Trad Gang

Title says it all.  I have 5 kids (don't know what caused that till later in life..hehehehehe)..

Since I started building bows a couple of years ago I have been watching my kids enjoy them.  So for christmas this year, they are each getting their own.  I usually build take down recurves, but decided for the kids, one piece recurves would be the way to go.

Each one has it's own design and woods!  so this should be fun.  I got number one in the oven now.. so here are some pics of the work and follow along.  Hopefully I can get them all done it time!!!!!

Thought you might all get a kick out of this pic to start with.  This is my Grandfathers archery club from the 50's.  He has passed now, but my grandma gave me the photo when she heard I started building bows.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/GrandpasArcheryClub.jpg)

What a great pic.. wish I was alive back then.  Seemed like a simple way of life.  I know they still had there problems, but technology did not add to them.  O well, on to the work.....

First off went to the local Hardwood place up here in Northern California.  I live the foothills of the Sierra Mountain range just below lake Tahoe.  Beautiful country.  Makes me want to build stuff.  Picked up a chunk of hard Maple.  4" wide by 1 3/4" thick and 10 feet long.  Only 30 bucks... what a deal.  I had some 2x2x2' exotics left.. Bocate and Purple Heart, then hoped on line and ordered some Zebra Wood, Bloodwood and fiddle back maple.. You will see!

I got 3 20" blocks for handles out of my 10' then used the rest for the lams.  Set up the band saw and started cutting away.. cut up 14 - 1/8" strips of the hard maple at 1 1/2" wide.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_0766.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_0759.jpg)

Here is the lam grinder I built.  Once again standing on the shoulders of others.. I found this baby on line.  Works great.  I take the 1/8" strips and grind them down to .50 or .60.. or what ever I need.  I bought a tappered lam a ways back from Binghams and use it as a template to do tappered lams as well.

Then I lightly glue my exotic wood to the maple blank where I am going to joint the two..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1802.jpg)

This pic is of the purple heart I am gluing now, but did the same thing with the Bocate.  Then on to the band saw to cut my pattern.  With the 12" bandsaw I easily cut threw both pieces at the same time to ensure I am getting the same cut.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1794.jpg)

Then I clean up everything with Acetone.  So the Bocate, black glass accent and the maple. Stir up some Smooth on and let er' dry.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1796.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1797.jpg)

Then I take it and belt sand everything smooth

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1799.jpg)

Alright ready to cut it up on the bandsaw.

As I had posted before, cutting thru the fiberglass will ruin your blade.. so sick of buying blades.. but will figure out a better way.

Here is a pic of the form I designed.  A big thanks to Swissbow for the ideas and templates to get started then made a few changes to fit my needs.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1795.jpg)

I then cleaned everything with Acetone again and layed some seran wrap on the form.  Put masking tape on the fiberglass and glued it all up.  I put glue on each side of each piece.  Rather waste a bit of glue than to have a bad glue joint.

Then got some rubber bands and inner tubes and got it all attached.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1800.jpg)

Here is my cheaply built oven.  Insulation boards from home depot.. 12 bucks each and 3 100watt light bulbs.  I throw a digital temp gauge in it so I can see where I am at, but works great!!!!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1801.jpg)

So it is now baking away in the oven and should have more pics of bow #1 tomorrow.

Hope I can help someone else with there build as I have learned so much from you guys on this site.

Thanks!

Wow, have fun and thanks for posting pics.

-Jeremy  :coffee:

im watching...you taking adoptions?

Go Go Go!!!!  Sounds like a busy December!

"I got number one in the oven now" thought you said you already had 5  :knothead:
this is great cant wait to seem all finished and together. Hope to see PICS of them been shot on Xmas too.

No adoptions...LOL.. 5 is enough.. Hey, wasnt' that a tv show.. ohh, 8 is enough... anyway....

Lot's of fun!  Epoxy looked good and hard when I turned off the shed power at 8pm tonight.  Can't wait till tomorrow to unwrap and start shaping.  That's my favorite part.

Nice one KellyG... hehe.. NOT THAT OVEN.. we fixed that problem.  LOL
Will do on the Christmas day shoot.  Hoping for good weather that day.  We are getting a bit of snow tonight.
My mom asked me what I wanted for christmas this year.. I said a 3D target!!! Yeah baby..

Man I love build alongs   :thumbsup:

Alright.. more done.

Pulled it out of the oven and sanded off the excess epoxy on the sides and removed the tape.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1804.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1803.jpg)

Not to shabby.. I taped it back up to protect the fiberglass and so I can draw lines on it.

First off I threw a laser light on it to check for straightness..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1806.jpg)

Looked good.  Just a hair off.  My form split a bit down the middle.  Not sure why.  Maybe the oak was not 100% dry like I thought.  So I need to re work the form a bit or build another one with MDF.

Then found a string to throw on it.  It is about 2" to long which is perfect for the first string up.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1809.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1808.jpg)

I put the scale on it and it seems to be pulling around 28 lbs.. perfect for the older kids.  Strong enough to toss arrows but not so hard as to wear you out after 5 arrows.

So next step was to make some cuts and start with the shaping.  After I got to a certain point, I epoxied a piece of Bocate on the front.. so now she is drying till tomorrow!

I found a bit of a limb twist on her after string up, but very small.. so can be fixed with some tiller and nock finesse.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1810.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1811.jpg)

See you guys tomorrow night!

Looks like a merry Christmas at your house.  The kids will be very happy, of that I am certain.  Dad might be a bit tired though.  Really nice build along, thank you for sharing with all of us.

That is a real nice looking design on the bow as well.

Thanks Jess..

I might be a bit tired at the end.. but dang, I love working with wood.  I started building my first guitar.  On hold until after christmas.. but that has been fun also.  I also want to try my hand at knife making.  How cool to have a maching knife with your bow...SWEET!

