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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: TallguyNW on June 08, 2016, 11:31:00 PM

Title: My first bow
Post by: TallguyNW on June 08, 2016, 11:31:00 PM

Hi all,
I've been lurking here a long time, learning from all you have to share.  I've been a woodworker for years, and I enjoy working with exotic hardwoods.  I haven't been involved in archery since my college days, but I thought it would be a really fun project to make a bow.  

My first bow is a 68" pronounced take-down longbow from Bingham.  The riser is figured bloodwood, birdseye maple and a couple black accent strips of black phenolic.  The limbs are clear bo-tuff & figured maple on the back, maple core, padauk wedges and black bo-tuff on the belly.

Things I've learned...  1) For a first bow, don't make a footed riser, without a jig, doing everything by hand... Man, that was a test in patience.  2) I should have stuck with wipe-on poly rather than a rattle can.  Finishing has always been a weakness of mine and getting a nice air gun system isn't quite in the budget, yet.

Anyway, here are the pics!
 (http://i68.tinypic.com/17g3s1.jpg)

 (http://i65.tinypic.com/2461df7.jpg)

 (http://i65.tinypic.com/55lero.jpg)

 (http://i68.tinypic.com/5plb0i.jpg)

 (http://i66.tinypic.com/24ms5rc.jpg)

-Mike-

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Wagstaff on June 08, 2016, 11:43:00 PM

Good Work!  I think you have a real talent there..  How does it shoot?

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Msturm on June 08, 2016, 11:59:00 PM

Holy Cow!  that is awesome!

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Carpdaddy on June 09, 2016, 07:23:00 AM

Wow; very nice! Looks like you have had years of bowbuilding practice.

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Roy from Pa on June 09, 2016, 07:26:00 AM

Very nice work.

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: BenBow on June 09, 2016, 09:51:00 AM

Love the contrast

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: canopyboy on June 09, 2016, 10:07:00 AM

Very nice! That's awesome for a first bow. Heck, it looks nicer than any bow I've made. Well done.

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: GreyGoose on June 09, 2016, 10:13:00 AM

Way Cool!

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: chackworth3 on June 09, 2016, 11:41:00 AM

Nice job!

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: TallguyNW on June 09, 2016, 11:58:00 AM

Thanks everyone!
I haven't shot it yet.  I need to go buy some arrows and bring it out to the field out back.  I spec'd it at 40# when I ordered the materials from Bingham, but it feels heavier than that.  I've had a broken elbow and several shoulder issues, so there isn't a whole lot of strength in my right arm.  
I'm thinking about the next bow already... leaning towards tulipwood and ebony - I do like contrasting woods!

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Buemaker on June 09, 2016, 02:41:00 PM

Looking good.   :)

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: wood carver 2 on June 09, 2016, 04:43:00 PM

Very nice. I love the contrast.
Dave.

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: passion for knowledge on June 09, 2016, 06:39:00 PM

Your first bow is unlikely to be your last!

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: Mad Max on June 09, 2016, 08:13:00 PM

nice bow, looks awesome

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: jsweka on June 09, 2016, 08:44:00 PM

Sorry.  I don't believe you.  That can't possibly be your first bow.

That's awesome!!!!     :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Title: Re: My first bow
Post by: takefive on June 09, 2016, 11:11:00 PM

Great looking bow!  That is some neat work.