Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ryan Sanpei on September 30, 2012, 11:38:00 PM
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Aloha Gang,
It all started three months ago with a phone call to South at Stalker Recurves...
At the time we were discussing the Static Stalker. I had mentioned to him all the positive feedback that I was receiving from those that shot my bow. I also stated that there were some who owned and preferred the the original riser but wanted the performance of the static limbs. That's when he mentioned that after returning from his Colorado backcountry hunt, he'd be working on developing static limbs for the original riser. Immediately, I told him that I wanted to be #1 on his waiting list!
Jokingly, I told him that I'd love to be able to see what goes into the R&D process of building a prototype bow. He mentioned that as long as he was in his shop, I was more than welcomed to come and visit.
After I got off the phone, I quickly checked my schedule and saw that I had a one week break in October. With high hopes I emailed South my available dates for travel. He confirmed that he'd be there during those times, so I immediately booked my airfare.
Fast forward to this past Friday. I left on the "red eye" to San Francisco. Everything went smooth and the plane was right on time. It was only one more quick transfer flight and I'd be in Eureka! Half an hour before departure, the airplane agent announced over the loud speaker "due to the weather flt. 2636 to Eureka/Acadia is canceled". CANCELED! "What do you mean canceled?" I thought to myself. I immediately ran to the agent and asked what I could do. He told me that "I'll put you on standby for the next few flights but I can only confirm a flight for tomorrow morning". Tomorrow morning, and what if the weather's bad again!, I thought to myself. Boy was I in a pickle!
Being from an island with little experience in the mainland, I felt like a fish out of water! With things looking as gloomy as the weather, I sat down to think about my options. Fortunately, I was sitting near others who were stuck in the same situation. I overheard that the were planning on renting a car and making the five hour drive. With nothing to lose, I went over to ask if there was room and if I could join them. Fortunately there were the nicest group of people and graciously offered me a ride!
"The Bridge" fogged in
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0470.jpg)
Sausalito
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0471.jpg)
Passing time, scouting for bears
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0472.jpg)
Final pit stop
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0473.jpg)
Thankfully, last night I reached my final destination with the help of my new friends from Maine, New York and Texas.
I'll be sure to give the gang a semi-live update with pics and information. South already has a couple "roughed out". I'll get to shoot those tomorrow morning and hopefully I'll get to lend a hand in building my own bow. Let me know if you got any questions about the new static limbs for the original Stalker riser. I'll be in South's shop till Thursday!!!
Aloha from Fortuna! :D
Ryan
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Way to hang tough and get out of a bad situation.
You must be a hunter...
Looking forward to the story.
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Cool
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Awesome! Trying to see gas price....looks like $4 +, Were they hunters as well?
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Have fun Ryan. Sounds like you are in for a great time
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Great thread Ryan, keep it coming and welcome to the bigger island.
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Thanks for the kind words Tom!
Rick,
Yeah gas prices were $4.50+ along the way. A pilot, a retired teacher and her two girls. They definitely weren't hunters. We passed a few elk that looked as if they were residing on a ranch. The one girl asked why the elk were there and the mother answered "not sure, but I hope they don't eat them!"
Thanks Ryan,
We'll be spending a day going through all the great footage! ;)
Aloha TJ!
I'll be sure to get some pics up before lunch!
Ryan
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Home of Stalker Recurves
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0492.jpg)
First "original handle" static tip prototype
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0779.jpg)
Strung Profile
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0780-1.jpg)
Unstrung Profile
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0783-1.jpg)
Second set of limbs
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0788.jpg)
One set of limbs are tapered at .003 and the other is .002
South is going to test the draw force curve on these now to see how they "stack"
I'll be back, going take some test shots with the prototype!
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nice
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:campfire:
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South and I were able take a few shots this morning. Tested out two different limbs at the same poundage. One was tapered at .002 while the other was at .003. The .003 had little smoother draw cycle and the hand shock was less noticeable in my opinion.
