Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: canopyboy on January 05, 2018, 07:38:00 PM
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I know it’s a lot of words, but READ ALL OF THE RULES BEFORE SIGNING UP!!!!!!!!!
While I do ask that you consider waiting until a future swap if you haven’t built a shootable bow before, the Bow Swap IS open to all levels of bowyers. Your goal in entering the swap should be to challenge yourself and pour your heart and soul into making a bow for your recipient by the deadline; it SHOULD NOT be to score a sweet bow for yourself. The bow you get in return may be from a less experienced bowyer, and other than testing it out upon receipt, it may just collect dust in the closet. But that is the nature of the swap. I have passed along several of the bows I’ve received in prior swaps that just didn’t get used much, sometimes modifying them to better fit new recipients. But that didn’t lessen the excitement I had when opening up my package. And it definitely didn’t change how proud I felt about the bows I sent to my recipients.
By signing up for the 2018 TradGang Annual Bow Swap you are entering into an agreement with the other participants that you will abide by the rules of the swap below and are on the hook to deliver a bow to your recipient (hereafter referred to as ‘victim’) by the due date. We expect you take your obligation seriously and not leave someone hanging because you procrastinated until the end and then life got in the way. I intend to be very proactive in holding you to this commitment, including leveraging TG’s almost 47,000 member network to show up on your doorstep and provide encouragement if necessary. If you’re not sure you want to be held to this kind of commitment, don’t sign up.
IF YOU’RE STILL ONBOARD:
Good! Sign up by posting in this thread and please list the following information: your draw length, desired draw weight within a 5-10 pound range, right or left-handed and whether you will be building a glass or wood bow, one piece or takedown for the trade. If you are making a glass bow and want glass in return or making wood and want wood in return, please note as much. (Personally, I like to get a bow I wouldn’t make myself.)
Once you’ve signed up, PM me your shipping address as well as a good phone number and email address to reach you at if anything comes up. I reserve the right to individually reach out and make sure that it’s a good number to harass you at later if necessary before I assign a bowyer to you. This contact information will be kept private.
Signups are now open and will be closed in two weeks at Friday night at midnight (East Coast) January 19, 2018. I will PM you your victim’s information as soon as I can get it all ironed out (see above about contact via phone), but I promise no later than Friday 1/26. If you need additional info on your victim, PM me and I will gather it for you so you don’t have to worry about tipping your hand.
DEADLINE:
I’m moving the deadline left a little as too much time just seems to encourage procrastination for many. You’ll still have at least four months. For new participants or bowyers who shipped late last year, the deadline to ship and provide me a tracking number is Friday, June 1st. For prior participants who shipped their last bow on time, the deadline is Saturday, June 30th.
As with prior years, if you shipped late or are a new sign up, your builder will be holding your bow until you ship and provide me a tracking number. This is so we can try to keep someone from receiving and not sending. Anyone that is complete and was asked not to ship on account of their victim being late will not be on the list of shippers to hold.
There will be a 30 day grace period after your shipping deadline. During this 30 days (and hopefully prior) I expect you to be in constant communication with at least myself if not the larger forum on your progress. If I don’t hear from you, I will be calling at all hours of the day and night to get updates. If that proves fruitless, I plan to arrange a TG member posse to show up at the address I have on file for you to see if you need help finding your phone. Any bowyers who do not ship by the end of the grace period will be asked to forward the bow they received directly to their victim; or if the bow is being held I will have your bowyer ship directly to your victim. (I will work something out with the victim if that bow’s specs are too out of whack.)
Don’t forget to leave time in your schedule to shoot the bow in before shipping. No one wants have their bow change shape, drop pounds, or even break 100 shots after receiving it. That should all happen prior to shipping so that the bowyer can take corrective actions. Which reminds me: you should leave time for stuff to go wrong that need corrective actions. If you break a bow when shooting it in, that 30 day grace period is going to seem awful short. Look through the old threads – many bows have been broken during these swaps (often by me.)
COMMUNICATION:
The choice as to whether to do another swap this year wasn’t a slam dunk. The only way this annual swap is going to stay alive in the future is through good comms by all participants. A lot can be forgiven and worked out with good communication. Keep us up to date on your progress in the Progress Thread; that’s half the fun of the swap. Reach out to me at any time if you have concerns, have come up with problems, have an emergency, etc. The Gang here on the Bench is a pretty helpful and generous group if you share what’s going on and ask for help. But there’s also little patience left for people who just stop communicating when they fall behind and keep this swap unfinished until the New Year. I wasn’t joking about the posse.