Just picked up an old Rockwell lathe. big boy.  I think I need to make a pool cue or two and a couple of chess sets.  Dang.. I need to win the lottery so this work thing can go away...hehehe.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Very nice job ! I bet the kids will be very happy at xmas. Looking forward to see more from that one and the other four still to come.
Thanks for the build along.

----------
Andy

Thanks for the compliments!!  So much fun.  I don't do well sitting around watching TV.

Okay.. so did not get a lot done tonight, but got some done.

First started building the second bow's handle.

I had lightly glued the purple heart onto the bottom of the maple.  I use Tight Bond 3 and only apply about 5 dots.
Then to the band saw to cut it up.
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1812.jpg)

My favorite blade for this got hashed cutting thru fiberglass, so I had to use another blade.  It cut's okay, but leaves marks.  So I had to do some LIGHT sanding.  To much sanding and the two pieces will not match up.

I cut a piece of white fiberglass from the lam piece and sand it down on the smooth side.  Then cleaned everything up with Acetone.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1814.jpg)

Mixed up some smooth on snot and applied..
Then I set it on the side and slowly go back and forth with the c clamps.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1817.jpg)

Then all the way.  I wipe of excess epoxy to check the fit and I lift it up and check the bottom to make sure it did not slide up on me.  It usually does so I give the smaller piece a couple of wacks with a mallet to keep it level.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1818.jpg)

Since I had some glue mixed up, went a head and got the tips on the first bow cut and cleaned.  I like shapes so cut a piece of the Bocate in a shape I liked then cut some Phenol in another shape.  Roughed up the surfaces and cleaned with Acetone...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1813.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1819.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1820.jpg)

Then I set all the pieces around my fireplace for drying tonight!  I need to make a mini heat box for the risers.

We shall do some more tomorrow night!

See ya tomorrow!

Looking good

I'm really liking this one. Nice job so far. I really like that tip idea.

They're coming along real nice.  Please keep posting pictures.  Your doing a great job.  Tim

Thanks everyone!  I did not get much done last night.. just to damn cold here.  All I did was get the extra material on the tips sanded down then my toes got cold.

I need to pick up a heater for the shed today.

This is cool to watch!

Okay.. Got some more done this Holiday weekend.

First off for bow #1...

Was working a way on it...

Got the tips roughed in
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1836.jpg)

Was sanding a way on the handle.. decided, it was time to shoot it.  Stung it up and, wait a minute.. I can't get the arrow in.  Why is there a wall in my way....????

Son of a B*(&^..... I made a left handed bow.. I can not believe it.  I was having so much fun doing everything, I did not even realize I cut the window on the wrong side...  I forgot to reverse my new pattern.  All my old patterns say which way is up, but because this is a whole new bow.. forgot to think about it.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1838.jpg)

Hopefully that will help.. UNREAL.  Of all the stupid things to do.  Well.. here is the pics of the bad boy as I am putting up on a shelf for now.  I will finish it up.. maybe sell it or find someone that is left handed.  It pulls 30lbs at 28".. shoots good.. as far as I can tell.. hard to shoot a left handed bow with a right hand.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1834.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1835.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1837.jpg)

What a bummer.. she was turning into a beut!

On to Bow #2..

sorry to hear that. It's still a cool bow and I bet if you tried hard enough you could find a child that could use it.
looking forward to more. Good stuff.

So I set up my home made lam grinder again and made my tappers.  Here is a few pics..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1822.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1823.jpg)

So I bought a tapered lam from Binghams.. and made another one from it.  Then use that as my template.  I put my normal lam.. this one I ground down to .065.. the set it on top of my template.. adjust the grinder and slide it thru..
Now I have a tapered lam to throw into this thing.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1825.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1826.jpg)

I get everything together.. set up the form.. and clean everything again with Acetone.

I put some seran wrap on the form..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1829.jpg)

Then I tape up the smooth side of the fiberglass.  This time I am trying two layers.. see if that helps during removal.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1828.jpg)

Mix up some EA40 smooth on and away we go..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1830.jpg)

I get the long fiberglass and long lam glued up and throw it on the form.. the put some epoxy on the riser... put it in the form and C clamp it down.  Then epoxy the short lams.. one side at a time..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1832.jpg)

I use rubber bands just to hold it all into place, then use the inner tubes as a final to get the sinch on it.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1833.jpg)

Throw the unit in the oven and wait 5 or 6 hours.. my oven gets to about 150 degrees.. so I let it sit in there a bit longer than 4 hours.

tick..tock.. tick .. tock.

Actually I did this first this morning then while this one was in the oven, I was working on bow one when I found it as a left handed bow...UHGGG.

So pulled it out.. the double tap did help.. was a bit easier getting all of it off.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1839.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1840.jpg)

This bow is for my only daughter.. We have 4 boys and one girl.. so the purple heart, white glass and I am going to stain the maple pink.. should look really good.

So tomorrow I will tape up the fiberglass to help protect it again and start the shaping.

This time will cut the window on the right side..LOL

Learn from my mistakes.. mark everything and double check all before you cut!

Looking good

Great build along and don't worry to much about the 'lefty' you made. I guess we all had those moments where we wanted to slap ourself in the face...

----------
Andy

this is a great Thread.....thanks

Thanks for the complements everyone... just my way of giving back to everyone on here that gave to me.  

Reading these build alongs is how I learned to build bows.. I did not buy a kit or books.  Just read up and emailed a few people.

So I am hoping that I can help some others out there get into it.  Lot's of fun.

Will be getting off of work soon and can't wait to work on the bow some more later today.

Okay.. got home from work and started heating up the shed.

Meanwhile in the bat cave.....

I put another layer of tape on the fiberglass.. want to protect that glass as much as possible plus be able to draw on it.

I throw the laser on it again.  You can do this with a string as well, but really like the 5 dollar laser from harbor freight.. a string can still get manipulated.. light can not..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1841.jpg)

oooooo.. ahhhhhh.. laser light show..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1843.jpg)

Now this is a very important step.  If your form is just a hair off.. or you sand down a bit more limb while getting the excess epoxy off.. this is where you can fix it.  So I mark my center line with the laser light.. then trace my patterns..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1844.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1845.jpg)

As you can see, I have one limb twisted just a bit.  But because I see this now, I can cut it accordingly and all will be right with the world.

