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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Pat B on March 31, 2020, 09:47:34 AM

Title: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on March 31, 2020, 09:47:34 AM
I spent 4 hours yesterday fitting this takedown sleeve to these yew billets. I haven't glued the sleeves yet but will start shaping the limbs.
(https://i.imgur.com/lsamfbU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0H9mN80.jpg)

One question I have...This is my first takedown sleeve installation so I need input of a glue that is acceptable for this application. Are their locally obtainable glues that are appropriate like 2ton epoxy or similar glues. I'd hate to have to buy a quart of glue for just this one project. I build mostly self bows so I basically don't have a reason to buy a larger quantity of glue.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on March 31, 2020, 10:01:25 AM
Don't know anything about the glue :dunno:, but good to see you building.
Keep us posted on your build :)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Flem on March 31, 2020, 10:33:29 AM
Have not done what you are doing, but I think if you go to your local hardware and look at the JB Weld epoxy's, you will find something that will work for you. The Cold Weld is strong as hell, as is the Marine Weld.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: mtblucas on March 31, 2020, 11:30:59 AM
MT-13 epoxy is what seems to be recommended according to both 3 Rivers and Bingham Projects. I used it for my T/D sleeve and it worked just fine. It dries white so if there’s any part not covered by a leather wrap it will show.

Here’s a link:  https://www.3riversarchery.com/bow-building-mt-13-takedown-bow-sleeve-glue.html
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on March 31, 2020, 11:56:05 AM
Others on PA also suggested MT13, Matt so I think I'll go with that. And, thanks for the link.
Mark, I will definitely  be posting my progress here.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: buddyb on March 31, 2020, 12:10:11 PM
X2 on the MT-13. I use it for my threaded takedown riser inserts and alignment pins.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on March 31, 2020, 05:11:29 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on April 02, 2020, 12:30:38 PM
I've reduced the limbs but realized after putting the bow back together that one limb is considerably stronger so I'll work on it more to get things evened out. Because of the shape of the bow near the handle you will see the limbs are deflexed slightly. My intentions are to reflex the limbs, at least the outer limb. One limb has a upward kick in the last inch. I'll just try to incorporate that in the added reflex or just live with it.
 Here are a few pics...
(https://i.imgur.com/syWSlB9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/e2sRlpu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/btmApu0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dH5OEn4.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: bucknut on April 02, 2020, 07:43:09 PM
That Yew sure is purdy!
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Flem on April 02, 2020, 08:30:22 PM
Thats a beauty Pat! It's got a little "Snake" to it. Can't wait to see a full draw pic. :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on April 03, 2020, 09:52:29 AM
Yew is a beautiful wood and a great bow wood but I'm used to working mostly with osage and it's like apples and oranges. Also I build so few bows these days it takes me a while to get back in the swing. I'm putting in a few hours each day, trying to take it slow and not screw up. These are not my billets and takedown sleeve. I'm building this for a friend so that's a bit more pressure.
Anyway, I'll keep posting my progress as I go along and want to thank everyone's support and encouragement.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on April 03, 2020, 11:46:55 PM
I'm at a stopping point until I get the glue for the handle sleeves. It squeaked a little today while I was checking it on the tiller so I stopped until the sleeves are glued.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: ron w on April 09, 2020, 04:26:01 PM
If all goes well that will be a beauty  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: tsriberio on April 09, 2020, 06:35:17 PM
Sort of off topic... but since you are leaving sapwood on yews, do you still have to take er down to a ring?
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on April 09, 2020, 11:27:41 PM
Yew is the exception to the rule. It is safe to have violated rings on the back of a yew selfbow. Even thickness is more important. I reduced the thickness of the sapwood from 3/8" to 1/4" and there are violations. I'll be adding snake skins with hide glue so that will add some protection.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: ron w on May 05, 2020, 08:30:31 PM
Any more progress ?? :notworthy: :dunno:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 05, 2020, 11:50:10 PM
I glued the sleeves on the billets and a little more tillering but not much more lately. Maybe I can get back to it in the next few days.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 19, 2020, 11:04:35 AM
Got a little more work done yesterday and this morning. I added a bit of reflex to the tips, yesterday...
(https://i.imgur.com/vSyQWTM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xCYB3lf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oMC926Y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gfU33Tj.jpg)
This is the end result from yesterday. You can see the small wedge I added to the right side to bring the tip into alignment.

