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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: jsweka on June 04, 2015, 10:55:00 PM

Title: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 04, 2015, 10:55:00 PM: I gotta get back in the shop.

I offered up a longbow built to someone's specs on the St. Judes Auction #1. It closed tonight and the winning bidder was Caleb Monroe who's winning bid was $350 for a bow from this "hobbyist" bowyer. I'm honored he thought so highly of my work and it feels good my work will be going to support a great cause.

Caleb wants a Hill Style bow with brown glass and we're still discussing riser woods. I'll definitely do my best on this build. The pressure's on and Caleb deserves a nice bow for his generosity.

I'll post pics as it progresses.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: monterey on June 04, 2015, 11:00:00 PM: Good on you John!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Trux Turning on June 04, 2015, 11:30:00 PM: Way to go John! I'm sure he will be happy- looking forward to seeing your build.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Pheonixarcher on June 04, 2015, 11:37:00 PM: Congrats to you both, and a big thank you for the kids!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: cunruhshoot on June 05, 2015, 01:15:00 AM: Show us some pics as you progress - Always love to see a bow come together! Especially for such a great cause...
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: LittleBen on June 05, 2015, 07:35:00 PM: Looking forward to seeing the build. Very generous of both of you.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 05, 2015, 08:41:00 PM: I've already communicated with Caleb about what he wants. It will be brown glass with a curly maple riser dyed brown. Curly maple is at the top of my list for woods I like to work with. And I have plenty of curly maple and brown glass in case I screw up and need to start over ;)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Paul/KS on June 06, 2015, 06:26:00 PM: He's a big boy so ya'll will want to keep him happy... ;)
:)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 06, 2015, 07:16:00 PM: Paul - That's what I gathered from him. It will be a 70" bow and I'll try to hit his draw weight at 31" :scared: :scared:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 14, 2015, 05:00:00 PM: I got started on the bow this weekend. Here's a few pics in progress.

Right off the form - There's a bow somewhere in that mess of glue, plastic, and tape.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2242.jpg)

Cleaned up a bit.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2244.jpg)

Shaped and adding overlays.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2245.jpg)

On the tiller stick. I did have to do some tiller adjustments to get the limbs bending evenly, but not too much. These straight glass laminated bows are about as easy as it gets as far as tillering.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2247.jpg)

Figured out which end was up and then cut the shelf.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2249.jpg)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Thadbow on June 14, 2015, 07:02:00 PM: Great job John, looks like you found some nice maple there!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Trux Turning on June 14, 2015, 10:05:00 PM: Looking good John! That maple is really going to pop!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Caleb Monroe on June 14, 2015, 11:25:00 PM: Looks great John. It amazes me how quickly this came together. Can't wait to see it without tape.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: bigbob2 on June 15, 2015, 05:25:00 AM: Looks like another fine bow from the Sweka stable! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: cmh on June 15, 2015, 11:31:00 AM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 16, 2015, 09:24:00 PM: I got things pretty well rough shaped.

Slight dished grip.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2252.jpg)

The beginning of feathering out the riser overlays
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2253.jpg)

And nice narrow limb tips
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2254.jpg)

Still lots more work to do, but it's coming along.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Caleb Monroe on June 16, 2015, 10:23:00 PM: Looking Good!!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: BrushWolf on June 20, 2015, 02:58:00 PM: It looks like it's coming along nicely. :clapper: :clapper:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: kennym on June 21, 2015, 11:29:00 AM: Lookin great John!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on June 21, 2015, 08:55:00 PM: I'm done sanding everything and tonight I applied some walnut stain to the riser and the edges of the limbs.

We often get all exited about fancy exotic woods, but good ol' domestic curly maple is still at the top of my list for pretty woods. And this is just stained - no finish on it yet.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2261.jpg)

It also looks pretty sweet next to one of my flintlocks in the the gun cabinet.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2260.jpg)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Trux Turning on June 21, 2015, 11:11:00 PM: That's nice!!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Jwilliam on June 26, 2015, 09:57:00 PM: Looking good John !!!! :thumbsup: :notworthy:

Bill
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on July 03, 2015, 10:12:00 AM: I had the day off work today for the 4th, so I finished up Caleb's bow with the handle wrap. Here's some pics. The curly maple is pretty neat with a "hologram" kind of look depending how the light hits it.

I need to pick up some bubble wrap later today and it will be on its way to its new home early next week.

Caleb - Thank you for your generous donation to St. Judes!!!

