Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: wolfcoach on December 04, 2018, 11:58:36 AM

Title: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 04, 2018, 11:58:36 AM: It has been several years since I have built a bow with one of my students and I thought that I might share the process along the way. This young man is a Junior in our high school and has been in my class all 3 years. This is his first bow build and he and I are both very excited. He is building a 64" 45# reflex deflex with a walnut riser and osage face grain limbs.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2018, 12:13:36 PM: Very cool.. Looking forward to this thread.

:thumbsup:

I made your pictures larger.

You posted a thumbnail picture, which is fine.

After you select your picture from your PC or phone, just to the right of the little window where the picture name appears, click ( Insert Attachment 1 ). That will make the picture full size in your post. Second picture would be insert attachment 2, then 3, etc for up to 6 pictures.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 04, 2018, 12:16:22 PM: Thank you Roy! I have been absent from TG for quite some time and the format is alot different than several years ago.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2018, 12:18:17 PM: No problem, Ron.

Follow the link below, it explains a lot about the new format.

Picture posting is Rob's second post down.

http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=160865.0
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2018, 12:36:58 PM: I like your workbench paper too:)

LOL

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Flem on December 04, 2018, 12:53:14 PM: Very Cool! I still have the first bow I ever built. Woodshop 1974. Everybody else was making speakers, they thought I was weird, they were right.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2018, 03:33:08 PM: I agree Ligna..

X's 2

LOL
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Trenton G. on December 04, 2018, 04:00:15 PM: Awesome! I built my first two bows in high school shop class. Art teacher got mad that I was making weapons in school, but I got them done with the help of the shop teacher.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Macatawa on December 04, 2018, 07:02:59 PM: Yeah!!
This thread has soul.... :bigsmyl:

Building a bow in shop class.....awesome!!
:shaka:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: 4 point on December 04, 2018, 07:33:31 PM: Cool Stuff!! Love the tee shirt too!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: kennym on December 04, 2018, 08:29:50 PM: Really cool!! Great job both you and your student!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Bvas on December 04, 2018, 09:38:10 PM: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: neuse on December 05, 2018, 07:57:22 AM: That is really cool.
Most schools around here no longer have wood shop classes.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 09:56:28 AM: We are pretty blessed in our small little school district to still have the ability to provide vocational classes for our students. Our school district is kind of unique. In order to provide these classes, all of our administration teaches at least one class. I am the superintendent and teach a couple of shop classes. Our Dean of Students also teaches a class and our Elementary Principal comes to the High School 1 period each day to also teach a class. This is the only way that our small school can provide as many opportunities for our students as possible.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 10:17:07 AM: I was able to grab my student from another class this morning to get a jump on things. Getting our form ready and preheating the heat box. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 10:17:33 AM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 10:23:33 AM: Smooth On being applied to the laminations and glass
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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 10:24:42 AM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 10:25:13 AM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Flem on December 05, 2018, 10:56:39 AM: You guy's must have a generous budget, thats a lot of Epoxy!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 11:51:47 AM: In the form and going in the heat box [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 05, 2018, 11:52:09 AM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 05, 2018, 11:57:23 AM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: fujimo on December 05, 2018, 02:34:23 PM: awesome!! :clapper: :clapper: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: J. Holden on December 05, 2018, 02:45:48 PM: This almost makes me want to go back to high school, almost.

-Jeremy :coffee:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Phil-D on December 05, 2018, 09:06:45 PM: Im glad to se I hat you sill offer these classes. I’m a retired shop teacher from NJ. Schools here started to eliminate shop classes in the late 80’s. I was one of the first to go due to a decrease in enrollment. It has happened to me many times over. Somehow the administration just didn’t understand that the shop classes serviced a portion of the student population that no one else could reach.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Flem on December 06, 2018, 10:11:11 AM: Quote from: Roy from Pa on December 04, 2018, 03:33:08 PM
I agree Ligna..

X's 2

LOL
Maybe you should call me Festus, cause I'm real slow. I just figured out what that meant. For a couple of days now, I thought you wanted to give me a hug!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 06, 2018, 10:42:24 AM: LMAO

Ok "Festus Tenderfoot" it is:)
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 06, 2018, 12:15:38 PM: Taking the blank out of the form.
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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 06, 2018, 12:16:27 PM: Out of the form. Real work starts tomorrow
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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: kennym on December 06, 2018, 12:23:21 PM: Good job!! :thumbsup:

Man you make a nice form too!! :o
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 06, 2018, 12:43:58 PM: I wish I could take credit for the form but it was given to my classroom by a friend of mine. He actually gave me a 2 longbow forms and 2 takedown forms. Very generous.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 06, 2018, 01:01:42 PM: Looking good.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Flem on December 07, 2018, 10:30:06 AM: looks like fun! Hopefully its contagious and those forms get a workout.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 07, 2018, 12:12:26 PM: We had a little set back today and didnt get as much done as we planned. My class had to go do some carpenter work in our history classroom to install some trim around the windows. However we did get the pattern cut out and laid onto the bow blank. More updates on Monday
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 07, 2018, 12:12:58 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Mark R on December 08, 2018, 12:42:26 AM: Wolfcoach I salute you, the other educators, :shaka: your school board, the parents and students for your efforts.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 08, 2018, 08:13:00 AM: Wow! That is so nice to see. Jawge
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Bvas on December 08, 2018, 08:30:30 AM: This is great!!!