...and this morning. I used a wood clamp with "C" clamp and Stilson wrenches to help eliminate a bit of twist. We'll have to wait to see if this does the trick.


(https://i.imgur.com/S8oGjzv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fqt6pU5.jpg)


I oiled the wood well before heating it. I think this helps to hold the heat in and helps distribute the heat evenly.
I'll post pics of the results when it all cools down.


Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 20, 2020, 10:16:01 AM
This is what she looks like today...
(https://i.imgur.com/XRqxt1g.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: monterey on May 20, 2020, 10:37:50 AM
Nice.  I'm always amazed at what you self bow makers do with a stave.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 20, 2020, 10:43:03 AM
Pat, very nice and good to see. Jawge
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 20, 2020, 03:37:05 PM
Thanks guys. George, it's good to get back in the saw dust. After the last few months I understand your love for sweat pants but it kept me out of my shop. Good to get back to it.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: ztontonz on May 20, 2020, 04:38:46 PM
Coming along very nicely !
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on May 20, 2020, 08:46:16 PM
Looking good pat :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: bigbob2 on May 20, 2020, 09:42:18 PM
Loving your work!. :notworthy:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 20, 2020, 10:30:16 PM
Thanks guys.  These are sister billets that have natural reflex at the handle area so I added a bit or reflex near the tips to compensate. She ought to be a sweet shooter.   :archer2:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 26, 2020, 11:37:46 PM
I got her to low brace and spent the last few days aligning the tips with the heat gun and a bit of oil. Today I narrowed the limb tips and added overlays. I decided to use thick shoe leather for the overlays that I will saturate with super glue. I went with the leather because of some irregularities and a short kick in one limb tip. I soaked the leather until it was flexible then remover the excess moisture and glued them to the tips with TBIII and wrapped with rubber bands. I'll let them dry for a few days because it's pretty humid lately.
  Here's a few pics...
(https://i.imgur.com/AdWLtNX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JZQqzsz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ndS5JSo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8p4Vm5L.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on May 27, 2020, 09:31:34 AM
Is that leather hard to shape after glueup  Pat?
lookin good :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 27, 2020, 10:22:21 AM
Mark, once I add the super glue it works just like wood. Sometimes I have to keep adding super glue as I reduce the shape. Once shaped I will coat it with super glue for a good hard finish. I also have a leather arrow rest I did the same that I'll be adding at the arrow pass.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 27, 2020, 11:33:56 AM
The leather overlays have basically dried. You can see the depressions from the rubber bands. Wet leather is easily molded. That's why I use it for uneven surfaces. I'm going to give the leather and glue another few days to be sure they are completely dry before I add the super glue.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ly0Ya1i.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pf4HoGG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BU5m7JM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xfU4MOU.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Flem on May 27, 2020, 12:18:21 PM
I like the leather idea :thumbsup: You could add some cool tooling marks before saturation.
Curious why you added overlays? And excuse my ignorance, but what's a "kick"?
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 27, 2020, 12:56:22 PM
The little upturn at the tip of one limb is the "kick". I didn't want to try to remove it because it is so short. Yew is a very soft wood and without the overlays the string would dent and possibly cause damage to the tips. In most cases tip overlays are not necessary for wood bows, not even for FF strings, and are generally mostly cosmetic. With yew, ERC and other softer woods I believe it is a necessity.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on May 27, 2020, 03:03:04 PM
Good Idea, I like it :jumper: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 27, 2020, 04:37:28 PM
I've only done this with oak tanned(Veg tanned) leather both this thick shoe leather and thinner oak tanned laminated to build up enough for overlays. I've also made handle risers for bendy handle bows with layers of this thick shoe leather.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 30, 2020, 11:59:18 AM
I've got her new string made and got her to full brace. I'll let her sweat for a few hours today...
(https://i.imgur.com/GQkQGK1.jpg)