South taking a few shots
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0503.jpg)
Bow seems to be shooting well
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0488.jpg)
A welcomed visitor behind the shop.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0499.jpg)
If the initial testing goes well, we may start my bow soon!!!
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I cannot wait to try the Static limbs. South said I would be getting a set once he got started on them. I cannot think of a better R&D team that you and South.
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Good deal Ryan. That new prototype looks good!
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If it has South Cox's name on it and Ryan's input, it has to be a winner. I dig my Stalker Static and if this prototype/R&D makes it available to more people, it's a good deal!
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Thanks for the kind words guys!
Randy,
Send in that riser after hunting season!
How's it going Mike? Hope all is well with you and your family.
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Since South seems to be happy with the way the new limbs are working out, he decided to start working on my new bow!!!
He's going on a "marathon bow build" in the next few days.
First was choosing the riser woods. Decisions, decisions, decisions
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0804.jpg)
We decided to go with Verawood and Curly Bubinga.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0772-1.jpg)
First South used a template to draw out a rough cut.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0775.jpg)
Then used the bandsaw to make the initial cuts.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0778-2.jpg)
Rough cut after the bandsaw
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0790-2.jpg)
Then he took the wood to the belt sander.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0802.jpg)
Rough cut after the sander.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0805.jpg)
Next step glueing...
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That is gonna be a stunner!
Great grip on those Stalkers!
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Yeah the grips are great, plus I get to truly customize this handle to fit my hand. :thumbsup:
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Gluing the riser together with the phenolic and wood trim.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0811-1.jpg)
Laying the pieces out on the jig.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0812-1.jpg)
Compressing the riser pieces.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0814-1.jpg)
Time for the oven.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0487-1.jpg)
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The first stage of the glueing process is done. Now just two more times in the oven.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0816-1.jpg)
More trimming.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0822.jpg)
and more sanding.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0818.jpg)
Grooves cut to add the cross section laminations.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0827-1.jpg)
Glueing the limb pads
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0834.jpg)
Clamped backed up and throw back into the oven.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0838-1.jpg)
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Ryan, be careful bud. South invited the wife, daughter, and myself up there to get my Schleyer. After a short visit to the "spray room" or what I now call the "veneer closet", my wife had just about talked me into another bow purchase. :readit: :biglaugh:
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Trimming
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0890.jpg)
Rough cut of the riser window
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0896.jpg)
Belt sanding again and again
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0898.jpg)
Glueing up the final laminates of the riser.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0903.jpg)
Re clamping
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0904.jpg)
Back in the oven, one last time.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0906.jpg)
I have to admit, I never knew how much work and time it took to constructing a custom stickbow. I was simply amazed by the process!!!
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Originally posted by Big-un08:
Ryan, be careful bud. South invited the wife, daughter, and myself up there to get my Schleyer. After a short visit to the "spray room" or what I now call the "veneer closet", my wife had just about talked me into another bow purchase. :readit: :biglaugh:
LOL! I made sure that I left my credit card at home. Only took enough money to fund the trip and the one bow. :D
Good thing because those longbow limbs sure looked tempting for my hybrid riser!!!
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No kidding on the amount of work!
And you're not even to the limbs yet.
Great tag along on a very interesting project. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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Can't wait to see that riser with the finish on it.....It's gonna be a looker!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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You're welcome Tom
Ron,
I can't wait too!!!
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Ryan this thread is an eye opener never realized how much work went into a bow makes me appreciate the bower evan more.I can't wait to se the finished product.
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No kidding Larry! I'm only showing a fraction of the photos too. The amount of sanding, cutting, grinding, glueing, measuring, laminating, etc. is crazy!!!
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While the riser sits in the oven for one last time, South starts on the limbs.
Choosing belly and backing laminations.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0840.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0851.jpg)
Curly Walnut overlays
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0872.jpg)
Using the jointer to rough cut the wedges
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0855.jpg)
Trimming lams
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0862.jpg)
Running lams to the thickness snader
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0843.jpg)
Cutting glass lams to length
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0846-2.jpg)
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Now for the glueing...
