Months ago I asked Bill to make me a new set of longbow limbs for my SXT recurve. I have a short draw length and wanted a set of 58" LB limbs as I prefer a short bow. I gave him all the specs for the new limbs and tried to forget about it. Well a couple weeks ago he texted me saying my name was up and was beginning my limbs. Then a week ago he texted saying he had a special surprise for me. Bowyers enjoy doing that!
But this story actually began two years ago when I found a fantastic piece of Walnut and shipped it to Bill for a new Nitro longbow. He added a hunk of phenomenal Cocobolo he had and created a stunning (to me anyway) Nitro riser. However it had longer limbs on it and I never could get used to the length and sold it.
A few months later In a bow trade Bill got the bow back and put it away thinking he would hunt with it. Well he never did but often rubbed it in that it was in his possession.
Well Friday on his way down to the TN Classic he texted me letting me know to meet him at the highway to drop off my new "SXT" limbs. After talking to him and Tracy for a few minutes he went to the back and pulled out my new set of 58" LB limbs. I turned around and to my surprise my new limbs were connected together by the Walnut/Coco Nitro riser that I had stupidly let go a year earlier.
I've never wanted to kiss another man before but after I picked up my lower jaw off the pavement the thought very quickly crossed my mind. After some oohing and awing he pulled out his pocket knife, slit his palm and mine and made me blood buddy swear if I ever had the thought of getting rid of it again it would be headed back to Mt. Orab.
It never ceases to amaze me the goodness of TradGangers and Bill and Tracy Dunn are no different. Forever grateful!
Well what do you think should it go in the wood chipper?
(http://i60.tinypic.com/25akqba.jpg)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/o88nci.jpg)
(http://i62.tinypic.com/3022jhh.jpg)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/25f3l37.jpg)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/347fv5u.jpg)
Since he knew all along he was going to surprise me with the riser he knew he couldn't follow any of my specs I had given him with my original order and chose Curly Koa for the belly veneers. The backs are his new carbon lay up he has been working on and I'll let him elaborate on that if he would like. The first time I strung it I could tell this thing was going to spit them out as the pressure on my stinger was more than I've ever felt with any other design. I have about six shaft through them to this point and what I can tell you is they are crazy fast. More to come later after I get her dressed and tuned.
(http://i61.tinypic.com/15xsolw.jpg)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2cet3kp.jpg)
(http://i62.tinypic.com/2ec0ikh.jpg)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/k4ijkn.jpg)
(http://i58.tinypic.com/2hwllc9.jpg)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/ip36kg.jpg)
To me you can tell a great bowyer by his tips. Ive seen some very good bowyers that make a great bow but their tips just don't get the attention the rest of the bow does. Bills are second to none.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2rw976b.jpg)
That is sweet! How does she shoot?
Congrats Tom !!! Bill Dunn is one of the finest people I have ever come across. :notworthy:
Can't wait to hear more about this 58" Nitro. I kept drooling over your riser when I visited Bill's shop last month.
Bill
Great looking bow and that riser is gorgeous ;)
Holy cow that is an awesome looking bow!!!
Nice :clapper:
Beautiful piece of walnut and the koa limbs are stunning, congrats !!
:thumbsup: :eek:
Gorgeous!!
Congrats Tom. That is a beauty of a bow. Bill have out done himself again. Man if she shoots and performs as good as she looks, then you have a real gem on your hands.
Tony
That it one sharp looking bow
Simply awesome Tom!!
How about an unstrung pic after your fingers get sore from shooting today?!!
:notworthy: :archer:
That is a stunning Zipper! Those limbs match that riser perfectly. Even the carbon matches the black lines in the riser. Cool story too.
Love that riser! Those limbs looking awesome on it.
I met Bill and Tracy a few years ago and knew right away they were honest good people. Very nice story; thanks for sharing.
Wow, that is a stunning Bow! :archer2:
Man, you had me cracking up with that story! Very cool! And the wood combo is fantastic! Love the walnut/coco riser!
I would shoot it a few times before I sent it to the wood chipper.........
Tom, Great story and a beautiful bow! As you we'll know Bill and Tracy are awesome !!!!!!
QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
I would shoot it a few times before I sent it to the wood chipper.........
A few thousand times...
That is one of those pleasant surprises we all dream about. It is truly a beautiful bow.
Just a warning if you do decide to run it through the chipper...carbon fibre dust is hard on the respiratory system...make sure to wear appropriate protective gear
DDave
Looks great...Did Bill forget to put copperheads on the limbs :bigsmyl:
Bob
One of the nicest Zippers I've ever seen. Very elegant. Love that Koa.
That bow reminds me of my RER with a matte finish and wenge and blood wood riser with dark bocote veneers...I finally gave up trying to photograph it because pictures do not do it justice...great pictures of yours but I still bet it looks way better in hand
DDave
That's just awesome man. Simply impressive.
Wow TJ....you certainly have a stable of sweet bows for sure. Love that riser and those belly veneers...way cool bud! Congrats!!