The only thing you don’t communicate is who your victim is. That’d just ruin the whole thing. That includes too many hints in your posts or pictures that may give it away. If there is only one left-handed person requesting a 65 pound bow, consider not talking about the weight of the bow or reversing your pictures before posting. Et cetera…
UPON RECEIPT:
You need to post some pictures. Your bowyer may post the most beautiful pictures in the history of bow porn prior to shipping, but that doesn’t remove your obligation to post at least one full draw pic with your new bow. I don’t want to hear any excuses about camera batteries in a sock drawer. Find a teenager somewhere to take a picture for you if necessary, or call me and I’ll see if we can get the posse to visit and help you out.
Feedback is a tricky thing. No one wants to hear you think the bow they worked hard on is only good for kindling. At the same time, we don’t all need to get trophies. Still, keep your feedback positive and constructive. If as a bowyer you would like honest feedback no matter how harsh, tell your victim as much offline but be prepared for the good, bad, and ugly – you asked for it.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
We have had a few out of country entries in the past. If you have an issue with shipping a bow out of the country, send me a PM sooner than later and we will work it out. Note that when shipping overseas the value you put on the customs forms will often be the basis on which your victim pays taxes to receive the bow. While you may think your bow is worth $1000 on the open market, trying to insure it for that may cost your victim a lot of money.
Same as prior years: to keep it as honest as possible, no one who has signed up to TradGang after the date of this post can enter.
Over the years there have also been a few concerns about liability, so I will throw in that anyone who receives a bow in this trade is doing so at his/her own risk and in no way can hold anyone responsible in any way should a misfortune occur due to the use of said bow.
LET’S DO THIS!
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My god I'm a wordy SOB...
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OK I'm in but I don't remember half the rules I just read!
Keep me in line! :laughing:
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Oh I’m doin a glass one pc so no overseas unless needed.
I’ll take anything around 45-50@28 and I’m a rightie.
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ok I'm in. first time bow swapper so I'm excited. I'll be building a takedown just not sure if recurve or longbow. I'm a lefty and ill take a bow anywhere between 40-55@28.
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Will there be a list of all the builders to recipients posted after the swap has been completed?
James
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There hasn’t prior. But there can be. I don’t see why not.
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Alright, Dave talked me into it. I'm in.
If I end up with Dave as my victim I'll try my hand at a wood bow using a willow branch from the tree in my backyard and a paracord string. Otherwise, I'll be building a one piece glass bow in either a mild r/d or ASL style.
I'd prefer a glass bow in return if possible, but a wood bow would be fine too - right handed and 50 - 60# @ 28".
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Heck yes! I'm in!
I'll be building a glass one piece, either a long bow or recurve. I haven't ever built a takedown, so I'd prefer not to ship internationally.
As for me, I'd prefer a glass bow. Any type or style you want to build. I am right handed and draw at 30". Any weight from 40-55# will be perfect.
I'm really looking forward to this and I can't wait to get started!
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Dave I like what you have done with the place. I will sit this one out. I have not made a bow for me in a few years. But add me to your posse list for the eastern KS crew.
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I’ll join in again this year.
I’ll be building a wood bow, will happily receive anything, and will ship international if need be.
I draw 26” right hand and like to pull 55-65#. But feel free to make it pull up to 80# as im building towards heavier weights. Lighter is fine by me also. I’m even content with an English warbow if you feel inclined to build one. For that I’ve got about a 30” draw and can handle about 100# fine. But will play with whatever is sent.
Kyle
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Only 5 if us , gonna be easy to guess the victim!!
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it’s only been 1.5 days Kenny. The poll says there will be at least a couple more. But I doubt we’ll hit anywhere near the participation levels of the good ole days.
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I'm impatient or an inpatient or something!
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Ok, I want to join this year. I've been watching this for several years and told myself I was gonna participate one year. I'll be building a one peice laminated longbow 58-60" long. I'd rather not ship internationally if possible. I'd be happy with whatever I recieve, aside from a pvc bow. I'm right handed and would like something 48-50#@28"
Thanks,
Dannon
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Good choice Dannon. If Kenny doesn't get more people to sign up, there may not be another one next year.
