Trad Gang

A while back I got interested in the Howard Hill style longbow. I have one I got years back from Bingham Archery Products as a u-finish kit bow.

The longbow fire was re-kindled in me by the lengthy and in-depth HH Bug thread. Through this thread I met, via cyber space, Dave Johnson. I learned that Dave built bows back in the 80s. He had some very interesting photos I helped him get posted to the HH thread. As emails were exchanged and my desire to own a true HH style bow grew I got the chance to buy a used but well loved Howard Hill Big 5 from David Mitchell.

After shooting this bow for the first time I got hooked. I shoot it almost exclusively now. The HH bug grew in me even more and so I asked Dave to build me a bow.

I got an email from him last night with a photo attachment.

My American Longbow is in the first trimester, if you will.

Here is the first photo of it.

Thank you Dave.

    (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnson.jpg)

Very Very Cool. look forward to more photo's.

Way Cool Bud!!

Is that Yew?

Look forward to following this one.   :thumbsup:  

Eric

I am almost as excited for you as you are for yourself..lol

I am looking forward to the day I will see pictures of it and mayhaps of you shooting it as well.

I am thinking that one of Dave's bows will go onto my bucket list... it might already be and I just haven't let myself become totally aware of it yet.

Congratulations Bud!

God bless,Mudd

QuoteOriginally posted by WESTBROOK:


Look forward to following this one.    :thumbsup:    

Me too!!!!

Awesome!

Hey Bud,you're getting like me with bows calling to you all the time.Glad this is in the makings for you.Got you mail of Libby.

You're in for a treat, Bud.  My Dave Johnson is one of those from the 80's.  It is the bow in my avatar pic.

Cedar lams guys. Black glass back with white belly glass.

:bigsmyl:  

Hope there are more progress pics to come.

Good for you! If he would build a bow over 50#, I would get one!!

Exciting! very cool, i'll be following as well

You're gonna really like that bow, Bud.

 (http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb120/IMR_2007/DJRClongbow015.jpg)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb120/IMR_2007/DJRClongbow017.jpg)

Well done Bud B! Beauty!

Looking forward to seeing this one.

Saw a video somewhere of Dave making a bow and shooting one.  Sure to be a nice one to be treasured.

Got another email from Dave.


Wrapping the lams in the bow form:

  (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow.jpg)

After a 4 hour or so nap in the 150-180 degree sauna:

Looks like we're in the second trimester already.

  (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow2.jpg)

I'm honored to have this well respected bowyer create one for me.

Thank you Dave. I look forward to more of your reports through photos.

Bud B., Dave is indeed a great guy to work with and produces a fine bow.

That's going to be one fine looking bow, Bud.

Keep us posted on this, Bud, I will be looking forward to more pictures and to your impressions of the bow when it is in hand.

Okay, I'm jealous.

-Jeremy  :coffee:

I got home from work and got another email from Dave.

Riser taking shape at the saw

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow3.jpg)


Sanding the handle area

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow4.jpg)

A shelf appears

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow5.jpg)

Some nice grain coming up in that riser wood already.

Dave's on a roll.

I got another email with photo attachment.

I think labor pains have started and birth is closer.

Tillered out to 49 @ 28.

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/buds_bow2.jpg)

Looks like your getting real close to a delivery Bud, ya gonna pass out the cigars.  :bigsmyl:  

Eric

Got my fingers crossed I'll get it before my mid-March Hog Heaven trip.

 :thumbsup:

That's neat to be able to follow the progress of a new bow. I'm anxious for you. Can't wait to see more pics.    :clapper:

Dave is unbelievable. He's really on a roll.

First of about 12 coats of finish being applied.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnson6.jpg)

Very cool Bud! She's gonna be a beauty.

Really cool! This is really nice of Dave to document the progression for you... And us!
Thank you for sharing!

would like to see the pictures, bet it is going to be nice !

Looks like it is going to be a beauty!  :campfire:

Can't wait to see the finished pics.

MORE PICS! WE NEED MORE PICS!  :pray:  

Can't wait to see it finished.

no more pics....yet....Dave's buffing it between coats.....gotta let him work  :)

Delivery may be later next week.

Looking forward go seeing it Bud. Congrats on getting it.

A little step back in time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXl3z2DkBGU&feature=player_embedded

Cool video!

Good video. Looks like a few years have past since it was made.

Got another email with pics from Dave.


The final rub down.

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow6-1.jpg)

Hands of the craftsman putting on the leather handle wrap.