My form has issues.  I am going to build another form out of MDF this week.  The all oak form was not 100% dry yet.. it keeps twisting after the heat box.

Now off to the shed to sand and cut.

First I do the limbs.  I cut a little off with the 9" bandsaw that has the used blade then use the belt sander to go the rest of the way.

Then I swap blades in the 12" band saw and use the fiberglass blade (AKA - the dull blade) the cut out the window and shapes

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1848.jpg)

YES... the window is on the right side this time.. how dare you ask...LOL

Then I use my portable bandsaw to cut the rest of the window out.  First time I tried this.. worked great!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1849.jpg)

Here it is with all the rough cuts.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1851.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1850.jpg)

Then I take it back to the belt sander and smooth some of that all out.  Then I cut up my nock pieces and a thin strip of purple heart for the face.  Throw some epoxy on it.. clamp it and throw it under the fire place for the night.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1852.jpg)

So for tomorrow.. do some nock work and sting her up for the first time.. then sand, sand sand.

Here I got my pup to play dead by the bows..hehe

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1846.jpg)

Looking good. And I would never insult you and ask if you cut it the wrong way or for me the right way.    :cool:  
What a bear dog you got there.    :scared:  
OOOh its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Bradford,

I have heard of problems with MDF when used for forms.  MDF apparently cant take the heat.  IT was a hose style form so you may be ok. I would just hate to see a problem creep up on you and have not said anything.

Sorry about the dead dog.     :D  
pete

Yeah.. I have heard of that as well Pete.. but I have been using an MDF form for my take down limbs using an air hose and have had no problems.  I wonder if the problems arise from the form not being put together well.  I glue and screw the snot out of it.  But thanks for the heads up bud!

Yeah.. the dog was not so sorry.. was a chance to be in front of the fire and close to "dad".. so he was happy!

Okay.. got a little done today.. was a family day.

Worked on the tips and general shaping.

Here is the tip after glue up...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1854.jpg)

After belt sander...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1856.jpg)

Then I read somewhere of this trick.  I put the string up on it as straight as I can see it.. then make my initial grove..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1857.jpg)

I use a hand file to start the groove then use my dremel with a chain saw sharpener bit..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1858.jpg)

I find that I have more control over the hand file for the initial set up.. then once a small grove is there I use the mighty power of the dremel to speed things up.

Then I put the string in the first grove and bend it down.. make sure that the string is centered in the back and mark my lines..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1859.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1860.jpg)

Then rough sanded into shape..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1863.jpg)

Tips take so long.. but a needed.  I like the odd shapes.. helps give a zing to it in my opinion.

Then for shaping.  I start making my window/side groves with the dremel tool.. I mark my lines where the hand (fingers) will land.  Then make a small grove with a drum sanding bit on the dremel to get a "trench" going.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1853.jpg)

I just keep working the "trench" deeper and wider and keep going.

Then I bust out the power drill with a larger drum sander on it and start making more of the grip..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1855.jpg)

I will also use 1" belt sander paper by hand to start shaping.  

Here are some pics...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1864.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1865.jpg)

So, that is where I stopped for today.  We got the christmas decor' out and started in on the house.  So it truly is starting to look a lot like christmas..  Cheers' everyone..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1871.jpg)

looking good brad,

Is that a Dremel or a Foredom?  My dremel gave out a few years ago.  I have since obtained a Foredome instead and wow what a difference.

pete

I have 4 dremels.. 3 plug in and 1 cordless.  The one has the flexible shaft, the other is a variable speed.. then I have one fixed speed that I put a mini planer on it..   I love all of them.  I have never used a Foredome.. will look into that.

I did not get the chance to work on the bows tonight.. was my wifes and I 19th anniversary.. so went out to dinner and did some Christmas shopping for the kids.. But I did get some wood in the mail today...

Got a piece of Bloodwood... Zebrawood and fiddle back maple.. what awesome wood.  Purchased from Bell Forest Products.  Great quality.  I would recommend.  Good pricing as well.

Congrats on the anniversary!  Sadly, many couples don't make it that far any longer...  My wife and I will hit 20 in January.   :)  

Bows are looking great BTW!

Congrats on the Anniversary, I am over 17yr mark myself. I can't wait to wee you put that new wood too use.

Looking good

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1875.jpg)

It's so pretty.. there is a tear in my eye! LOL

Thanks all.. yep, 19 years.  Having 5 kids probably helped some.  It is a thing these days.. all our friends are on thier 2nd marriage.  My wife says I can leave, but she will hunt me down.. soooo.. good enough for me.  I'll stay!  LOL

So I got an email for more info on my home made lam grinder.  Here is a few more pics of it...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1874.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1872.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1873.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_0759.jpg)

So nothing to fancy.  Bought a 4x4 piece of 1/2" MDF.  Cut it up to fit the belt sander.  Used glue and a nail gun to put it togther.  Then used a piece of Hicory for the table piece.  You don't want anything that bends or your lam's will not be even.  I used an eye bolt for the adjuster..

The sander sits on the top of the wood at the bottom.. make the supports wider than the sander.. then the table is on a hinge and fits right inbetween all the goodies to hit the sander section.  I use springs to give some resistance to the bolt for adjusting.

I will run my lams twice.. one time one direction, then flip it over and do it again before I adjust.  This just insures that it is all even before I move on.

Hope this helps.

Okay.. got some more done finally.  
Got the other nock finished up and strung it up!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1876.jpg)

The extra time to laser light and center paid off.. NO twist even with the form giving me a bit o hell.
So what I have read worked!!!  AWESOME.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1877.jpg)

This one is going to be for my daughter.. it is pulling around 35lbs.  I might have to lighten it a bit by sanding the edges a bit on the limbs.  We shall see.  Nice tight draw and feels even.

