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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Aeronut on May 07, 2009, 08:25:00 AM

Title: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on May 07, 2009, 08:25:00 AM: I had some very scarce free time last weekend and cut and sanded some Hickory and Osage for my next project.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC04847.jpg)

Going to use a core of .050" Hickory and .040" Osage lams and cover with .050" glass. I just need to decide what wood(s) to use for a riser.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC04906.jpg)

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: kennym on May 07, 2009, 08:50:00 AM: NICE!! Keep us posted!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Apex Predator on May 07, 2009, 09:36:00 AM: I'm thinking something dark and figured would look outstanding. I love the look of cocobolo with osage. Maybe kingwood as well. Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Dick in Seattle on May 07, 2009, 10:27:00 AM: coco sounds good, though with osage and hickory, you have two native woods. Walnut, or black walnut, would keep it all native wood and provide a real nice contrast
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Bear on May 07, 2009, 10:34:00 AM: I second the all native.
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on May 07, 2009, 01:37:00 PM: I had to look up Kingwood, I'd never heard of it.

I've got a bunch of 2X4 & 6 Black Walnut and thought about using it with Pecan & Osage accent stripes. Somewhere around the shed I have a small piece of Black Locust that I may have to look for.

I'll post as I go but it is going to be over a long period of time since I don't have a lot of free time.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: va on May 11, 2009, 02:16:00 PM: Aeronut -

Good to see you are still upright and taking nourishment!

You are an arrow craftsman so the bow will definitely be worth the wait.

va
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on May 11, 2009, 07:40:00 PM: Hi Vince, how did you fare with last Friday's storm? We finally got the substations and relays sorted out and I got to bed at 2am Sat. morning. Very long day. Our linemen worked all through the weekend.

Now I have a yard full of trees and limbs to clean up.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: va on May 12, 2009, 04:57:00 PM: Hey Mr. Dennis -

We were pretty much unscathed. Even my old fragile hackberry survived.

I'm still trying to finagle a trip to SE KS so I can buy some shafts. I lost all the poplar before i broke them!

va
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on June 11, 2009, 11:21:00 PM: I decided to go with all native woods like everyone suggested and this is the riser. I just sanded it out tonight and it is ready to go.

Took a piece of my Black Walnut and sandwiched a strip of Hickory and Osage into it. the strips are around 1/4" thick.

I ordered some Smooth-On and 1-1/2"X.050 glass from Kenny and got them yesterday. May be a couple of weeks or more before I get time to get everything glued.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05008.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05009.jpg)

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: kennym on June 12, 2009, 11:28:00 PM: Lookin good Dennis!! You have a plan?? COOL!! :D
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 10, 2009, 10:19:00 PM: I've had a couple of free evenings so I decided to spread some glue. I put the pieces in the hotbox to warm up while I gathered everything up. Gathering wasn't a big chore until I couldn't locate my hose. After searhing for almost an hour I was about ready to cancel for the evening when I finally found the rascal.

The lams and riser are plenty warm so it's time to mix some Smooth-On. Seem like every time I order this stuff it comes in a different type of can/container.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05095.jpg)

My daughter came down to the dungeon/basement so I had her snap a picture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05097.jpg)

After getting everything taped, clamped, strapped, and aired up it was ready for the hot box. Alcohol is great for removing Smooth-On from your hands, along with everything else in the shop that is stuck to them. Notice the custom riser inserts. I used this form on another bow with a different riser shape. I need to cut an insert to fit it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05098.jpg)

Took everything apart this evening to see what I had and sanded off all the glue boogers/blobs. Didn't get a fresh-off-the-form shot. :banghead:

When we pulled a little bit of the tape off we saw a pale white streak along one edge about 1/8" wide. It took me a while to realize that one of the Osage lams had moved sideways. It will not affect the finished bow any because that part will be trimmed off when I taper the limbs and glue on the riseer overlays.

