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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: joe nichols on January 09, 2014, 08:12:00 AM

Title: first bow build
Post by: joe nichols on January 09, 2014, 08:12:00 AM

first bow build
Just got registered but this site has helped me get going on my first build.  I'm trying an oak board bow.   It is still rough.  I currently have it to 45#@28".  I will add pics as it gets closer to completion.  
Poor folk bows has also been a huge help.  I sent him an email and he responded the same day.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: canopyboy on January 09, 2014, 10:58:00 AM

Good luck, and welcome to a serious addiction.  Can't wait to see your progress.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: LittleBen on January 09, 2014, 11:43:00 AM

Rough is ok, as long as the back is smooth and the corners of the limbs are well rounded over and smoothed. Don;t wanna pop up a splinter while tillering or shooting in.

Some bows I never take the tool marks out of the belly, but the back and the corners of the back are a different story.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: red hill on January 09, 2014, 05:27:00 PM

Yes, indeed, welcome! I got started the same way. Poorfolk bow thread and TG. I'm still amazed at the responses when you ask for help. Good luck.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: joe nichols on January 10, 2014, 04:04:00 PM

Ok, during the tillering process, I too too much off one limb by the handle.  I'm sure  lot of you might have seen this happen.  Yep, it snapped.  Oh well, first time.  Im sure my angle grinder method had something to do with it.  
I still have another piece of oak that is pretty streight grained.  This time I will be more carefull.  We will see.
I really want to get one for hunting next year.  I've done compounds, crossbow and muzzle loaders.  I really would like to get a deer with a pistol and I think a long bow would be the finest hunting tool yet.  As soon as I can figure out how to add pictures from my phone, I will.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: John Scifres on January 10, 2014, 04:41:00 PM

Don't use power tools.  A rasp and scraper are all you need, particularly for a board bow.  Don't be in a hurry to break 'em.

Title: Re: first bow build
Post by: joe nichols on January 10, 2014, 05:05:00 PM

Yea, I did a violin top and back with the angle grinder so I thought it might work.  The next one will be mostly by hand.  One question though.  I think the grain was ok.  I spent a lot of time picking out the tightest straightest grain board.   It didn't splinter or anything, it completely broke all in the same spot.  I guess I answered my own question while typing.