Laying out the lams
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0863.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0865.jpg)
Glueing
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0873.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0876.jpg)
Wrapped up and ready to go
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0882.jpg)
Limbs in the form
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0883.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0885.jpg)
Now we wait...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0888.jpg)
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very cool
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:thumbsup:
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Great stuff guys!
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Really enjoying this one.
Thanks Ryan!
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Thanks and you're welcome Gang!
Look who came by again.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0977-1.jpg)
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Fresh out of the oven
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0909.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0912.jpg)
Cutting the excess overlays from the sight window
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0920.jpg)
Drillin the holes in the riser
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0925.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0927.jpg)
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Shaping the handle
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0929.jpg)
Roughed out
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0932.jpg)
Time for the pins and limb stems
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0949.jpg)
Additional sanding
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0961.jpg)
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This is great Ryan :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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What a great trip. Thanks for taking us along on this build!
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Ryan, it's amazing to think that the grip(your grip) will be even better. That is one of the most outstanding features on South's bows as far as I'm concerned. I won my shooting contest at Compton's with the "Ugly Bow". It is so smooth and repeatable. Can't wait to see YOURS finished up.
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Thanks Bro!
You're welcome Rob!
I totally agree with you Mike. Good going at Comptons! I'll be sure to post pictures of my custom handle here in the next few days.
Let's take a break from bow building and get back to the 1st prototype.
Looks like South is going to go with the .003. This is the third and hopefully last taper of the width. (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1060.jpg)
It grouped well after the final taper, I just need to adjust my eyeballs..
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1059.jpg)
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The original next to the static.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1070.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1069-1.jpg)
Side by side limb comparisons.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1072.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1074.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1067.jpg)
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Awesome read along! Thank you for taking the time!!
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Looks great guys! I can't wait to shoot one :thumbsup:
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Thanks for reading Ed!
Hey Ryan, I'm sure you'll get your chance!
Now back to building my bow!
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Trimming the limbs
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0936.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0934.jpg)
Holes for limb bolts and pins
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0943-1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0946-1.jpg)
Strung up for the first time
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0967-1.jpg)
Checking for center
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0968-1.jpg)
and now for the tip overlays
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0971.jpg)
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After a little more sanding, here's my handle
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0995.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1042.jpg)
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WOW! Way cool--must be exciting not only to be involved in the process of building YOUR bow but also give input on a new offering....love my hybrid static but the lines on the original are oh so sleek.
Thanks for taking us along--great pics, can almost smell the sawdust.
U guys are making it tough to choose--glad I'm not in the market for another--wait, yeah I need another bow! :saywhat:
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Supper cool. Looking great.
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Craig you definitely need another bow!!!
Thanks Tim!
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Awesome build-along. I keep checking to see the progress. You must be going crazy waiting for this bow to be finished! Can't wait to see a finish on the riser.
Also cool to see the master at work. He has that down it looks like.
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Final shaping of the limbs
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0997.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0989.jpg)
filing the string grooves
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1007.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1011.jpg)
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Time for the initial assembly
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1003.jpg)
Limbs straight?
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1006.jpg)
Time to check poundage
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1004.jpg)
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NormanDale,
Yeah, I'm super excited about this bow. One of the coolest experiences for me! I've learned so much from South in the last few days and yes the master has it down to a science!!! :thumbsup:
Thanks for following along. :archer:
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The initial poundage came out at about 57lbs @ 26". Because South really liked the way the tapers came out on the initial prototype, we decided to re taper my limbs too. This brought the poundage down to 56lbs. Then we needed to tiller the bow for three under, so South took some material off of the top limb to increase the top tiller. This brought the weight to 55lbs. A little more weight removal on both limbs brought it down to 53.5lbs at my draw length. Perfect!!!