Riser & Belly
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05102.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05104.jpg)

Hopefully I can do a little more work on it tomorrow.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 11, 2009, 06:27:00 PM: I got finished with my fix-it project today so i got some more done on the bow. I re-taped the glass and checked everything with a long string. Looked good, even, and no twist in the limbs.

I decided to go with a 64"NTN bow so I measured everything for that. I marked center on the bow and laid out the line with my laser level. I stick it to my heat duct right above my head. Remember, I'm in the basement.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05105-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05108.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05107.jpg)

Next I marked out the limbs and went to the machine shed where my bandsaw and sanders are. I saved a dull blade for my bandsaw because it would work for cutting the fiberglass. After cutting out the limbs I sanded them down to the line.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05109-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05111.jpg)

Earlier I cut some thin Black Walnut laminations ot overlay on the front and back of the riser. I glued them in place and everything is now back in the hotbox.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05113.jpg)

To be ontinued......

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Dano on July 11, 2009, 07:51:00 PM: Nice progress Dennis. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Wind D Ranch on July 11, 2009, 09:55:00 PM: I tell ya, it's just not fair! You have the talent to create such nice bows and I can barely fletch an arrow! :help:
How are you ever going to choose which bow to use on our hog hunt this winter? :archer:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Wind D Ranch on July 11, 2009, 09:56:00 PM: By the way, why is your regulator on your scuba tank? Fumes getting a little thick?
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 11, 2009, 10:48:00 PM: Naah, no fumes. I bought a tire inflator to hook onto my BC hose and that is what I air up the hose with. I'm probably the only bowyer that uses a 3000psi air tank to build stuff. I wondered if anyone would notice that.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 12, 2009, 06:08:00 PM: I decided to use Black Walnut and Deer antler for the tip overlays. I have a big shed that I found with my bushhog a few years back and decided to incorporate it into some of my projects.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05148.jpg)

I used some of the leftover Walnut from the riser overlay and put the antler on top of it. I really hate the smell of cutting and sanding antler but I like the finished product.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05146.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05147.jpg)

Back into the hotbox again........

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: va on July 14, 2009, 10:54:00 AM: Aero -

You are a CRAFTSMAN.

i still plan on getting some shafts from you soon. I'll e-mail when I get a "business" trip worked out.

va
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 19, 2009, 10:29:00 PM: Now I start cutting string grooves and shaping the tips. This is where I really slow down and take my time. I don't want to screw it up at this point.

Another reason to slow down for me is I ran a toothpick sized splinter through the first joint of my second finger working on my Curly Hickory bow. :scared: It came off the string groove. Wernt fun at all!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05167.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05168.jpg)

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: kennym on July 19, 2009, 10:39:00 PM: Slow and steady now! Lookin good. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Hermann From Bavaria on July 21, 2009, 02:51:00 PM: really looks good. cool stuff you´re making!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 22, 2009, 11:07:00 PM: Here is the progress so far....

I'm still working on the tips, sloooowly trying to get them both to somewhat match.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05430.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05429.jpg)

I marked and cut out the sight window. The riser is 1.35" wide and I cut the shelf in .50", not quite to center.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05431.jpg)

I've done some feathering on the riser overlay too.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05432.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05433.jpg)

I made a string a few days ago and did some checking on the tiller. Everything is looking good but I am low on the weight I was hoping for. I was hoping for 40-45# but the initial scaling is around 30#'s. I'm going to finish it at this weight and shoot it for a while.

I Started rounding off all the edges and shaping the handle. Don't have any pictures of that yet but I'll try to get some tomorrow.

To be continued......

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: razorsharptokill on July 23, 2009, 07:45:00 PM: Wow that is really nice!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 24, 2009, 09:57:00 PM: Haven't done much the last couple of days, back's been hurtin' a lot.