I love how light weight these bows are compared to my take down bows.  Lot's of fun.

Then I made my self a sanding stick...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1881.jpg)

Took a piece of hickory and cut it down to 7/8" wide.  Then used some contact glue and glued the paper to it.  This works great for the window and shelf area.

Did lot's of sanding on the handle then moved on to the other handles..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1883.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1882.jpg)

I had glued the blood wood to the maple the night before.  I just put a few dots of tightbond and let it dry over night.

Draw up my patterns and a way we cut..
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1878.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1879.jpg)

Take it nice and slow.  This is a one cut deal.  You mess up and then it is a real pain to make the pieces fit.

I LIGHTLY sand and try them..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1880.jpg)

There might be a little of a gap here and there, but that is why we do an accent piece.  That help absorb the gaps.

So got that part glued up and under the fire place and got bow #1 hand rebuilt and glued and it is under the fire place also.

So bow #2 almost there.. bow #1 being redone and bow #3 is now under way.

I just ordered strings from a guy on **** and ordered the rest of my glass from Binghams.

More work tomorrow night!

bradford,
Now how many is that so far 2 righ hand and 1 left or was that just 1 of each so far. Either way looking good. Can't wait to see them all toghether.
God Bless,
Kelly

One left hand and one right.  I put the left hand up for now.. will finish that one after christmas.

Almost done with the right hand bow.  Just need to finish sand, stain it and seal it.

Got the riser put together for the redo- of bow #1 and the riser put together for bow #3.  Got some of the wood cut up for the riser of bow #4.

All the wood lams have been cut and ready for all the bows.  I have the glass in the shed for bow #3.  Waiting for the order to come in for the fiberglass for bow 4, 5 and 1 redo.

Great build along. I have picked up a few ideas from you. Thanks for sharing.
I feel your pain on making the lefty. I know someone that did that same thing.;^)

Man they're really coming along nicely   :thumbsup:

Thanks guys.  I tell you, it is hard to be at work all day when all I do is think about getting home and working on the bows.. every day I come up with designs and ideas.. not enough time and money to try them all.

Glad to have given you some ideas Greg.. that is how I got a lot of mine.. just by internet searching and this forum espacially.  Then the good old trial and error.

I was just looking up tools to put on my wishlist this year!

great looking bows! i really like the left handed one. hehehe. your kids will love them

Yeah... I like the left handed one also.  That is why I was glad I still had some more of that bocate wood left.  Those grain lines in it are awesome!

So got the other part to the riser #3 glued on last night..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1884.jpg)

Now it is ready for sanding and cutting.  I love how it looks like such a mess right now, but in about 15 minutes worth of time it will look like a nice riser.

Then sat in front of the tv and started finish sanding.  I use rasp, 60 and 80 grit paper to get into shape.  Then I bust out the 100 grit to get the heavy scratches out.  Then I worked with a small piece of 150grit.  It is really coming along.  Next step will be the 200-300 grit then finish.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1885.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1886.jpg)

I plan on having another one (maybe two) glued up this weekend.  I have the glass for one more.. hoping the glass for the others come today.

your daughter is going to be really happy! that looks like a great bow. Can't wait to see all five of them finished!

Wow....lookin' good  :thumbsup:  .  The kids will love 'em.

 Thanks for doin' the build along, it really helps watchin'.  It helps seein' the same thing, basicly, done 5 times.  It takes me about that many times before it sinks in  :campfire:

Had a christmas party to go to last night.. but look what came in the mail yesterday!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1893.jpg)

Been real pleased with Binghams service these last couple of orders.  Been real quick.  So now I have all the glass I need to finish up.

Here is the risers I was working on.. I don't go crazy sanding them right away.  Since there is so much cutting and shaping, no need to remove excess material.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1887.jpg)

I needed a few more rubber bands for the press so went to CVS and picked up a couple more inner tubes..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1894.jpg)

These are 2.99 ea and work great.  I am sure other tubes work good to, but in my area it is just to easy to run to CVS rather than a bike shop.  So I use my scissors and cut out the stem and cut along the edges.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1895.jpg)

And Wah...lah... two bands per tube.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1896.jpg)

Then I cut and sand the riser I am going to lam up..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1889.jpg)

Put it in the form and check for accuracy.  Don't forget to check the front and back.. you might not be square on the bandsaw or sanding.  I have a few small area to re-work.. so I lightly sand the high spots and get it to fit the form pretty darn good.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1892.jpg)

I use an excess piece of wood and feather up the fades.. nice and thin.. ready for glue up!

Clean everything with Acetone.. I will repeat this step over and over so you all remember to clean.  Better to over clean than to have a de-lam problem!

Mix up some snot...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1898.jpg)

I seen guys on here use a spreader.. I found that using this metal roller holder works awesome.  I picked it up in the painting area.  It is for those small foam painting rollers.  I find when spreading the snot, it does not build up behind the shaft because of the round shape.  Easy to clean and reuse.  I likey!

Spread some epoxy (aka.. snot)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1897.jpg)

I glue up the two long lams on the bench.  Then glue up the riser.. put those in the form and lightly clamp it down.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1899.jpg)

Not to much pressure.. want to be able to move stuff around.  Then add epoxy to the lams on one side of the bow and get those rubber banded in place.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1900.jpg)

I have some rubber bands that I picked up from an art store.. they work great for the initial band.. not to tight but snug.  I can still move stuff around before final banding.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1901.jpg)

Then bind it up good with the inner tubes.  This being my third, I now know where to apply extra pressure to get a good clamp down.  Get it all done and throw it into the heat box..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1902.jpg)

Now time to eat some lunch and get the next bow ready for glue up tomorrow morning.

Nice thing about final sanding is I can do it in the house in front of the TV late at night.  I just tell the kids I am building these to sell them.  So we are all good.  When I finish one completely, I will hide it in my shed and say I sold it!

Well, after "lunch".. went back to it for a bit longer.

Here is the bow out of the oven and un-banded.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1908.jpg)

no movement at all.. which is a good thing.  No spring up.  All the lines look good thru the celaphane.. but we shall see when we start sanding.

