Well, Dave Johnson has begun work on my longbow and he sent me a few pictures of the riser. The wood is a nice piece of Bastogne walnut I got from IdahoCurt here on TradGang.
More to follow...
Won't be long now. It's fun when your bowyer sends some pictures of your bow in progress out of the blue. This time next week you should have it.
Here's the pictures:
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW002.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW002.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW003.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW003.jpg.html)
Alan, what sort of glass are you getting? I have toyed with having one built with the brown glass back and white belly. For a while I owned a Hill built by John Schulz when he was their bowyer with black back and white belly glass. I really thought it was neat but finally sold it as it was heavier than I could comfortably handle. Keep us posted on this project.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Most-excellent!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
A true artist.
That riser will look great.
Dave I'm going a little different on this bow and going with white glass back and belly. I've always wanted a white bow and so this will be the one... No doubt the brown back with white belly would be a classy looker and I'm sure Dave would be happy to make you a nice one!
Congratulations, Alan, you should be well pleased with Dave's work. As you can already tell, he's a real pleasure to do business with. I loved the e-mail and picture updates.
Be sure to post some pics of the final product.
Congrats!! :thumbsup:
Alan, you are gonna love the bow from Dave. I love my Hills, but when it is time for serious shooting, my Johnson red cedar bows come down from the rack.
How long will your bow be, Alan? Does Dave make a 68 incher?
Bruce, my bow will be 66" and 48-50 @ 28". It seems to me I read where Dave made a 67" bow for a fellow with long draw length. My other Hill-style bows are 68" so this will be my first at 66".
longerbow,
Dave built me a 68 incher. He did his usual fantastic job on it.
ok. Thanks, Alan and Jon
Dave emailed me to tell me he has taken my bow out of the oven...and that he uses the old style of gluing up a bow. I told him he has apparently mastered the old style!
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW004.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW004.jpg.html)
Another update - Dave has finished cutting out the riser and it is taking shape!
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/alansbow2002.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/alansbow2002.jpg.html)
And here is today's update...
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW3.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW3.jpg.html)
Looking very, very nice....
:campfire:
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Looking good!
I'm on Dave's list, can't wait to hear from him. Burt
Dave sent me some more pictures including this close up of the riser showing the reinforcement strip he uses between the laminations - it is a strip of yew that he got from Earl Ulrich's widow many years ago. Based on the date on the wood (1960) and the growth rings he reckons that tree began life about the time of the Civil War! Some neat history:
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW4.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW4.jpg.html)
I love that little knot above the shelf....looks like an extra eye for getting on target ;)
Dave sent me an email telling me he had been in the backyard "playing" with my bow. Looks to me like his "play" is pretty serious:
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW6001.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW6001.jpg.html)
Really looking good, Alan! :thumbsup:
That's going to be a beauty when it's done! Good luck with it.
Well Dave tells me he's done with the tillering and has started putting some finish on...
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/ALANSBOW6002.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/ALANSBOW6002.jpg.html)
Can't wait to see finished.....looks neat so far!!
That's looking sharp, nice wood.
Alan, that is really tantalizing! Too bad it won't be in your hands by Baltimore next Friday (or will it?)! I would love to check it out, even if you do shoot on the wrong side of the bow. :bigsmyl:
Dave, I'll be pleasantly surprised if arrives in time - but here's hoping!
There is no doubt that at times I shoot like I'm using the wrong side of the bow... :dunno:
Saw your note about next Friday and will do my best to have it in your hands by then.
Oh, man, is that service or what?
That's Dave.
Love my DJ bow.
Bite the bullet Dave M and if you don't like it you'll probably have a buyer or two ready to pounce. ;)
Wow! Thank you Dave. That is more than I could ask.
Take note guys.
Alan and David, If you're going to Baltimore and want to check out a nice DJ I'll be there with mine. If you see some "old guy" with a white belly glass longbow come up and say Hi.
Hatrick, I'll keep an eye out for you. You don't by chance have a left handed DJ longbow do you? That would be expecting too much I know. :biglaugh:
Thank you Hatrick. I'll be on the look-out for you.
Alan-
Looks great! Thanks for sharing.
Now I really can't wait to get mine!