 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonBow7-1.jpg)

Looks like the wait will be significantly shorter now   :)  

I think Dave's trying to torture me (not intentionally I hope) by sending a peek of the bow.

I'll be anxiously waiting for his next photos.

Bud-

It's looking real good, very nice finish.

Darren

WOW!!

I have got to have me one of them bows......

Keep the pics coming please.  And make sure that when you do get it that you post MANY pics for us to think over.

Nalajr

Way cool! I can't wait to see the finished bow.

Bud, I like to add, wait till you shoot it. Mine is one of the sweetest,smoothest,forgiving longbows I have ever shot. Bar None!!  :thumbsup:    :archer:

Cb, how about some pics of your Johnson bow?

Nalajr

QuoteOriginally posted by Nala:
Cb, how about some pics of your Johnson bow?

Nalajr

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=114164;p=1

Stupid is.. as stupid does.... Mine is gone!

 :knothead:     :knothead:    :archer:

Sounds like the need for a new Quest of the Merry Men's leader...


Yeoman Mudd


 :bigsmyl:

That is a beautiful bow! Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Cb, great looking bow too.  I already have pics of that one stored on my hard drive..... :)

Any others?

Nalajr

(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/chuckbrake/DJ%20Bow/016.jpg)
 (http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/chuckbrake/DJ%20Bow/014.jpg)
 (http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/chuckbrake/weekend%20shot/wkendshot1.jpg)
Thsi is about it until I get my camera back. Notice the perfect tiller. What a shooter!

Beautiful bow cb, enjoy it!

The last photos from Dave of the bow.

It's due to arrive Friday.


Making a Flemish splice string.


 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/buds_bow5_002.jpg)

A touch of Tarheel

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/buds_bow5_003.jpg)

Enroute from Dave's hands to its new home.

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/buds_bow5_001.jpg)

Wow, what a neat experience! Did you request he keep you updated with photos, or did he just want to?

When we talked back and forth about the bow I asked him if he would send me photos of the progress. He gladly agreed.

In speaking with Dave I got the sense he is what I call an old soul; Someone who cherishes times past and ways of the past. A nostalgic kindred to past archers and traditional ways.

I knew I wanted him to build me a bow several months ago but had to wait for the time to be right. The timing was right about a month ago. He finished the build in a little less than two weeks once his hands got to crafting.

My Dad has an old Ben Pearson hickory flatbow of HH style. He'll own it until he dies. It is almost 60 years old. This is one of those bows. It ain't going anywhere.

Yeah man. If I didn't just buy a new bow, I'd already have an order in with him. The craftsmanship just looks amazing. Hopefully he'll still be making them when I'm ready to get one.   :)

Very good stuff. A special bow indeed.RC

I've read that there is a weight limit to these bows where you can't have one ever 50lbs - is that true? If so is that 50lbs at a draw length of your choice?

Gorgeous looking bow btw.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rossco7002:
I've read that there is a weight limit to these bows where you can't have one ever 50lbs - is that true? If so is that 50lbs at a draw length of your choice?

Gorgeous looking bow btw.

Speak with Dave personally about it. He can best explain.

If you draw 28, possibly get one rated 50@26. That should bump you up to about 56@28.

But Dave is the one with all the answers.

Update

I got this email from Dave last night:

P.S.  WHEN YOU GET THE BOW, LOOK FOR A LITTLE REINFORCING STRIP OF WOOD UNDER THE RISER THAT EXTENDS ABOUT 2" BEYOND EACH END OF THE RISER.  THAT IS OREGON YEW WOOD, AND NOT JUST ANY WOOD.  IT CAME FROM EARL ULRICH, ONE OF ARCHERY'S GREAT PIONEER SUPPLIERS AND WAS DATED 1963!  EARL MADE TRIPS UP IN THE MOUNTAINS EACH YEAR AND HARVESTED YEW LOGS WHICH HE SEASONED AND TURNED INTO STAVES FOR THE LIKES OF HOWARD HILL AND OTHER FAMOUS ARCHERS, NOT TO MENTION HUNDREDS OF REGULAR FOLKS LIKE YOU AND ME...    ...DID THE SAME THING IN CHUCK BRAKE'S BOW.  AS I TOLD CHUCK, YOU HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF EARL ULRICH IN THAT BOW OF YOURS.


Photos will follow...

Bud that is so cool!!

I am waiting patiently for yours to arrive.

I wish I could be as patient waiting for my Sunset Hill that goes out today.

God bless,Mudd

Dang if this isn't the coolest thread.  

Dave is someone i would love to meet.  

You guys got me wanting to order an American Longbow !