Here is the initial contouring of the handle. The three pencil lines you can see are where I am going to sand shallow grooves for my fingers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05469.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05467.jpg)

It's starting to 'feel' like a bow now.
After I get the initial handle/riser section work done I'll be down to the nit-pickin' stage getting it ready for a finish.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Robertfishes on July 24, 2009, 10:09:00 PM: awesome, love those antler tips.
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: bjansen on July 25, 2009, 08:12:00 AM: Outstanding. Great job!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Rick D on July 25, 2009, 08:55:00 AM: This is the kind of thread i get all excited about. It looks soooo beautiful now, i'll be in tears when its done. Keep up the awesome work!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: wisconsin wood butcher on July 25, 2009, 09:17:00 AM: VERY nice ! i dont get the photo with the hose and blocks of wood in the riser section what am i not getting?
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: wisconsin wood butcher on July 25, 2009, 09:20:00 AM: dennis i just went to your site . looks like my yob description are you in powerline work .
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 25, 2009, 09:35:00 AM: Hi Steve, I see you are a lineman. I'm a substation mechanic.

The blocks of wood are just gap fillers. I made that form about a year ago for a bow with a recurve style of riser. This bow has a much smaller, thinner riser like on a longbow and I had to fill that space to keep the fire hose down on the riser while it cooked in the hotbox.

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on July 25, 2009, 01:34:00 PM: Sanded the finger grooves in this morning and did a little more rounding on the riser. Buffed all the Walnut down with 4/0 steel wool.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05482.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05483.jpg)

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Wind D Ranch on July 25, 2009, 08:43:00 PM: It just keeps getting better!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Dano on July 25, 2009, 09:46:00 PM: She's looking good Dennis. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: BMN on July 26, 2009, 06:25:00 PM: Nice job Dennis. Looks great. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Aeronut on September 01, 2009, 09:34:00 PM: Finally finished. I put four coats of True Oil on it on 8/23 and let it dry last week while I was in Wichita on company business. I got three arrows made last Saturday and shot it Sunday. It shoots great and I really like that style of grip.

Specs:

62" 30#@28"
Hickory Core
Osage lams
.050 glass
Riser: Black Walnut with Hickory and Osage accent strips. Black Walnut front and back riser overlays.

Profile shots
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05827.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05826.jpg)

Full draw (well, as full as I can get it) :rolleyes:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05821.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Osage%20Lam%20Bow/DSC05822-1.jpg)

Dennis
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: kennym on September 01, 2009, 09:52:00 PM: SWEET!! Great job Dennis!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: razorsharptokill on September 01, 2009, 09:54:00 PM: WOW! Very nice!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Dmaxshawn on September 01, 2009, 10:45:00 PM: Very Nice!!!

Shawn
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: rbbhunt on September 01, 2009, 10:47:00 PM: Good Job, Dennis

Randy
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: BMN on September 01, 2009, 11:04:00 PM: Great bow Dennis! It was nice to see you on Saturday. Thanks for traveling so far to help with the range. Hopefully you can come up and shoot that bow next time.

Bill
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: dutchwarbow on September 02, 2009, 01:52:00 AM: that's one sharp looking bow dennis!! love the riser design :) just something different!

Nick
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: SteveD on September 02, 2009, 07:58:00 AM: Great Lookin Bow. Nice work
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Dano on September 02, 2009, 09:47:00 AM: Nice job Dennis. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Coach on September 03, 2009, 12:19:00 PM: Really neat Dennis. Great looking bow! Coach
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Hermann From Bavaria on September 03, 2009, 01:36:00 PM: outstanding!!! congrats!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: Apex Predator on September 03, 2009, 02:01:00 PM: Great job buddy!
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: bluegill on September 03, 2009, 09:24:00 PM: Looks great Dennis!

Sean
Title: Re: Started a New One---Finally Finished
Post by: snakewood3 on September 04, 2009, 07:31:00 AM: Great lookin bow Dennis. I hope she hunts well for you.