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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Pago on March 04, 2017, 11:58:00 PM

Title: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: Pago on March 04, 2017, 11:58:00 PM

So I belong to the Broadhead Brotherhood on Facebook. A fellow brother and game call maker had a table saw accident and won't be shooting right hand anymore.  He is very concerned about sourcing a left hand bow and being able to still shoot.  Anyway, I felt the call to offer to help him out so I will be building him a bow.  He has been hunting and making game calls since the 50's and is very excited about the project.

He will be sourcing a black walnut riser block.  If you have any tips for working with black walnut or things to watch out for building a left hand bow, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: monterey on March 05, 2017, 02:18:00 AM

The walnut has open grain so you need to have a plan to fill it.  Not as hard to fill as wenge though.

I find it works easily.

Only built two lefties and they came together with no difference in the way I build a rightie.

Title: Re: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: kennym on March 05, 2017, 08:19:00 AM

Walnut varies a lot in strength, I would I-beam it and glass the back of riser for sure. Just in case...

Title: Re: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: jsweka on March 05, 2017, 09:32:00 AM

Some people have an allergic reaction to walnut dust.  It's never bothered me.  I love working with the stuff.

Title: Re: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: kennym on March 05, 2017, 01:44:00 PM

True, it gives me a slight headache, nothing like yew tho!  That stuff makes me feel like a had way too many beers the night before!!

Title: Re: Could use some advice on a build
Post by: Pago on March 05, 2017, 04:18:00 PM

I just realized we are probably talking about two different species.  Juglans nigra is the eastern black walnut found in the eastern US.  The wood I am asking about is Juglans major Arizona Black Walnut.  I had some experience with it in College a friend of mine would bring pieces from AZ to make gun stocks for side money.  It is incredibly dense and hard with beautiful grain, lemon oil brings out an almost iridescent pattern in the grain. Going to be an adventure.

Does most everyone use CA to fill the grain if needed?