I just loved seeing him work his magic.  

Thanks so much for sharing.

Congrats on the Sunset Mudd. I have never heard or read a negative thing about Nate's bows.

Thanks Bud!

I hope someday to replace my "Red Dragon" with one built just for me.

I know we'll see pictures not just of the bow but ones of you shooting it as well.

God bless,Mudd

Bud, that is a special touch indeed that Dave has put into your bow.

Wow that is cool!

Bud are you watching for your letter carrier today

God bless,Mudd

Had it shipped to my work due to signature requirement.


standing by.....


due today!!!!

MORE PICS... for sure that is what we are all waiting for!

Patiently waiting.......for the postman.......I know we'll hear from Bud shortly. Betcha if we step outside, no matter where we are, we can hear him yell at the arrival!      :bigsmyl:

She arrived!!

Still at work.


Will get pics up soon.

Woot! Woot!

How cool is this?....Way!!...I'm saying...

Congratulations Bud!

God bless,Mudd

How did I miss this one.  I'm looking forward to seeing it here and possibly take it for a test drive in a little over a week.

You a lefty Mike??

Pics please!

Just got home and logged on.

Gotta get pics to photobucket then she'll debut.

Waiting not so patiently... :-)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow001.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow002.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow003.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow004.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow005.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow006.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow007.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow008.jpg)

:archer:

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow009.jpg) (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow010.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow012.jpg) (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow013.jpg) (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow014.jpg) (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow015.jpg)


The backset - 7 wheat pennies high

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow017.jpg)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow.jpg)

Words can't do it justice.

Pictures help, but fail as well.


Stunning.

Thank you Dave.

Thanks for the pics... drool is currently running down my chin

Looks just like the bow named "Moon Shadow" that Dave made me in the 1980s.  Very nice.

Wow.  What a beauty

Beautifull bow Bud! Congrats  :thumbsup:  

Eric

Congrats Bud, beautiful bow enjoy!

Congrats Bud, beautiful bow enjoy!

Wow!!!  That is one sexy bow man!!  Nice job.  :thumbsup:  

Bob.

She's a beauty!

Enjoy!

Shoot straight, Shinken

  :archer2:

Bud, looks like Dave has built another fine looking longbow... it is really nice!

Have you shot it yet?

SWEET!!

She's a real beauty!

Lets see MORE please.  How about some shots of her braced and unbraced?

Thanks for the pics so far and congrats on your new bow.

Nalajr

Dave Johnson truly defines the term master craftsman. It is amazing that such a simple design can become such a work of art.

Congrats, Bud!

Very nice and something to be proud of. Congratulations on this fine work of art (Dave).    :notworthy:

Wow, just wow! Thanks for sharing!

That is one cool looking longbow in the traditon of Howard Hill.

Really happy for you Bud.I know this has a special place in your heart.Glad it worked out for you.

I have been talking back and forth with Mr. Johnson for a few weeks now and he is a true gentleman and is proud of the work he can give to people.  There aren't many people around anymore with the skill, experience, knowledge and passion that he has.  He's been around this TRAD bow world for a long time and I think he tries to put that into each bow he builds.  In my view that separates him from a lot of other bowyers.  Not saying anything negative about others, they are fine craftsmen too.

Seems like a really great man to work with.  He'll try whatever he can to make sure his customers are satisfied.  I am saving up now to get one.  Hopefully I can get my order in before too long and start enjoying that craftsmanship that he is known for.

Can't wait to see more pics of this one too.

Nalajr

Bud, I love every single thing about your bow. I think everyone would agree that Mr. Johnson does some very nice work. Congrats!

Also, is the Earl Ulrich wood the first lam behind the riser? So cool, man.

QuoteOriginally posted by benmmc:
Bud, I love every single thing about your bow. I think everyone would agree that Mr. Johnson does some very nice work. Congrats!

Also, is the Earl Ulrich wood the first lam behind the riser? So cool, man.

There's a lamination of cedar behind the black glass then a thin strip between layer one and two of the full length cedar. Some of the close up photos of the riser show it well. It's kinda yellowish in color and contrasts the red of the cedar.

QuoteOriginally posted by Lambow:
Bud, looks like Dave has built another fine looking longbow... it is really nice!

Have you shot it yet?

I tried shooting her in the rain last night by porchlight. I need to wait until this weather breaks.

Once the weather improves here in NC (hope everyone is OK with these storms hitting the midwest and southeast) I'll see what arrows I have on hand that she likes. Looks like I'll either have to build some woodies or buy some in her favorite flavor.

