stuff we 'don't want to do' but have to.
Yes......maybe we'll get a chance to hunt together some day soon.
Thanks again.
-
That's fair, Terry - we just thought y'all wuz a gangin' up on Marty and we wanted to look out for him. I have learned a lot from his posts.
-
Nah....we aint ganging up on anyone. Just trying to hold the fort down. :)
-
Terry you are the best this is such a great place
There is no other place like this, and I know we all appreciate all the effort
Thanx