While the bow was in the oven, I set up the lam grinder and made some shorties for a handle and got two more bows limbs ready to go..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1904.jpg)

Here is the set up ... Caro walnut and maple..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1905.jpg)

Glued that up with epoxy and thru it in the oven with the bow...

Sanded up and here are the limb veners I made for this.. love the grain.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1907.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1906.jpg)

So the handle will have stripes over all, but then a cool pattern with Fiddleback maple.. I think this one is going to be really awesome.

And to think the idea came from what I had laying around in the garage.  I am building a guitar out of Caro walnut right now and had some left over.. this was the only way to make it into a handle..

I think it will look trick as all get out when cut and shaped.  We shall see!!!

So I have everything ready for another bow to go into the oven tomorrow!  Cool!  That will be 3 baked.. 2 to go.  (Yeah, yeah.. 4 baked if you count my left handed ooopppps..)

Time to kick back, watch some christmas shows and do some final sanding on bow #2.

See ya all tomorrow!

Can't wait til tomorrow, I bet the way that wood will fade into each other is going to make a purty bow.
thanks for leting us follow along

Well.. had an interesting day.

I sanded off the excess glue of yesterday bake and took the tape off.  (By the way, two passes with the tape does make it easier to peel off).

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1914.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1915.jpg)

So all good here.  Re-taped and did the laser centering.  This one was almost spot on.  Very nice.  Marked everything up and moved on to the next bow..

Got everything put together and thru it in the oven.  Had to run some errands, in which one of them was to pick up a new toy..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1913.jpg)

I was up late last night hand sanding bow #2.. and man did my fingers hurt.  So I remember some one mentioning the "mouse".. I think this was a great buy.  Comes with convex and concave attachments.. nice point.. this should make some fast work of finish sanding.

Anyway.. to the interesting part:

I took the bow out of the oven.. and ..
Why is some of my bands off????

Take it out and found out that one of the dowels broke and allowed the bands to get loose.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1918.jpg)

and the result:

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1917.jpg)

So bummed!  Sooooooo...

This bow is for one of the younger kids.. so only  shooting for around 22lbs or so.  Figure it is worth trying to fix it first.

So I peeled up as much of the de-lam that would come up easy.  Then sanded it.. not easy..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1919.jpg)

Mixed up a little epoxy and turned the oven back on.  Jammed the glue in there real good..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1920.jpg)

Clamped it up and tossed in back in the oven.  We shall see.  I really hope it is salvageable.
Any thoughts from any one????


Moving on to the next bow....


Went ahead and marked up the next riser.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1909.jpg)

hard to see the pencil marks on the walnut.  The I cut my fiddle back maple to length.. and line it up.  I just put dots of glue (tightbond 3) and set the riser block on top of the accent wood.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1910.jpg)

Set some weight on it.. and wait till tomorrow to make the first cut.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1912.jpg)

Then took bow #3 and started some basic shaping.  I use the belt sander to sand down the limbs to shape.  Easier than using the bandsaw.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1922.jpg)

Here it is after..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1923.jpg)

Then I do use the bandsaw with the "fiberglass" blade and cut the window and form..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1924.jpg)

And that will just about wrap up my night.  I will pull the bow out of the oven in a few more hours... hoping that the repair works.

Bradford,
tough break I think you figured it out though. I like the sound of the wrap you posted. I dont have any ideal if it will work. Only one way to find out. You would have to put a few hunderd arrow thru it yourself to see for sure.
I can't wait to see what you do either way I get to see you do it and will learn along with you.
Thanks for sharing sorry I am not much help,
Kelly

Yeah.. I think the wrap might do it.  It's fairly closed up and the fade is still glued.. So now with the new epoxy.. if I was sand down about 2 1/2 to 3" of area top and bottom of riser (so it matches).. then do a layer of epoxy.. wrap it with leather lace.. I really think at only 20lbs.. and only around a 25" draw.. it will hold up for quite a while.

Your right.. only one way to find out.

Needless to say I will be building a better form this week before next weekends glue ups.

bradford,
could you just replace the wood dowels with rebar, or some other metal pegs.
Kelly

That, or I thought of just putting in 1/2" dowels instead of the 3/8".

This is an awesome buid-along.  I have a 4.5 YO daughter I want a bow for.  She sits on a bucket everyday and watches me shoot and ask for her own bow.  I may try to build her a laminated board bow. Brandford do you build kids bows to order or is just a hobby for you?

George

I would love to build you one fedora!  That is my ultimate goal.  I am really pumped!  The local hunting store wants me to bring some in to the store for him to consign!

So pm me or email me and let me know what you are thinking of!

The dowels in your form would be easily replaceable with lengths of 3/8" steel rod, or 3/8" x 6" bolts.

These would not break under the tension of your bands. (Unless you have some REALLY strong bands   :scared:   )

I utilized bolts in my form, as I was concerned about dowel breakage, when I first built it.

I am preparing to try building a form for a summer attempt at a lam bow.  Has anybody tried big lag screws or maybe even bolts through the form for the bands?  At least they wouldn't break??

Just a thought.

You can Scrub.. would not hurt.  But the metal bolts will get hot if your oven is doing 170.  I can hardly touch the c-clamp.  So I would worry a little about the bands being on the hot metal.  1/2" dowels will work fine.. I have used them before.  I just happen to have the 3/8" dowels laying around and decided to use them.  I will up grade to the 1/2" and all will be well.

Okay.. so cleaned up bow #3 (the problem child).. this is what it looks like:

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1928.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1927.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1929.jpg)

Does not look to bad.  I then traced my patterns and made my rough cuts.  I think I will be able to salvage it.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1930.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1931.jpg)

I did my laser light for centering and it did twist a bit getting loose.  I will post those pics later.  But because this is the lighter weight bow, it wont be a problem.

Also got the first fiddle back glued up. .will do the second part tonight.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1925.jpg)

Things are comming along!