Thanks for all the kind comments. I'll reflect those over to Dave and his skill and craftsmanship. I think he's truly a breath of the past living among us today. I hope folks who have thought about one of his bows give it serious consideration.

This one is battling for the matriarch position of the herd already.

That's a beauty Bud. Congratulations!

Bud, congratulations on one good looking bow!   :thumbsup:    :archer:

Outstanding! Nothing seems to warm the soul like a good ol' American Longbow.

Beautiful bow Bud!!

Now that's one to be proud of!
This has been a great thread.

That's a fine looking bow!  I need to hop in the truck and head over to Asheboro for a closer look.

I'm still getting acquainted with her and her choice of diet.

12 yard group with 30.25" 2016 Legacys tipped with 200gr points.

There was a smacking sound on some of these as they hit.   :bigsmyl:  

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DaveJohnsonLongbow020.jpg)

I have really enjoyed seeing your bow being built and I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment.

That is one fine looking American longbow Bud! Looks like she will be a shooter too.  Thanks for the pictures of the build.

Very nice longbow! Well done!

We're getting well acquainted. My hand print is already worn into the grip leather. Still testing arrow and point combos.

The grip is just a tad fatter on this one than my HH Big 5. The slightly dished back of the handle is comfortable too. I easily get the same bowhand position each time.

This one hits hard and seems to like heavier arrows. She's liking a brace of about 6". It's like a first date, almost.   :thumbsup:

Very Nice bow.Thanks for sharing all the work.  :clapper:

More pics please!

thanks

nalajr

From the pictures not only a great looking bow but Highly Functional one to boot!    :thumbsup:

I'll try to get some more photos up later.

My camera is not the best. I'll try to use my daughter's Nikon.

I wish I could show how the limbs are formed. At mid-limb the back glass is 1" wide with the belly glass 3/4" wide. A nice trapezoid shape.

I'm still trying various arrow and point combos. She does like a heavy diet but I'm going to try some stuff in the 9gpp range. I'm liking her more and more, and I liked her before I even saw it in person.

I need to change my nocks on my Legacys. They slip on way too easy and I don't want an accidental dry fire. Drawing two under I already had one fall off while drawing back.   :eek:  

The skinny FF string does well with Bohning Signature nocks on the GT trads I've been trying so I don't want to alter the serving thickness.

If we get acquainted well enough she'll go with me to Ray's in two weeks.   :thumbsup:

It's easy enough to get the nocks to fit... just boil some water, dipr them in for a few seconds, bend them around the string to the desired tightness and let them cool. 2 minutes and they are good to go.

Glad to hear you're liking how well the bow is shooting for you, Bud.

You could also build up the serving to fit those loose nocks better.

Congrats.   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :clapper:    :clapper:   God bless.

That's a beauty!

Just an update...

I finally got some wood shafts, 11/32 POC all spined at 52#.

They sat for a bit while I got some fletching and points, took a side trip to California, but I eventually got the arrows finished.

I started out full length. Not good. Then  triimmed them down a bit with some trial and error and tuning and got this...


 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/DJGroup.jpg)

Draw is smooth. The flight of the arrows is crisp and I believe it may be faster than my 50# Bear Super Grizzly. Dave has her marked 49# @ 28. I'll bet that's right on the money. These arrows average around 470gr finished at 29.75" BOP.

Thanks for taking the ride with me on this custom journey. I'll test some broadheads tomorrow and if I can get'em tuned I'll hit the woods early Monday for turkey.

I'll be at the NCTAC shoot on Sat the 5th if any of you lefties are there an want to try it out. I'll be wearing my all brown Browning hat. Weather permitting, of course. I'll have a back quiver with my pink fletched arrows on board  ;)

Sorry for the poor photos, it was geting dark.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Bowsandstuff001-2.jpg)

Too bad I won't be down that way. My brother lives in charlotte, so occasionally I'm down that way.

Hey Bud,
Maybe I'll see you at NCTAC...I'm not a lefty but I'm thinking about getting me a Hill style and would like to see yours...Me, the wife, my son and his wife and my Grandson will be there this weekend...I'll keep an eye out for you...

We're gettin' well acquainted...

 :bigsmyl:  

First arrow of second volley this afternoon. Can you guess where the second arrow hit? Both were where I was looking  :D

If these were carbons or aluminum I'd have had a true Robin Hood.

Loving this whole trad adventure thing.    :campfire:  

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Bowsandstuff050.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Bowsandstuff051.jpg)

I keep coming back to this thread just to look at that beautiful bow.

Shoots as good as it looks too.