I wounder who Dave will calling next ? :pray: :pray: LOL Burt
my gremlins worked, just got off the phone with the Master himself!! He will start work soon,had to order glass. Burt
Alan and Dave, I'll be getting to B-more Thursday morning and setting up my pop-up camper next to Ed Long (Plumber) on the hill to the left as you come into the main camping area. If you get a chance, stop on by.
Burt, one of the great things about DJ is how he keeps in contact. Just an outstanding gentlemen to work with and I'm sure you'll love the finished product.
Hatrick, I'll already be there, Lord's willing. My wife and I are pulling out in the morning. We'll be in a Flagstaff pop-up and driving a black Nissan Frontier extended cab pickup with topper. Look forward to meeting you. But I'm going to feel left out if you and Alanboth have Dave Johnson bows! ;)
Well my beautiful bow was at the house when I got home this afternoon. Been busy packing for Baltimore (leaving tomorrow following work) so have not even strung the bow much less taken any pictures. Hopefully I will get it set up this weekend in Baltimore and get some good pictures. Man I love the walnut and cedar together set off by the white glass...
Alan, another beautiful Dave Johnson bow! It was so good to finally meet you in person after a few years of PMs and e-mail! That little gal of yours is a real sweetie. Clara stole the hearts of everyone who met her at Baltimore.
Hatrick, good to meet you in person as well! :thumbsup:
Clara had about as much fun as a kid could have inspite of her algeries kicking in. We sure enjoyed meeting several of the great folks here on TradGang and visiting with several of the bowyers. Alot of great advice and friendship shared.
Baltimore was a great time.
Alan, There's another one of Dave's bows heading to Connecticut.Should be here in a week or so. I wanted a little heavier than Dave will build now,so I had to go the used route.I'll post a couple pics of it here when it arrives,if that's ok with you.
Sounds great. I'll get some pics posted of mine here in the next couple of days.
Where do you live here in CT? I'm stationed at the Sub Base in Groton.
Ok,I'm hoping to have it soon. That riser on yours has to look great with finish on it.
I'm down in the valley,Seymour. My daughter went to Avery point for 2 years,so I've been to Groton quite a few times.
Alan and David, great to meet you guys at Baltimore. I hope you two can make it again next year. I think it's one of the best shoots around.
David, you were looking awful close at those DJ bows. Maybe one in the future for you?
:D Who knows???? Just would like to get my hands on a lefty to see how they shoot. We are SO discriminated against. :knothead: I could try Bud B's DJ if I could ever get to a shoot he is attending.
Come down to Sissipahaw in August. :thumbsup:
All right guys here is Ye Snowy Archer my Dave Johnson ERC longbow.
It is a beautiful combination of Bastogne Walnut, Eastern Red Cedar, a touch of Yew, and White Glass:
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2479.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2479.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2481.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2481.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2484.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2484.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2477.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2477.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2476.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2476.jpg.html)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/GEDC2474.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/GEDC2474.jpg.html)
Very Nice Shipmate! I love my Dave Johnson longbow!
Gorgeous bow. Very classy
Congratulations!!
Dave does some awesome work!
God bless,Mudd
That is pretty sharp!!!!!
Be-utiful,love that walnut riser, red cedar with that yew and white glass, saaaaaaaaweeeeeeeet. Congrats, let us khow how she shoots? :thumbsup:
Classic and full of elegance!!
:clapper:
Just thought of something...., you really need to take a pic of you shooting that bow in white pants, and white button up from a kneeling shot, but kneel in the towel......... Classic Howard there. Seriously you need to be wearing a Sunday hat and a bow tie while holding something that classy
Looks great!
Well, Alan, how does she shoot? :)
Beautiful riser wood and great specs.
Well, Dave, she really spits out an arrow - I was surprised at her speed. While the feel is a little different from my string-follow bows she is well-behaved at the shot with a slight vibration of the string much of which may get tuned out and I'm sure will disappear with string silencers. Accuracy (on my 7 yard in-the-garage range) is good and in fact I shot a few this morning before heading to work. If I do my part she is most willing to do her's - and she looks rather striking doing so. I was working on nock point last night and will try to finialize tuning this weekend as I hope to take Clara to the bow range so she can shoot "long distance" after being inspired by the event at Baltimore...