Hopefully you ignite two fires in the young fella. Building bows and shooting them :thumbsup: :archer2:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 10, 2018, 12:18:40 PM: The Blank is cut out and ready for the wood rasp. We have a small spot on the riser where his lams moved on us that I'm hoping I can fill with smooth on. Please give me your thoughts and advice.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 10, 2018, 12:19:04 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 10, 2018, 12:19:27 PM: Here is the picture of the void under the glass.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Bvas on December 10, 2018, 12:35:02 PM: If I'm seeing correctly, the void is at the shelf?

I would finish shaping the riser first. Then mix a little osage saw dust with the smooth on and fill. This will help blend it in a little better.

On future builds.......Scarf joint the lams and super glue them together. That way they wont separate during glue up.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 10, 2018, 12:48:50 PM: Thank you for the advice on the scarf joint and super glue.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Flem on December 11, 2018, 11:23:24 AM: Can't tell from your picture exactly where the issue is? Looks like the lam that came up over the belly side of the riser, slipped down toward the tip? Can you describe, in detail where the void is, or better yet, post a close up picture.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 11:33:49 AM: That is exactly what happened. I think we will be able to fill it with sawdust and smooth on mixed into a paste.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 12:07:53 PM: First day shaping the limbs.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 12:08:20 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 11, 2018, 01:26:01 PM: Love it..

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: canopyboy on December 11, 2018, 02:44:20 PM: This is too cool. Thanks for sharing the progress.

:campfire:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 03:05:49 PM: A few pictures of our progress from today.
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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 03:06:16 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 11, 2018, 03:06:37 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: fujimo on December 11, 2018, 05:51:55 PM: there are a couple of ways to stop the lams and glass from sliding.
1.one i learnt from kenny. glue about a 3/8" sacrificial strip ontop of the riser with a few dots of superglue- that helps the curvature of the hose from pushing the top lam down past the riser, it may push down past the sacrificial piece, but not down onto the riser.
2.you can put endstops at the tip end of the form, when you do your dry run, you trim all the lams and glass to exactly the right length, when you glue up, the end stop will prevent things sliding- kenny also did a cool spring loaded metal dowel end stop, that would adjust to varying stack heights.
Heck- just call ol'Kenny hell set ya straight.... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: fujimo on December 11, 2018, 05:54:13 PM: what BVas is referring too- is scarf joining the back lams together to make two 36" lams into one 72" lam.
your original pic did look like the issue was on the back of the riser- but i think that was just a lump of glue or sumpin'
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 13, 2018, 12:10:29 PM: Shaping the grip and riser today.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 13, 2018, 12:11:06 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 13, 2018, 03:51:04 PM: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: SteveD on December 14, 2018, 05:54:11 AM: Awesome Looks great
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Pat B on December 14, 2018, 09:54:07 AM: I'd love to see his face right after his first shot. It's a pretty cool feeling. :thumbsup:
I'm so happy to see schools using their heads and allowing bow to be built in Shop class. A bow is a tool. It's only a weapon if it is used as a weapon. A 10" cast iron skillet can be an effective weapon if it is used for one.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 14, 2018, 10:04:51 AM: Quote
A 10" cast iron skillet can be an effective weapon if it is used for one.

Yup I know, good thing I can run faster than the wife:)
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 14, 2018, 03:54:52 PM: Riser Overlays glued up to cure over the weekend. More updates on Monday.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 17, 2018, 12:19:52 PM: Riser Overlays rough out. Let the sanding begin.
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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 17, 2018, 12:20:23 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on December 17, 2018, 12:22:30 PM: Tape removed from the limbs. Finally a look at the beauty of the veneers. My student is remaining very patient and taking his time. Very proud of his accomplishments and willingness to learn. Super excited to see the final results. Getting close!!!!

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Bvas on December 17, 2018, 03:30:09 PM: Looking good :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 17, 2018, 04:35:45 PM: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Crooked Stic on December 17, 2018, 07:56:17 PM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: kennym on December 17, 2018, 08:00:44 PM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Macatawa on December 18, 2018, 08:05:46 AM: Cool!
:archer2:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Mark R on December 18, 2018, 11:20:16 AM: My hats off to you and the students Ron, not sure in west central Il. your at but I'm recently retired from the Chicago Union Carpenters and have built several successful bows, would be happy to help out anyway I can. Would also give me a chance to scout out places to hunt those magnificent Whitetails.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: David Flanrey on December 18, 2018, 11:43:08 AM: This is great. Some of my best times at school were in wood shop.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Mark R on December 18, 2018, 12:25:03 PM: Its unfortunate but alot of public schools don't offer it anymore, and its a great way for students to learn how and why to learn.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Trenton G. on December 18, 2018, 05:16:13 PM: Woodshop was definetly my favorite class in high school. A few years ago some parents tried to take it away because it was potentially dangerous but they still offer it and I hope will continue to do so. I still keep in touch with my old shop teacher. Neat thread!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: jsweka on December 18, 2018, 07:56:02 PM: This is a great thread. I can't wait to see the finished product.