You may have to settle for a little more variance in draw weight than 48-50.
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It might help to put more info on about what you like in a bow, I failed there, but I'd just be happy to get one somebody gave their best on so not picky there.
And Dave, I couldn't sell a $10 bill for $5 so you may want to get somebody else to get builders signed up! :laughing:
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Wasn't going to do it, but I'm coming in to support the trade.
I'm going to build an old school Hill style with true back set. It'll be ground up from form to finish.
I will build a few things for myself this year so I'd like a bow built for a grandson who will turn eleven in a couple months. He just passed his hunter safety test today and I have a board bow he can hunt with the rest of this year. Make it a small game bow. He can't hunt big game until he is 12 and may not be ready for a big game bow until he is 15 or so.
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There we go!! Another victim to be....
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I'll be happy with whatever I recieve I've lurked on this site for a lot of years and havn't really posted much. I'm just happy to be able to participate this year! ill be contacting Kenny for supplies when I recieve my info on my victim!
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I'll play, I'll build a 3 piece glass recurve. I'd prefer not to ship overseas. I'd like a glass bow of some sort that will be comfortable at my draw length in trade between 50 and 60 pounds at 31"s. I'm right handed. I'd prefer a even tiller.
Thanks, Travis
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Will build an Osage selfbow. Anything in the 45- 55 pounds at 27". Right hand.
Thanks
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Dawned on me last night that I never put my info in here.
This dislocated shoulder has made it very apparent that it's never a bad idea to have a lighter bow around. Good for working on form, recovering from injuries, or working with new archers. As such, I'm looking for 35# (30-40#) @ 29", RH, split finger. I'll be building glass, but happy to receive anything.
This comes with the caveat that I'll probably know who my builder is. As for who I get for a bowyer and for a victim, I promise that my name will be in the hat just like everyone else's. I won't try and avoid Sweka on purpose. (But my fingers will still be crossed...)
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Count me in. This will be my first year in the swap, and I'm ready for the challenge. I'll be building an all wood bow, probably a tri-lam unless the victim would rather something else.
I'm right handed, split finger, 29.5" draw, and I would rather a heavier bow 60-70 lbs, but if I get someone who's not comfortable with that weight and my draw, anything over 50 lbs I'll be happy with. Build me whatever type of bow you build the best (wood or glass).
-Ben
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I'm in! 28" draw length, 50-60lb weight, right handed glass, one or two piece (probably one piece) I would prefer a glass bow.
Jake
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I had down I was building a takedown but I can also do a one piece longbow as well.
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Well not off to a bad start.
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Im in...I will try for self or glass,whatever is needed...as in past years ill ship anywhere.i am rh 45-55 rh @26
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monterey - Is your grandson right hand or left hand? Any idea roughly what draw and weight you're thinking for him? I know you said he's 11, but I had an 11 year old daughter who could pull 30 pounds easily and I have a 13 year old neighbor boy who struggles with 18.
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I'll have to get back to you on that. They just wheeled him into the OR for an emergency appendectomy. It'll be a couple days before I can get with him for current measurements. He has grown a lot since the last measures.
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How many would like to see a list of builders to recipient posted after the swap is completed? I think it would be fun. I already asked and got a reply that: "never has been , could be, don't see why not". I agree I don't see why not.
So I will ask again, but this time like Judge Judy: A simple YES or NO. Will it happen.
Thanks guys
James
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Sure. I will plan on posting once the swap is complete. James, you should probably plan on reminding me so that I don’t forget about it. But a poor memory is the only obstacle I can see. It’s already info that is out there for prior swaps, just not summarized for easy consumption.
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Originally posted by monterey:
I'll have to get back to you on that. They just wheeled him into the OR for an emergency appendectomy. It'll be a couple days before I can get with him for current measurements. He has grown a lot since the last measures.
No rush.
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Hope everything turns out well, Mike.
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He's home and doing well.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Good deal Mike!!
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How many people have signed up so far?
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13 by my count.
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Thanks. I have issues running a tape measure, let alone counting anything (that is a hint as to my bowyering skills).
I am in. I will build a glass bow. bear in mind I have only made one so far, a straight bow, but am working on a take down now that is by the book Bingham kit.