Clara sure did enjoy Baltimore! We miss her (you too ;) ) She is such a delight. Ellen often mentions that she had thought of Clara during the day while she would be doing something. I know she is a huge blessing to you and Rita.
Your DJ bow is striking in appearance. I know you'll enjoy shooting it.
Extrememly nice
Beautifully crafted, and very nice choices all the way around. Enjoy!
That is a beauty. "Ric O'Shay" has two of Dave's bows and swears by them. Congrats on yours. Good shooting and "Keep'Um Sharp". :thumbsup:
Probably one of the nicest Hill style bows I have ever seen.
Wow! That is very classy. Besides the praise for this bow and bowyer the question thats begging to be ask is what are the characteristics of Eastern Red Cedar? One lam of yew and multiple ERC. Never heard of it being used, but I am cheechako!
Really a sharp side profile look. I prefer darker lams compared to bright actionboo or bamboo.
~CB
Chromebuck - Here is what Dave says about red cedar.
"Red cedar bows have great response, are very light in hand and have been proven to have superior cast without a lot of hand shock. Many bowyers prefer other woods simply because it is so expensive to find clear pieces of cedar that do not have any knots or pins, but the rewards far outweigh the additional costs involved in producing a cedar longbow."
I have two of Dave's bows and would not take for either.
Chromebuck - I have two bows with ERC lams this beauty from Dave Johnson and the other a Hill-style blank I finished from Mike at 7 Lakes Longbows. I also have two bows with bamboo and I must say I have been very impressed with the feel and performance of the ERC.
If you like Hill-style bows you are missing out if you do not have a Dave Johnson ERC longbow. I have no doubt you will be impressed.
Thank you gentlemen. Again, very nice rig!
~CB
I got to see both Alan's and Hatrick's bows at the Baltimore shoot and they are both gorgeous. Although I wasn't able to shoot either bow, I was still impressed enought to call Dave and place an order. Should be here in about three months. God bless, Scott.
Thanks Scott. I will look forward to seeing your bow here on Tradgang and in person in Baltimore next year...
Hey Scott, I have to apologize again for you not getting a chance to shoot my bow. Since I just turned 60 I'm going to blame it on a dumb senior moment. Glad you're taking the plunge anyway and ordering a DJ. Love to see some pictures once it arrives.
Great seeing you and Tom at Baltimore. Maybe we'll run into each other at Sawmill?
Dave
Dave, your forgiven. I'm know what you mean about those senior moments. Your recommendation means as much if not more than actually shooting the bow. Take care my friend and God willing I'll see you at Sawmill. Scott.
Dave is starting to put the finish on my new bow,won't be long now.Burt
Burt, Please post some pictures of your bow when you receive it. It will help make my wait a little more tolerable. God bless, Scott.
I got home from work today and the bow was here. Very impressed with the workmanship.I'm whooped from work,so I only shot about 20 arrows out of it.She spits an arrow out pretty quick,draws and shoots nice and smooth.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/goshawkin/photo_zps470954f7.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/goshawkin/media/photo_zps470954f7.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/goshawkin/photo_zps79d8edbe.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/goshawkin/media/photo_zps79d8edbe.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/goshawkin/photo_zpsd742226f.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/goshawkin/media/photo_zpsd742226f.jpg.html)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/goshawkin/photo_zps7f5616aa.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/goshawkin/media/photo_zps7f5616aa.jpg.html)
My bow came today, I haven't been home from work yet to open it. :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: Burt
Very nice!
Just looked at the pics I posted.That's not a scratch in the limb tip pic,it's a smudge of string wax.
Nick, what's the specs
QuoteOriginally posted by Brianlocal3:
Nick, what's the specs
Brian, 82#@28" (only about 76-77# at my draw)
straight/very slight string follow
Thinking about getting some heavy hardwood shafts to launch out of this and another heavy bow I have.
Where did you find the heavy one? That's great bid, you have been looking for one or a while now. Great find
The bow was in Texas.I knew who had it and I offered to buy it. I'm very happy with the bow and I'm going to keep my eyes open for one in the mid sixties weight.
Sweeeet bow Nick!
I don't need another bow, I don't need another bow...that should do it for a few days :banghead:
Good job nick?!!
Didn't mean to not capitalize your name. *Nick*