Using the newest template to re taper my limbs.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1039.jpg)
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Final rough sanding for the complete bow.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1020-1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1022.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1013.jpg)
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South better watch it...he'll have all of us Stalker fans wanting to visit :)
Great looking bow and as always, I am amazed at the skill it takes to build a custom bow. :campfire:
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Ryan I think it so cool you get to see your bow being built and have input in it's building,congrats. :clapper:
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Hey Mike,
Great to hear from you! Yeah South may have to eventually build a bed and breakfast behind his shop. :D
I am truly amazed by the amount of skill that's needed. Pretty cool process. Bowyers deserve every penny!!!
Take care and keep in touch!
Hey Larry,
It's always been a dream of mine to be able to do something like this. Very awesome experience!!! Thanks for sharing in the experience.
Ryan
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Final tillering
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1035-2.jpg)
Time to take a few test shots!!!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1036-1.jpg)
I'll be back...
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Ryan what an experience for you and all of us. I think it really helps put things into perspective how much skill and time goes into the process of building a bow. Thank you.
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After this the wait time may go longer from all the orders....lol! Can't wait to see it with the finish on all ready to go......great post :thumbsup: :notworthy:
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nice pics thanks for sharing !
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One of the best threads in a long time. South's bows are real shooters. Only thing I would like to add...I would like to see the front of his riser rounded just a little bit more. My buddies all say the same thing when they shoot it. Shoots awesome, but the grip on the front needs rounded a little more. Enough to eliminate the "squared front".
Thanks for posting. Great thread!
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David,
Thank you for following along. It's pretty cool stuff to see in person.
Ron,
Hopefully the finished pics will be up in a couple more days!!!
Thanks David!
Keith,
Thank you for the kind words.
About the riser, South has taken that into consideration and has recently implemented the change. On my bow, I also had him round the area where the tip of my pointer finger contacted the riser. That's the cool part about a custom bow, he's willing to alter some of the aesthetics as long as it doesn't compromise the integrity. Thank you for your valued input. It's greatly appreciated!
Mahalo Gang!
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Shooting the "roughed out" bow for the first time
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1047.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1045.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1046.jpg)
South taking his turn
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1048.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1050.jpg)
Everything looks good! Time to do the final sanding and get the first coat sprayed on.
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Check out this verawood. With oxygen, it turns a shade of green. The riser turned green overnight, and here's a brown spot that South just sanded away.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1054.jpg)
Final sanding before the spray booth
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1051.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1064.jpg)
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The completed handle
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1077.jpg)
In the spray booth!!!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1093.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1086-1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1098.jpg)
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I always thought you were partial to those greenish risers Ryan ;) Some neon green stained curly maple veneers would REALLY set that off.
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Simply awesome thread! You two make one heck of a team!
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Mike,
I choose green, 'cause you're my hero! :notworthy:
Thanks for the kind words Trevor!
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That is gonna be sharp Ryan!!
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Looks great Ryan! Congrats on the new bow. Have fun shooting it :)
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I totally agree that this is one of the best threads ever on TG. Thanks Ryan. Interesting how much work goes into building a custom bow. I'm very impressed.
I also agree with Keith when he said "I would like to see the front of his riser rounded just a little bit more. My buddies all say the same thing when they shoot it. Shoots awesome, but the grip on the front needs rounded a little more. Enough to eliminate the "squared front". This is exactly what I found when shooting South's bows at CTAS this summer. Rounding the front of the riser would make his bows PERFECT.
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Thanks Rusty!
Nice footage Ryan! Viewed a bunch of it today! :thumbsup:
Thanks so much for the kind words Michael!
Yeah South sure does work hard to build a bow! Thanks for the additional input. Changes are currently being made. It's great to get insights from the fellow bowhunters. Thank you!
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Beautiful work on both the bow and this thread.I am constantly amazed at those that can bring wood back to life. You have also done a fantastic job in taking all of us along on this journey, thank you.
Bill
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Bill,
Thank you for the many kind words. I'm excited to see that others enjoyed the build along too!
Aloha!