tip overlays shaped and almost finished. Will finish after the snake skins are added...
(https://i.imgur.com/1YivQ9y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0aLFM3f.jpg)

got the arrow rest made and installed on the handle/sleeve. A leather wrap will go over the sleeve and rest...
(https://i.imgur.com/menRGKv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lnIB9XL.jpg)

I put a couple of dozen arrows through her today and she shoots well even though my arrows weren't quite right for this bow. I will let her sweat for a few hours to help everything settle in and help stretch the string.
To be continued...
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on May 30, 2020, 12:22:07 PM
I like how you take your time and always come out with a very nice bow. :thumbsup:
Can't wait to see it finished with the skins. ;)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 30, 2020, 03:02:55 PM
Yeah, Mark she occasionally gets me off my arse.  :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: bucknut on May 30, 2020, 10:14:28 PM
She's coming right along pat.  Hopefully my next build will be a TD. It was good to watch it come together.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 31, 2020, 01:55:07 PM
Thanks, John. After shooting her yesterday I realized the string is off center a little so I'll spend a few days correcting that. Then put more arrows through her before I add the finishing touches.
I'm making this bow for a friend. I've never done a sleeve take down so it was a total learning experience. I'm pleased with how it came out so far. 
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on May 31, 2020, 02:43:41 PM
How long is that bow Pat ????
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on May 31, 2020, 03:43:52 PM
66"t/t I think, Mark.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on June 07, 2020, 10:36:44 PM
Here's another tease shot. I added a set of western D back skins and got the edges cleaned up. Still need to shoot her about 50 more shots and maybe a bit of tweaking the tiller and of course a few coats Tru-Oil.
Here is the tease shot...
(https://i.imgur.com/QpUYF54.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: ztontonz on June 08, 2020, 01:16:47 AM
Very nice Pat!
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Buemaker on June 08, 2020, 05:20:22 AM
Looking great as always Pat.
Do you remove the scales after the skins are glued to the bow? With tape or?
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on June 08, 2020, 08:31:12 AM
Thanks.
 Bue, usually I do remove the scales while the skins are dry and before adding the skins. This time I didn't but I wish I had because now there are scales all over my work area and all over my hands while putting the skins down.  Tape works well for this but a light rubdown with 0000 steel wool gets them off as well. In some occasions a thumb nail get the stubborn scales off individually.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on June 08, 2020, 10:18:16 AM
Nice :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on June 08, 2020, 10:32:58 AM
I just put the first coat of Tru-Oil on this morning. Amazing how that stuff makes everything jump.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Flem on June 08, 2020, 10:43:19 AM
Very nice! I don't think I have ever seen anyone use the rattles before. Makes it look more like a component and less of an adornment :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Pat B on June 08, 2020, 11:48:07 AM
No rattles here. The "coon tail" pattern of the western rattlers is a cool effect with these skins.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Mad Max on June 08, 2020, 12:25:11 PM
No rattles here. The "coon tail" pattern of the western rattlers is a cool effect with these skins.

I like to use them too :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: Flem on June 08, 2020, 06:18:11 PM
Yes that coon tail looks awesome. I forgot about that on those snakes. I used to see them all the time when I lived in Arizona. Can't tell you how many close encounters I had while bushwhacking to rock climbing spots. Funny thing about snake bites, the majority of folks that have died from them in the last 100yrs, were performing some religious ceremony. Brave or crazy.
Title: Re: Finally getting off my arse...
Post by: bigbob2 on June 08, 2020, 08:47:39 PM
Lovely bow Sir!