Wonderful thread, Bradford! Keep up the great work and Merry Christmas!
Stan

Thanks red!  

Okay.. so here is the pic of bow #3's limb after center line is found:

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1932.jpg)

You can see how much it moved around from that band comming undone.  Nice thing is, you can fix stuff like this.  I always try to build my bows a bit wider than plan.. this is why.  Corrections can be made if need be.  Some of them come out just fine and others need a bit o help.  So after a grind down:

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1936.jpg)

Looks straight again.  Now this was a good bow for this to happen to, again because it is for one of my two younger kids.. so less pounds is needed.  I used the same lam stack as the other bows and figured I would achieve target poundage by thinning up the limbs...

Also finished up the glue up of bow #4 riser:

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1933.jpg)

This is going to be a cool looking bow!!  My goal is to glue this one up on Saturday.

I did some final sanding on bow #2..  Used the mouse!  WOW.. what took me hours to do by hand, took 10 minutes!  Awesome tool.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1934.jpg)

So it is now ready for the pink minwax stain I picked up.  I tried it on a scrap piece and it looks good.  You brush on the stain, then wipe it off.. You get a pink hue but still see the grain.  I will post pics later!

Then did some more work on bow #3.. got the window cut out and started sanding the "trench"

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1935.jpg)

This bow is looking good with that blood wood.  No stain for this bow.. I like the red and light maple contrast.  And with the black glass this one should really pop.  I am still going to add some leather lace by the fades.. I think it will fit this bow really nice for an ole timie look, plus add some extra strength.

Then glued up the face accent bocate to bow #1 redo..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1937.jpg)

So moving along.  My bow strings came in the mail the other day.. so I have everything to finish up.

Thanks for everyones input and encouragement!  this is a lot of work but very fun.  Plus I am learning some neat tricks to help speed up things without loosing quality.

Ok Bradford,
I get confuese to easy so that is 1R  not 1L. They are really looking good. Your kids are really going to have a great christmas.
Kelly

Hey, I like that!!!  Yes from now on it is called Bow #1R!...hehehe.  Great way to help keep track.  Thanks.

The goal of these gifts is to get them the heck out of the house and off the darn video games once and a while!  I think they will likey!

I know it will. My son (16) love to hunt. My daugher(14)not so much. She loves to fish. I was picking on her and made a joke that if I found a lime green bow would she hunt and she said yes. I think she does not know you can make bows any color. hehe. I just want to get her to shoot in the back yard with my son and I. She will shoot BB guns, so I think a bow will work also. I know you will get them out of the house. make it a game who ever can shot x target get does not have to do the dishes or what ever. Next thing you know you are always doing dishes, wait that back fired.
Kelly

LOL.. that's great.  Yeah, my daughter is 17 and loves to shoot.  They all ask to shoot my bow in the summer time after I have been shooting for a while.  I think she will shoot more now that I made a bow for her and the poundage will be more her fit.

A couple of my kids are dead ringers man.. makes me mad..LOL... I work my butt off to get an x!  Then the middle son walks up and 'twack'.. an X.
It's cool!  Lot's of fun.  I am going to try to make a course around the property this year with like 4 or 5 different targets.  Should make it fun.  Although that means buying arrows all the time.

Heck get to makeing them too, that could be fun you get a bundle of those non spined or weight. The get some of the pretties feather you can and paint and let them have at it. I would love to see what he little one might come up with. LOL

I thought about doing arrow.. for the kids at least.  I personally don't like wood arrows.. I find the carbon just shoot so true.

So did some staining last night on bow #2..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1940.jpg)

Looks pretty good.  Was a little dissapointed that the stain did not cover evenaly.  I think next time I will use a dry rub... colored charcoal ground up.  But, this is not to bad.  I lightly sanded it with a super fine sandpaper.

Then I heated up the purple heart with a heat gun to bring up the purple.  Be carefull when you do this.. the wood shrinks.. I had to fill a couple of small gaps with super glue.  I left the gun on a few spots just a hair to long.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1941.jpg)

But overall I think this bow will look really "pretty" when I put on the tounge oil.

Also did some shaping of bow #3..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1939.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1938.jpg)

Man that blood wood is hard!  The shape is not exactly what I normally like, but because I had to cut off some of the bad glue areas, but it will work good for my younger kid.  It is almost looking more like a stick bow because I made the handle so skinny.

So, I am not 100% happy with bow #3.  So I am going to set that one aside for right now.  I happen to have 1 extra set of glass.. so I will see how everything else is coming along and decide a little later if I will re-do a bow #3.

I got new larger dowels for my form, so need to get those in.

I got the riser cut out for bow #4.. I love the looks of this.  The walnut and maple have a great contrast.

http://s383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/?action=view¤t=100_1942.jpg

Then I started the trench and some shaping of bow #1R.  Got tired fast last night, so did not get as much done as I wanted.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1943.jpg)

I started getting wood together for bow #5.  Got some limb lam's cut up and was deciding what pattern to do the handle in.  I have zebra wood for this one.

I think I will hit my deadline, just got to keep at it.  I don't think I am going to use Phelonic on the tips for the rest of these.  I don't for see us using fast flight strings, so no reason to.  Very time consuming shaping that stuff.

Thanks to all for following along!

Here is that pic above.. don't know why it did that..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1942.jpg)

Alright.. got to do some work today!

First off fixed my form.  Added a few new screws and replaced the dowels.

 (http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1946.jpg)

I lay a large straight edge in the middle.. looks good!

 (http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1944.jpg)

Then got parts ready for glue up on bow #4.  You can see how much gunk comes off the wood when you use Acetone to clean everything.

 (http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1947.jpg)

I got bow #2 strung and shot a few arrows.  Shoot real fast.. feel's snappy.. a little bit of hand shock, but I think that is because how small and light weight they are.

 (http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1949.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1950.jpg)

It will need to be tuned a little.. but I was at least grouping them.