Ryan
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Ryan thanks so much for this thread it really opened my eyes to how much work goes into a bow.
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Fascinating so far!! Appreciate you taking the time to document the process.
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You're welcome Larry. I took about 500 pictures so far. I didn't want to repeat too many pictures but you should of seen the amount of sanding, cutting, shaping, etc.
Thank John!
Thanks for following along guys!!!
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gorgeous work! thanks for taking us along!
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After the 1st coat of thunderbird epoxy
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1099.jpg)
Sanding to prep for the second coat
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1106.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1108.jpg)
In the spray booth again
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_1113.jpg)
The bow goes through a process of five coats. Four gloss and one final coat of matte
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Keith,
When you have some down time with your bow, send the handle back to me and I'll take care of that edge at N/C. I always like to hear feedback from guys that shoot my bows, I've made several changes over the years based on customer feedback. You'll get to see a couple more when the new catalog comes out in February.
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Sounds like good customer service to me..... :thumbsup:
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Ryan
Im envious..your living the dream of many :bigsmyl: good looking bow..looks like Im gonna have to get on the list for one of those fantastic bows..I shot my buddy Bill C. longbow that he won for the naming it and I love that bow and wanted one everysince... so now Im gonna get one..if it was a lefty I wouldve bought Bill's but Im gonna get a one that handles a static recurve and a longbow limbs..thank you for taking us on this journey with you...very much appreciated :clapper:
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You're welcome Jim!
Art, Thank you for the kind words and you're more than welcome. I've always wanted to do something like this and thanks to South, I was given the opportunity. That hybrid handle is pretty cool, it's the one that I've been using all year.
Gang, let me know if you've got any other questions about the bow build along or the prototype static limbs for the original riser. I'll be more than happy to answer them.
Aloha!
Ryan
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Excellent thread. I am always amazed at how much there is to learn about our bows and trad archery in general.
Great work! :thumbsup:
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Hey South, I'm still waiting on a 1-piece curve, those Static limbs would be very nice on that 1-piece Longbow Riser. Just Saying, RW
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It was great to follow along on this. Seeing the process is a real learning experience. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
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Awesome! Thanks to Ryan and South for taking the time to show this whole process. Hopefully next year at the Colorado Traditional Archers Society Shoot there will be a few of these new designs there to check out. Maybe a three piece around 62" long and 58#@28"....I'm just saying, that would be cool.... :goldtooth:
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Great thread...and I know form personal experience that South has some of the best customer service you are going to get. He really wants you to be happy with the bow you get from him.
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You're welcome gang!
Troy, it was an eye opening experience for me!
Hey Charlie,
He also has a test drive program and even mentioned that he may send out a prototype for TG members to try and give feedback.
Thanks Bill!
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Hey GANG,
I left Stalker Recurves last night. South had finished prepping for another coat. A few more days of sanding and reapplying thunderbird and the bow should be finished. If everything goes as planned, I'll have pics by next week of the completed bow.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0512.jpg)
Flying home wasn't as exciting as flying over but I did "cut it close". First off, the whole time there, the only days that fogged in was when I flew in and the day that I needed to depart. With the way things were going with that airlines, I decided to call to check on my reservations. The agent told me that there was no record of my flight home! After digging deeper, we found out that because I didn't make my connecting flight, they just cancelled the rest of my trip! Fortunately they were able to rebook my trip home. My first flight ended up being delayed and had five minutes to get to my connecting flight. Luckily I made it on time but my luggage didn't. I'm just hoping that they don't loose my Stalker caps!!!! But all in all, I was just glad that I didn't have to stay overnight in the airport!
Thank you to everyone who has shared in my experience at Stalker Recurves! I'll be posting pics as soon as it arrives!
Aloha!
Ryan
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Thank you again for taking us on this trip with you..really a big eye opener and it shows what a fantastic bowyer can do
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You're very welcome Art!