I cannot promise a great bow but I can promise my best effort.
I would prefer not ship overseas but will not rule it out.
I will take whatever, 45-50 lbs, right handed.
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Yet another possible victim.... :D
I gotta start thinkin on what to build......
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David, he is drawing 19" AMO and 21#. He is going to grow in strength so a bit heavier and longer could be perfect around deadline time.
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David shouldn't have any trouble building a kids bow, that's all he makes... :laughing:
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The past two years I shipped late due to my workload and other comitments. It does not appear my workload will change for a couple of years, therefore I will not be participating in the bow swap this year.
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Roy, nothing is saying that I’ll draw his name. But I do make a good kid’s bow. Last one ended up at 5@20 after I piked it down. Started as my Bear Quest bow, but I musta miscalculated.
Walt, that’s unfortunate. But hopefully next year you’ll have a little more free time in your life. I love seeing the bows you make.
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Is it too late to get into the Swap?? I have been on the fence about it...
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you should be good.signup is till 19th. just list what your building and what you would like in return.
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I'll build an osage selfbow.
I would love a right-hand, glass recurve, takedown if possible, 55# @ 27" for an elk bow. I'm getting the itch to head out west and my whitetail bows are all sub 45# nowadays :) I will warn you that the last time I took a swap bow out west, I broke it...4 miles in, practice drawing right before I called to a herd that woke me up. So the hex might be on.
I'd prefer not to ship out of country. I've done that a couple times already.
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OK... Fuggit... I'm In...
I would like a right hand glass recurve first or a Longbow but I will take wood if that is all thats left... 39-43# @ 28" is good and I shoot three under... A take down might be cool also...
I will be making a D/R glass bow 30-45#, Right hand (I have not made any lefties yet and I would not know how to test shoot it) I am not shipping over seas....
Looking forward to this...
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Now we're gaining a little steam. We have until Friday...keep 'em coming.
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I've been giving it a lot of thought and I will have to sit this swap out. I was hoping to join in, but it looks like we're in for another crazy year at work. We have been running 50 to 70 hour work weeks since last May and it looks the same for at least the first part of this year.
I will be following along though, so don't forget to post lots of pictures!
Dave.
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Well, count me in. I'm a newbie at this so it might be worth pairing me up with another newbie to make sure that I'm not getting too good a deal in this.
My victim will get:
A simple board bow. I have a few different woods around that I'm hoping to try out this year. Maple, walnut, hickory & cherry are sitting in my storage room. I'll probably do a maple or hickory backing strip. Only US shipping, please.
As somebody else's victim, I'm easy to please. 40-60# @ 28" for any common style of bow. Right or left handed works. Ambidextrous/dual shelf or off the hand is fun, too. Longbow, short-draw paddlebow, recurve, I'm open.
Pardon me if I missed it in the rules, but I'm assuming we should ship with an appropriate string. Please advise if otherwise.
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I would love to get in on this, but I have too many irons in the fire right now. Hell, I haven't shipped my 2017 bow yet.. :) And I'd be scared I might get a KennyM Bow. LOL.. But I already have a KennyM bow, and it's cool.
I hope this swap turns out with a 100% success rating... After the last swap disaster, I didn't think anyone would enter. But I now see, some really good guys have signed up.
^5 Guys...
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I just received my 2017 bow, so I think I'll just watch this one from the sidelines. If it goes better I may jump in next year. I also have a lot of irons burning this year. Hopefully the load will lighten up in the next few months before the new little one gets here. Enjoy fellas. I'll be cheering y'all on from here.
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I think we are all committed to making this a great swap. I'm resolved not to be a chipped cog in the gears. :)
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Mike, you will do ok for an old fart.. :)
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Looking like a decent turn out.
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It's all I can do to walk these last couple days but I can build a bow standing in one spot!
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Was gonna jump in if Roy did :wavey: .......see what shakes out in the next day or two
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Whoa. I don’t want to see what shakes out of Roy if he starts jumping.
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LOL
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So right now I have 16 bowyers signed up.
Looking through some of the prior years' data from Kelly, we had the following signups:
2010 (Stiks did this, no data)
2011 - 82 signups
2012 - 85 signups
2013 - 72 signups
2014 - 61 signups
2015 - 32 signups
2016 - 22 signups
2017 - 17 signups
Which means that we are currently holding at the lowest participation rate to date. I understand the sentiment of wanting to see how things are looking to shake out, but it looks like we have a fairly dedicated group of guys so far and if you're on the fence the time has come. Only 26ish hours left.