Then got some more shaping done on bow #1R.. starting to look real good.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1948.jpg)

Finally got bow #4 out of the oven and stripped down.  Looks good.. can't wait to see it all shaped up.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1953.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1951.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1952.jpg)

So a productive day.  Only one more bow to glue up.  Still have a couple of weeks left!  Doing good..

This is the first i've looked at this thread.  thats a great little recurve design you have there.  Going to be lots of happy kids in your house.  Great job.

They are coming along nicely. Can't wait to see what you got planned for 5.

Well Kelly.. since you asked..LOL

here is the first cut .. need to glue this part up tonight.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1956.jpg)

Since this bow (bow #5). will be for my 10 year old, I am going to stain the maple blue and it will have white glass.  I think it will look pretty cool doing the blue and white theme with some zebra wood thrown in!

I got bow #4 shaped up and looking good..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1954.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1955.jpg)

And here is the line up as of now...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1958.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1959.jpg)

I guess I should of thrown in bow #1L.. So there is 5 total.. One more to glue up.  I think I can save bow #3 and still make it look good..

But having fun and learning how to really make a sweet bow.  You learn a lot doing 5 at a time.  Each one has a little problem.. nothing major, and now I know how to correct all these issues and make a really sweet shooter.

So I was so encourage by the above photos, I added in the left hander as well!!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1960.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1961.jpg)

Thanks for the prompt responce. They are all looking good. I like the lefty.

You are a machine!! looks very nice!

A machine indeed!  I'm tired just following your posts.

Now that's a nice line up ! Fantastic work, Bradford.

----------
Andy

Still keeping up and loving it.  This may be what I needed to move from making board bows to laminated.  They are awesome.   :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone!  It has been a lot of work.  But the learning experience is worth it.

I have been learning tricks to make things faster..

I have been learning things to make a better product..

and over all I know what  my capabilities are when building a bunch at once.

So back at it tonight after work.  Need to start wraping these things up.

So last night got a little done.. more gluing.  That is really what eats up a lot of time.  If I where to calculate actual work hours, it probably would not be that much.. but the fact you have to glue this or that and let it dry up.

Got riser #5 part 1 glued.  Then I tack glued the second piece to it for tonight...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1971.jpg)

Then cut some material and glued the tips on bow #4... let that set up over night.  Then this morning sanded them down..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1972.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1973.jpg)

So tonights work will be to cut and glue the second piece in to riser #5.. then glue the tips on bow #1R..   Maybe some sanding if I feel up to it!

Getting there!

ooooohhhhhh so close, I am smelling the barn from here.

LOL.. a real barn burner eh Kelly!.. I like it.

Very close.  Getting excited to start seeing some Tongue Oil on these!

Can't wait to see all lined up again with bows on the bows.

Shawn

Alrighty then..

Got the tips shaped on bow #4..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1976.jpg)

And put on a small accent of the front of bow #4.. still need to shape it up a bit more..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1978.jpg)

Also did some finish sanding with the 120 grit.  Just about ready for finish sanding and clear coat!  Yeah!

Also got the tips ground on bow #1R..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1975.jpg)

Went basic on this one.. all black.  Black glass with black phenol tips.  My oldest likes the black!  I need to get this one finish sanded so I can stain the maple black.  Think it will look cool.

Also got the second part of the riser finished up on bow #5..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1974.jpg)

Need to finish cut that one up and get it ready for glue up this weekend.. keep forgetting that this is my LAST weekend.. I need to get moving!

Then I did a bit of finish sanding on the pink died portion of bow #2.. the stain was a bit thick in a few areas.  So sanded it down and will water down the stain and give it one more coat.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1977.jpg)

Getting there.. I think I will just make it.

Tomorrow will do the tip sanding on bow #1R.. need to glue the tips on bow #3 then do more finish sanding!

Got the tips roughed in on bow #1R.. then worked on bow #4.. got it finished sanded with the 220 grit... I will do a little touch up, but feels smooth as a baby's bottom!!!

Got it strung up and looks good.  I have not put the scale on it, but feels to be right around 28 to 32.  So perfect!

Here are the pics.  I will get the finish on it this weekend!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1980.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1981.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1979.jpg)

So got everything ready last night to glue up my last bow.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1982.jpg)

Had to work today from 10-4, so had enough time in the morning to get her glued up and in the oven.  I left the lid open just a crack so the heat box will hover around 140 instead of 170.  When I get home I will let it cool and sand off all the excess.

Also was thinking that I might squeeze one more in.  I already have all the stuff to make a take down recurve... so my dad might get a new bow for christmas as well.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1983.jpg)

I bought the 2 quart size of Smooth On for this adventure and it has really paid off.  After 5 bows, I have only used about a 1/3 of the stuff.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1984.jpg)

And I also got a couple of coats of Tounge oil on bow #4 last night.  Looking sharp!  I will get a few more coats on tonight.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1986.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1985.jpg)

You sure you don't some elves helping you out. LOL. Doing a great job, its is going to be merry Christmas at your house.

No elves, but the wife does ask how "santa's sweat shop is doing".. LOL.

It's a race now.  Less than a week left!

This is terrific! You've got me printing off Bingham's catalog and looking for laminations for a bow now.  Surely I could squeez out one bow if you can spit out all those.  Which all look great, by the way.
Good job.
Stan

...Are you willing to sell bow #4? It's absolutely gorgeous. (I'm just joking about buying it--too low a poundage) Can't wait to see all of them finished. Your quality of work is fantastic

Bradford,
Looking good and now you want to add another bow. You are a machine I say a machine.
Kelly

Go for it Red.. you can do it!

Thanks John.. didn't that wood combo turn out AWESOME... I am going to build my self one with the same wood combo with higher pounds!.. I like it.

Thanks Kelly.. I know.. We will see.  Need to finish these 5 first.  In fact, just taking a break from the wood shed.  I got Bow #1R final shaped and sanded.. just need to go over it with the 220 grit.

Also got the stain on bow #2 touched up.  It will be ready for Tung oil tomorrow!