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2266.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2268.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2269.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2270.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2274.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2271.jpg)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on July 03, 2015, 10:13:00 AM: (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2277.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2276.jpg)

(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/StJudesBow2015/SAM_2279.jpg)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Trux Turning on July 03, 2015, 10:20:00 AM: Great job on that one! Very classy!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: kennym on July 03, 2015, 10:22:00 AM: Excellent job John!!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: cunruhshoot on July 03, 2015, 10:38:00 AM: Sweet bow!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Caleb Monroe on July 03, 2015, 12:17:00 PM: That looks great. Can't wait to shoot it.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Jwilliam on July 03, 2015, 08:04:00 PM: Very nice work John !!! :notworthy:

Bill
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: wood carver 2 on July 03, 2015, 08:33:00 PM: Very nice! That maple rocks!
Dave.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: ianpc on July 03, 2015, 11:57:00 PM: Super nice bow!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Thadbow on July 04, 2015, 07:24:00 AM: Very nice John!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on July 04, 2015, 08:39:00 AM: Thanks everyone.

I hope it brings Caleb years of enjoyment.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: bowhntineverythingnh03743 on July 04, 2015, 01:23:00 PM: Very nicely done bud!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: cmh on July 04, 2015, 11:01:00 PM: Looks fantastic John :)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: BrushWolf on July 04, 2015, 11:21:00 PM: That's a beauty! Great job on both parties. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: drewsbow on July 05, 2015, 10:16:00 AM: nice job
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: canopyboy on July 05, 2015, 12:56:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Caleb Monroe:
That looks great. Can't wait to shoot it.
Caleb, it shoots great! John let me fire a few test shots through it before it got the final coat of finish and a wrap. I tried to shoot it with my string hand behind my head to get to your draw length, but didn't have much luck. At my draw length it sure shot nice though.

And the effect of the curly maple as you turn the bow at different angles in the light is amazing.

Like John said, thanks for the donation to St. Jude!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Paul/KS on July 05, 2015, 01:16:00 PM: That sure is a fine looking bow, love the look of that maple. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: monterey on July 06, 2015, 07:00:00 PM: Yeah, that curly maple has a lively looky.

What did you stain it with?
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: critman on July 06, 2015, 09:07:00 PM: First glass bow I made had brown glass. This just reinforces my decision to make another. Beautiful bow John-you are an artist.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: chackworth3 on July 07, 2015, 12:59:00 PM: Turned out very nice!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on July 07, 2015, 11:18:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by monterey:
Yeah, that curly maple has a lively looky.

What did you stain it with?
It wasn't anything special. Just some min wax "Dark Walnut" stain.

Thanks for the compliments everyone. Caleb should have it later this week.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Caleb Monroe on July 08, 2015, 11:38:00 PM: Well the bow arrived today. It is a beauty. Very well mannered for one of those slow mule kicking style bows. Smooth as butter all the way to anchor. Here is a picture of me at full draw. After seeing the pictures my fiance took. I think I should raise the nocking point. Need to fix my high elbow too. But regardless of the poor form. I love this bow. Wood arrows are out of the question the point comes all the way onto my hand.
(http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y532/ckmonroe/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150708_200234_zps97waacux.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/ckmonroe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150708_200234_zps97waacux.jpg.html)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Caleb Monroe on July 08, 2015, 11:41:00 PM: Here is another cool picture. Caught at a cool time. Again not sure what my hand is doin??
(http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y532/ckmonroe/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150708_200330_zpsysm7uytj.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/ckmonroe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150708_200330_zpsysm7uytj.jpg.html)
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: Paul/KS on July 09, 2015, 08:24:00 AM: Looks good Caleb! (Well, the bow that is.. :D )
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jsweka on July 09, 2015, 08:16:00 PM: Caleb - I'm glad you like it and I'm glad it arrived all safe and sound (Shipping bows always makes me nervous). I hope it brings you years of enjoyment.

Again, thank you for thinking so highly of the bows I make that you donated so much to St. Judes!
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: jwdecour on July 10, 2015, 01:11:00 PM: Great looking bow! Nice that you can feel good about buying a bow and help out others in the process.
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: RC on July 16, 2015, 07:14:00 PM: outstanding!!!RC
Title: Re: I gotta build a bow - St. Judes Auction - Finished pics!
Post by: rwbowman on July 17, 2015, 02:33:00 PM: Very nice work! That's a gorgeous bow! Caleb, the next time you come to Wichita, you'll have to bring it with you so we can see how it shoots at 38 lbs. (with my short draw lol!).