I'm actually surprised you are allowed to build "a weapon" in shop class these days.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: BMN on December 18, 2018, 09:49:53 PM: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Pat B on December 19, 2018, 03:14:48 PM: It's not a weapon unless it's used as one. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: hunting badger on December 21, 2018, 10:30:05 PM: Another method I use to keep the back lams in place is I have a 1/8" hole drill exacting in the center of the handle area in my form. I drill a 1/8'" hole through the center of all my back lams, after they have been glued together and then back glass, then I drill a 1/8' inch hole through into the center of my riser about a 1/2" or 3/4". I buy small bamboo cooking skewers and make pins out of them then cut them long enough to fit into the hole in the form, the lams, glass and into the riser. I put the pin in the form first then put my film over the form before glue up and punch a hole through the film with the pin, be careful to make the hole in the film as tiny as possible, then glue your stack and riser. Place your stack on the pin and clamp the riser into the form. the pin will hold the back glass, back lams and riser all together and keep them from slipping. I also use Kenny's spacer block on the belly side of the handle to keep the belly lams and glass in place. It helps keep everything in place, gives you peace of mind that the lams and glass will stay where you want them!! Don't ask me how I know!! I've learned a lot of helpful tips from the guys on this forum and have incorporated a lot of their suggestions into my own builds, it sure has made my life easier!!!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on January 09, 2019, 11:44:49 AM: Finally back in school from our Christmas break and getting back to work in the shop. Over our Christmas break, I received an awesome gift from a fellow Trad Gang member for my student. J.Holden contacted me and asked if he could make a grunt tube to match my students bow as a gift for him. I received it in the mail and just wanted to share my appreciation for his generous act and to show off the beautiful craftsmanship that has been put into this grunt tube. Again, thank you so much J.Holden. Truly appreciated. My student was shocked and loves the grunt tube.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: kennym on January 09, 2019, 12:17:03 PM: Cool!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: J. Holden on January 09, 2019, 12:40:20 PM: So happy he likes it. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of that project. I hope he puts it to good use next season!

-Jeremy :coffee:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Bvas on January 09, 2019, 03:14:32 PM: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: mlsthmpsn on January 12, 2019, 10:32:21 PM: Our local high school still has a full woodshop, college/industry training weld shop with industry sized cnc, and a full auto shop with paint booths. Glad to see other places still teach kids to use their hands....skills that will never be out of demand.

I'd like to see more pics of the form when you get a chance. Looking at building a few of my own when I get my shop rearranged.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on January 16, 2019, 12:07:58 PM: Finally back to school after several days of awful weather. With the forecast ahead of us, this may be our only day in session. We have finally gotten back to work. My student is making great progress.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on January 16, 2019, 12:18:08 PM: I have taken advantage of the recent snow storm and days out of school and gotten some work done on my bow however.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: J. Holden on January 16, 2019, 02:46:20 PM: That's great time management right there! Nice looking bow you've created.

-Jeremy :coffee:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Trenton G. on January 16, 2019, 05:35:32 PM: This build is awesome! I sent a link to the thread to my old high school shop teacher. He and I both built recurves my junior year.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: KellyG on January 16, 2019, 05:53:50 PM: Bows and grunt tubes what more could a guy ask for. Nice work by teacher, student and Jeremy.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Wolftrail on January 16, 2019, 08:00:59 PM: In my day we never built bows in woodshop, we made stuff like wood ashtrays. Maybe because it is a weapon.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 16, 2019, 08:16:02 PM: That's very nice.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Holm-Made on January 16, 2019, 11:19:00 PM: Nice gesture, Jeremy. Good job coach and student.
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Morning Star on January 20, 2019, 09:19:17 PM: Good stuff!
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on February 26, 2019, 03:06:41 PM: Finally getting around to put an update online. String grooves are cut and shaping limb tips. It wont be long and we will be shooting for the first time.

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Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: wolfcoach on February 26, 2019, 03:07:08 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Roy from Pa on February 26, 2019, 03:44:00 PM: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: JWheel on February 26, 2019, 04:29:11 PM: WOW!...what a worthwhile shop class...I got to make a plain wood box in high school shop class :(...this has been a great build to watch, super cool and great craftsmanship BTW, beautiful. Cant wait to see it fling an arrow
Title: Re: High School Shop Class Longbow Build Along
Post by: Pat B on February 27, 2019, 09:49:58 AM: :thumbsup: