Self bows, and building self bows, has really been giving me an itch. I made a few BBO's that turned out pretty good; but I began feeling the urge to get deeper involved with something more gnarly, and felt the need for some hands on with a pro looking over my shoulder.
So, my hunting partner-who has been feeling the same itch- and I headed up to Hood River, Oregon to spend a week with Ted Fry at Raptor Archery.

This area is an outdoor person's Mecca: hunting, fishing, windsurfing, year 'round skiing-you name it, and of course, bow building.

 

This is the view of Mt.Adams to the north and the Columbia River runs through thr town of Hood River.

The next morning we walk over to Raptor Archery, Ted is ready for us and suggests we start by shooting a few self bows that are there at his store. Adam and I grab a bow and get busy! Wow! What a blast!
Then we get busy discussing preferences, wood choices, and  planning our bows.
Along with all the items one would expect of a fully stocked Trad Archery Shop, Ted has absolutely every kind of bow wood at hand in any quantity you can imagine.........we came to the right place!

Adam decides to do an Osage character bow from this stave-imagine getting that in the mail?
I choose billets for a take down Yew bow.

Here's Ted Fry and Adam with his stave. This is a 10 pound chunk of Osage-the finished bow will weigh about a pound. 90% will end up as kindling on the shop floor. Adam's adventure is about to begin....does he look excited?

can't wait to see more

Bjorn, what an adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us. Memories for a lifetime. Flint

this is going to be a good one....

I have a feeling this is going to be another Trad Gang classic!          

Thanks. Good to have a virtual tour of Raptor archery. I ordered a dozen shafts and I'm waiting for them now.

Glad to see you're having a good time with your son Bjorn. Stay cool and make some sawdust...look forward to watching this!

I was thumbing through the pics and noticed that Ted keeps the bear-away spray next to a fly-swatter bear.    

I got a call from Ted this morning concerning his annual Texas Hunt(Feburary of 2009). I was surprised to find that Bjorn was there among others taking some bow classes. Sounded like they were having a great time and I hear Ted really knows how to teach Bowyery. I also see some bow blanks there I recognize. Good stuff! You guys keep the shavings flying!    


Just wanted to announce that Ted and I will be joining forces this year in South Texas to teach Bowyery(Ted's deal) and I'll be teaching bait-free hog hunting techniques that have been time tested in most any region. I teach you how to pattern hogs, bedding areas, finding the travel times, food sources and judging size and gender of hogs without seeing them. We;ll do evening hunts utilizing your new bows and newfound knowledge. These classes and hunt shall most likely encompass a 5 day period in early November. Hope to see you there. More to come. CK

I really like the start of this one!  

Bjorn,
Adam's smile says it all  

I was eyeballin' the glass case near the door. Where's my arrow?    

What a great family vacation! Adam does indeed look like he is loaded for bear, and will do that stave justice. I am looking forward to THIS tale!

Killdeer  

Adam and Ted scraping the back of the stave to the ring they want.

Hi Killy! Your arrow is much more visible here........it is six from the bottom-what a rogue's gallery of arrows........Vern Grable, Fred Anderson, Glenn St. Charles, and many many more.

Meanwhile we check out the alignment of my takedown

And I get ready for some serious material removal.

looking good on both bows.... More pic's

More pics-OK!
Jake is barely able to contain himself as Adam adds some finishing touches to his roughed out bow

The tips on my stave get Elk overlays


Just another day in Ted's office

You both are working to hard for jake to keep up...

Nice thread. I love buildalongs.    Jawge

Six is good...
My arrow is likely trying to keep a low profile in there amongst the great ones! I think I could just go in that shop and gawk for hours, or until Ted threw me out.

Those bows are shaping up very quickly! They are going to be some lookers, and shooters, no doubt.    

Killdeer

Hiya Jawge!
I was just poking around on your site today!

Killdeer