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hey there...
i will be joining this year as well...
i will be building up glass take down bow. i am planning to try build up chinese type this year. depends on the situations.
me? right hand. 50 +- 5# any thing.
best.
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Need one more for an even number!
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Count me in! I will be building my first glass bow, and will revert to a tri-lam if it doesn't turn out.
I am a right-hander, and would be more than happy with any type of bow from 45-60#.
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Need one more for an even number!
Why is that?
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If there aren't any other newbies, I'll offer to bow out. I certainly don't mind making the best I can & shipping it over. But a board bow seems like an unfair trade for somebody's more experienced handiwork. Keep me posted. Happy to participate but not at the risk of spoiling the pot.
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Even number only matters if you’re using it to trick more people into joining (which I don’t disapprove of.) Definitely not a reason for someone to drop out.
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Am I missing something here?
If you have 19 guys in the swap, and they all make a bow, isn't everyone going to get a bow?
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Jedi mind-trick to swindle more victims :campfire:
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YosemiteSam if the shipping date is June I can have an awesome board bow by then that would meet your specs. If you're worried about swapping with the pros id be honored to have one of your bows. that's if you're willing to tale one of mine.
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Like your latest 2 piece take down? LOL
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Roy your my kinda smart a$$ lol. Out of my last 4 bows I have a 75% success rate. By June I can come up with a hickory or hbh or maybe a bbh that will scream. No problem.
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You can count on Roy for the low blow.
Funny as hell, but low.
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I'm even lower I just don't you boys well enough yet.
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I'm sorry, Johnny. It was just there. XO :)
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I think you’ll find most here have a pretty thick skin.
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Well you did till the belt sander ate some....
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Roy, I have a sick twisted sense of humor. Give it to me straight doc I can take it.
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I consider it an honor to count Roy as a friend and he's a very humble person. he wouldn't want this out but he once shot the tightest 5 arrow group I've ever seen....and only used 4 arrows to do it...some call him the most interesting bowyer in the world...keep carving my friends
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I love those commercials, I know what Roy drinks though id call him most cheapest man in the world.
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I didn't sign up this year. I'll be watching closely to see if the swap is redeemed.
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LMAO.... Pretty funny...
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Ok, signups closed y’all. I need to compile everything, make a couple calls and hopefully I’ll have assignments out soon.
And TradBowyer— that’s frickn funny.
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Ah shucks, I missed the cut off. I almost signed up last night, then decided not too.
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I'll make an exception for you Roy. I've got you on my sheet now. What weight are you looking for?
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Ok, I've sent a bunch of you PMs looking for your info. I'll need the address you want your bow shipped to (otherwise I'll just fill mine in), as well as valid email and phone where you can be reached for harassment purposes.
I need this before I can finalize a victims list, so let's hop to it.
-Dave
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Just pick the damn names already!
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re: canopyboy
the address in the PM was wrong mate...
please let my bowyer know the correct one. i have PM'ed you.
maybe kelly confused a little to send you old address since previous year i have received the bow to my new address.
best.
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Put Roy down for 21#. He's trying to move up! :)
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Mike, don't make me come out there and thump ya.. :)
Dave I would love to, almost did, but I have enough on my plate now. I'm not good under pressure and I don't want to rush making bows, bad things could happen.
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Dave, your PM has been responded too.
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Originally posted by monterey:
Put Roy down for 21#. He's trying to move up! :)
I was gonna say 11 and a pastel pink color... :laughing:
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Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Mike, don't make me come out there and thump ya.. :)
Hah! I could easily dissuade you by dangling the myriad of local mini brewerys before you. :D
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Nuff outta you ole timer... LOL
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Ok, I've drawn names. I still need to double check that I don't have any repeat matchups for recent years or other conflicts that have to be resolved. But most importantly, I still need 4 people to send me their info. Without that, I don't want to give your names to your bowyer. I want to send out names tomorrow, so hopefully those four aren't out of town for the weekend.
-Dave
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Hey Dave,
I just re-sent my information. Let me know if you don't have it.
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Thanks to everyone for getting back to me quickly. Victims have been distributed and a new thread for progress has been started.