Not only is he a fantastic bowyer, but he's an all-around great guy! :thumbsup:
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Great job....can't wait to see that static laying across a goat or a pig....I know it will happen!! A big thanks to South for showing the whole process!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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I'll second everything Ryan has said about South. He is the real deal and is genuinely concerned about his customers and products. Give his bows a shot, they are a great bow and are getting better you won't be disappointed :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by steadman:
I'll second everything Ryan has said about South. He is the real deal and is genuinely concerned about his customers and products. Give his bows a shot, they are a great bow and are getting better you won't be disappointed :thumbsup:
I will vouch for the same thing.
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Wow! Thanks for the offer. I will gladly do that. It's a real shooter and my buddies are really excited about how it will turn out. Thanks!!
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Thanks Ryan !!!
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Thanks Ron! I can't wait to take it hunting!!!
You're welcome Blake! Great to hear from you!!!
Aloha!
Gang
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And that is why I will never attempt to build a bow. Too much work. These guys are talented for sure. It is a beautiful bow and helping build it adds to the mojo.
Custom bows are not cheap but this shows why they are worth every penny.
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Originally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
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I am truly amazed by the amount of skill that's needed. Pretty cool process. Bowyers deserve every penny!!!
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Ryan
Yes sir, and you've helped show why with this great build-along thread Ryan.
Thank you for taking the time to show the pains a bowyer goes through for their product and customers. I look forward to future posts of yours about this bow and the hunts you'll share.
I'm sure South is just as happy with your input as you to have been in being able to provide it.
Excellent thread!
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you made a great report Ryan,thanks so much for taking us along and sharing all those pics.
I see one of his static in my near future,it is since the CSTS High Country Shot in Colorado that I am figuring out what I need.
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Ryan, the only way that bow will look better is beside one of those Island Oinkers!!!
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Great thread, not sure how I missed it. Your bow is going to be beautiful! Thanks for the build along.
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Thank you Mark! and yes mojo for sure!!!
I appreciate the kind words Bud! That's one of the many great things about South, he definitely values his customer's input.
You're more than welcome Felix! Take care and keep in touch!
Ed, I agree with you 100%!!!! :thumbsup:
Thanks Tod, I'll be sure to post pics once the final coat dries.
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Hey Ryan, if your Stalker caps don't show up let me know. I have a couple around here I can loan you ;) I'd offer some t-shirts too but they would be a tad too large for you.
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The pics are awesome. I think a trip to South's is on my bucket list now! I love my stalker, but there is only one bad thing. I keep getting in trouble shooting it and not helping out the wife:)
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Most enjoyable topic. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
.........Philip
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LOL Mike! :biglaugh:
Thanks Andrew!
Glad you enjoyed it Philip!
Aloha Gang!
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Ryan, broke in my new-to-me Stalker Longbow Saturday. Picked up the Hope bow South made. Your thread got me fired up. I tuned some arras up and hunted with it for like 5 minutes before I got a shot :) Great thread! Enjoyed it very much!
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I think I need a stalker cap and then a stalker shirt but most of all a STALKER bow..thats been weighing heavily on my mind since Ryan posted this imformative thread..I have read it and looked at pics honestly 50 times so far...arrgh Ryan why you have to do that...LOL plus when I shot Bill C. stalker longbow..I loved it especially with his endless on it..so QUIET and quick..cant decide which one I want..longbow limbs or the static limbs...Dang Ryan..you causing me restless nights now...LOL
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That's awesome Mike! I just saw your story. Good going! I sent you a pm. Take care bro!
Sorry Art! ;)
Endless string? What type of end serving did it have?
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Ryan it was a ts1 skinny string with old school nylon and beefed up halo with small and I mean small wool puffs and that was so quiet like a Flemish string. Bill C would know. I like Flemish myself and I might make a endless out of 8190 for my current longbow. Another sleepless night thanks to you. Lol. Thanks buddy
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Thanks for sharing this with us.A great post and a beutiful bow.Enjoy!!!!!!!!
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LOL Art! I know the feeling of sleepless nights....