That's one of the best looking bows I have ever seen. Zippers are one of the best. Congrats
Well Tom, I have a wood chipper here. Send it to me, I will show you the pile of chips :readit: ;)
I promise it will be your bow. ps you cant see the fingers crossed behind my back. :rolleyes:
Yes Tom that is a stunning riser and the new limbs add to it's beauty .... very fine set up
OK Bill.... the blood oath i can see... But you didn't let this guy give you a big wet kiss now did you? :eek:
I really like your flat finish ya got going there. This is the second one i've seen with that look.
Are you still squirting Thunder Bird epoxy? Nice job on the bow here... :thumbsup:
WOOD CHIPPER???? What? have you lost your marbles? :biglaugh:
QuoteOriginally posted by A.S.:
Simply awesome Tom!!
How about an unstrung pic after your fingers get sore from shooting today?!!
:notworthy: :archer:
Allen, here is one unstrung. By the way. This is an A.S. string. He made it with his new material. So far I really like it. Interested to see if it stretches at all or how much. Thanks Brother!
(http://i58.tinypic.com/33vl20k.jpg)
Congratulations. Awesome!!
I agree about the limb tips. Very important to me too. Congrats on a super nice bow. And a great story for sure.
MAN!
What a riser...a great time to be Kentucky TJ!
Very nice!
Bisch
Very nice looking bow!
:notworthy: :archer: [/qb][/QUOTE]Allen, here is one unstrung. By the way. This is an A.S. string. He made it with his new material. So far I really like it. Interested to see if it stretches at all or how much. Thanks Brother!
I hope that Rhino string does you good. I've been shooting it for almost a year now...very nice stuff!
QuoteOriginally posted by Bowbldr:
Looks great...Did Bill forget to put copperheads on the limbs :bigsmyl:
Bob
Bob, that was the original plan. Bill told me to shoot it for a while to make sure I liked the shorter limbs and then he would put the skins on if so. I shot it all day today and I really like them, but seeing as I had to pry it out of his hands the other day there is no way I'm sending it back to him now.
I'm going to send them to you when I'm ready to put them on for me just to be on the safe side. Haha!
TJ that's a beauty. Just looking at the picture says smokin arrow.
Congratulations!
Ray, I shot it all day on and off today. This thing is unreal. It is absolutely perfect for me.
Really love how the Curly Koa veneer looks with the Cocobolo and Walnut riser. Still waiting to hear more about this limb layup as well. Congrats again TJ !!! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. :thumbsup:
Bill
Congrats for your new beauty,Bill really makes everyone happy in look and performances.
I have hard time to let down my SXT.
I can't wait to see your skinned and thanks for the review,Tom.
quote:
Originally posted by Kirkll:
OK Bill.... the blood oath i can see... But you didn't let this guy give you a big wet kiss now did you? :eek:
I really like your flat finish ya got going there. This is the second one i've seen with that look.
Are you still squirting Thunder Bird epoxy? Nice job on the bow here... :thumbsup:
WOOD CHIPPER???? What? have you lost your marbles? :banghead: :biglaugh:
I went to T-bird myself this last summer and couldn't be happier with the stuff..... But i learned the hard way you GOTTA stir that stuff very well each time yo use it. I've got two cans of semi gloss right now about 3/4's gone that went SERIOUSLY flat on me. :eek: I had all the flattening agent settle to the bottom of the can.... oooops! I had to order some more high gloss to mix in with the remainder.
I've got two bows hanging in the spray booth right now with 6 coats on them that don't look like they have any finish at all..... live and learn eh?
I've had good luck with that light textured, non reflective finish myself. The hunters really like it...
TJ that's a masterpiece! Being a Zipper I know it shoots great. That bow has a great story behind it. I bet it will have blood on it this year.
That riser is beautiful. TJ what were you thinking selling that???Glad to see you got it back. Great bows and great friends. Your a lucky guy. :thumbsup:
Thats guys, yep its a true keeper this time. I have it tuned now baring the new A.S.string stays put. Allen and 1/4 away assure me it will.
Mike, Yeah this one has won the tree time this fall and shame on one if it gets within 15 yards.
You should be ashamed Tom....now I want one! :banghead:
I'm glad the string is working out for you!
ENJOY
Wow!! What a beauty! If you sell it to me, I won't tell Bill.
Man TJ, that's a beauty! Congrats Brother.
Really nice. I've got to check them out.
QuoteOriginally posted by Colotrad:
Wow!! What a beauty! If you sell it to me, I won't tell Bill.
Haha, that's true Steve. I'd have to get you to sign a keep your mouth shut agreement though. When I get tired of it I'll call you on a secure line. We won't be able to talk more than 60 seconds though at a time just to be on the safe side.
Beautiful bow, TJ!!!
I'm glad you got it back Tom! I had this riser for a short period of time but the 61# limbs I had on it were just to much for it. This riser is one of my favorites that I've owned, Bill and Tracey are great people and will work with you to make things right!