Thanks for the info on the string. Let me know how the experiment with the endless goes.
Thanks for the kind words Scott! The final coat goes on tomorrow. It's just a matter of time...
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Hey Ryan, just go ahead and post those pics of that new beauty, ain't like I'm jealous or nuttin' already, lol.
Besides I'm not sleeping either but I ALMOST caught a few winks last nite and I need something to keep me awake so I don't slip up. :help:
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I'll get some pics up, hopefully tomorrow, as I box it up for shipping. Ryan's draw weight is just about right at my length....maybe it won't make it to Hawaii..... :dunno:
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Outstanding thread. Beautiful bows that shoot as good as they look.RC
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I think you need one Robert :) I hear that bow is headed to UT? :)
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Thanks RC!
Hey South, I'm patiently......WAITING!!! :D
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Im jelouse Ryan ! Id love to someday visit South and better yet share the woods with him someday ! Im dreaming I guess, but stranger things do happen ! LOL
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Ryan,
After getting a little side-tracked, I have your bow in a box and headed to the post office today. Here are a couple of teaser pics for you.... Hope Staci hasn't been taunting you too much shooting her bow in front of you!
(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n583/bivyhunter/IMG_4666.jpg)
(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n583/bivyhunter/IMG_4652.jpg)
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Hey Nathan, you live if whitetail country. Better watch out, my wife is addicted to whitetail backstrap. If you hear a knock on your door late at night one November, it might just be me with a fist full of whitetail tags in my pocket.... :goldtooth:
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Great bow, you have some awesome bows to your name South.
What are the specs on this bow? In the pictures of the bow being shot, it doesn't look like the limbs are even close to being maxed out on draw length. Do you have to strengthen the tips on the static more than in a traditional recurve? You don't have to answer, just curious.
Really cool thread, thanks for sharing.
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Man that turned out nice!! Can't wait to see what it does to some island pork :thumbsup:
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Nathan,
Dreams do come true buddy! ;)
South,
I hope you sent it next day air! :pray:
Actually, Staci has been giving me the "evil eye". I've been shooting her bow more than her over the past two weeks. Even took it hunting, I had to sneak it out of the house! :goldtooth:
NormanDale33,
It's a prototype 56" and it actually turned out 57". It's 54# @ 26". We scaled the bow to 29". The draw force curve seemed good out to 28", started to increase at 29". The testing was very informal though. More testing to come. South currently reinforces all his limb tips with micarta and a propriety material. Nothing extra was necessary for the static tips. Please feel free to ask more questions.
Ryan,
I'm hoping to take it elk hunting! ;)
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Bow should be here any day now, so I decided to twist up a new string.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_2949.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_2950.jpg)
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Beautiful!
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Thanks Keith!
Well, It finally arrived today! Here's a quick unstrung profile sitting next to the "hybrid" static.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_2957-1.jpg)
I'll be sure to start a new post on my informal findings about the new static limbs for the original riser.
Thanks again everyone!
Ryan
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Thats a nice stable of bows Ryan ! Im planing on puting in a order for my 3rd Stalker after the first of the year, probably going to be a Hybrid Static with copper head skins !
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3rd Stalker! Sweet! The Hybrid is a "shooter" for sure! Would love to see those copper head skins on that bow! I don't think I've seen a snaked Stalker yet. Please be sure to share some pics!!
Aloha!
Ryan
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Those Stalker bows are looking more and more beautiful every time I see one! I love those lines! And if they shoot as good as everyone says...
Thanks for the posts Ryan! When are you guys gonna do some more videos! I love your videos on youtube. Learned a lot and enjoyed! I use your tie on knock knot on all my bowstrings. The slcing the pie video was also very illuminating. I always think about that now when Im moving through the landscape.
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Thanks Marley,
As for the videos, I'm going to be working with South on getting some up on his website. Hopefully we'll be ready by the new year. I'll be sure to keep the Gang posted!
Aloha!
Ryan