Got Bow #5 cleaned up and re-taped.  Will mark it up tonight and do cut and rough shape tomorrow.

Busy - Busy

Wow.. worked late tonight!!!!

So here is bow #5 out of the oven and excess sanded off...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1987.jpg)

Then went back to bow #1R.. finished sanded it up.. strung it up.. pulling 35# at 28".  Then did an Antique thing with the maple.  I used a minwax express color stain.. onyx and wiped it on.  I have not been real thrilled with the stains.  They do not cover as well as I would like.  But, it still looks good enough for the kids.

Got the first coat of tung oil on it!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1988.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1989.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1990.jpg)

So tomorrow  More work! =)

Nice work to say the least!!!!   :clapper:

looking good soooo close!

Even closer tonight!

Got bow #5 all shaped up..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1992.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1991.jpg)

Got the tips gluing on Bow #3 and Bow #5 under the fireplace

And, started working on the take down for my dad!

Here are the wedges I had to make real quick..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1993.jpg)

Got one limb built and in the oven right now.  Will get the other limb in the oven tomorrow.

Got tung oil drying on bow #2.. Bow #4 is done!  just need to finish buffing it up.

Bow #1R is on it's second coat of tung oil.

I tested bow #2 before I applied the tung oil, and it pulled at 35# at 28".  

So I think I am going to make it!!!!  Very productive weekend.

Okay... got one limb done on the take down.. here it is sitting next to the riser..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1994.jpg)

Need to get the other one done tomorrow.. then bolt the up.. center line them and trim em up!

Here is the line up..

Two under the fireplace curing, 4 against the cupboard and the take down!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1995.jpg)

This is a really cool thread.  Gonna be some real happy kids and FIL come X-mas AM.  Shoot me a PM if you need a home for the lefty.    :thumbsup:

Worked real late tonight.. still lot's to do.

Got the other limb built for the take down...

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1996.jpg)

Need to get that bolted all up and centerlined..

Then got the tips done up on bow #5..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1997.jpg)

Completely finished bow #4..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1999.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2000.jpg)

Then had a bit o' problems with bow #3 again.  The area I fixed separated again under the heat of the fire place.  So pealed it back again.. and trying it one more time.  I am going to wrap it with leather lace and epoxy as well tomorrow.

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_1998.jpg)

So.. getting tired!  But it will be worth it.

I also used some steel wool on bow's 1R and 2 and added another coat of tung oil.  Those should be finished up tomorrow or Wednesday.  I finally got the finish to cure over the Bocate.. that oily wood kept the finish tacky.  But left it on long enough and then rubbed it out.  Going to look good!

Looks good- Might as well build at least 1 more since you have time-lol- just think for the firing line christmas morning!

Thanks!  I actually am going to hold off on the take down till after christmas.  Getting a little in over my head.. hehehehe

I put the limb bolts in and found that I need to make some minor adjustments to the limb pads to make the limbs flat.  So.. time to put on the brakes.. I don't want to rush it.  My dad's birthday is in January, so I will finish it up after christmas and he will get a nice bow for his birthday.  Went out and bought him some gifts for christmas yesterday!

Got the blue dye on bow #5.. will clear coat it tonight.

Also epoxied the leather lace on bow #3 for looks and additional support.  Worked till midnight last night.  Will be close to done tonight without doing the take down!

one down and looking great, tic toc tic toc getting close, but it looks like you are going to make it.

Is that leather or cork for on the rest of #4?

Acutally it is craft felt.  I figure I would use that first till I get them all shooting good, then swap it out later with some real fur.

But the craft felt is self adhesive and has multiple colors

Okay.. almost there!!! YEEEEE HAAAAAW

Got bow #2 and bow #1R done!

Check out these cool pics.. might be pics worthy of my website I want to build!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2002.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2005.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2006.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2008.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2009.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2011.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2012.jpg)

Also got bow #3 and #5 sanded, stained and first coat of tung oil on..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2013.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2014.jpg)

Wish I had one more week!  I could finish up that take down proper as well.

That is the way it is!  But these are going to be great!  Lot's of fun.

The kids stare at them everyday and ask why I want to sell them...hehehehehe.
I already hid bow #4 and told them I sold it!  That will throw them off the trail.

HoHo HO.

Wow.... pretty much sums up my impressions....

Dedicated stuff.... inspiring and educational... Thanks.

Much Aloha and Merry Christmas to you all...  :archer2:

Great fun watching this post, have you got the thirty plus arrows your going to need done??  :coffee:

Dad you're a slick santa    :clapper:

This is awesome.  I have read a bunch of build-a-longs and this has to one of the best.

I have some questions, but get the bows done first.  I will ask later.

Thank you for this Christmas present to us!

Have a Merry Christmas, but I don't feel like I need to say that... it will be one.

Feel free to ask away.. I am going to have a boreing day at work.  No one is going to come in a buy carpet from me a couple of days before christmas!!!  

Thanks everyone.  Can not wait to be 100% done!

That look great. I can't pick a favorite out of the bunch. I like the added limb wraps on #3.
One more week you got one whole day that is all you need you machine.
Merry Christmas,
Kelly

So questions for now...
1.) How do you align the laser light?

2.) Do you center it on the riser the best you can first?

2.) How do you hold the laser above the bow?

2.)  How did you stain the blue without getting it on the other wood?  It is a great contrast BTW.

The laser I got already shines in a straight line.. so that is set.  It has a magnetic bottom, so I use a dial indicator base to hold the laser over the kitchen counter.  You could use any metal piece to do this.

Then I mark the bow's centers based off of measurement.. so if the bow area is 1 1/2".. I will make a little line at 3/4".. This is only for reference.  But yes, mainly I am looking at the riser center and let the limbs end up where they may.  I had a few of the bows where dead on.. and a couple that where about 1/8" off.. but just trimmed it up that way and all was good.

I taped off the wood/fiberglass with masking tape.  The side of the limbs I just sand down the fiberglass when I am done.. the stain will come of the fiber glass.  It's a pain in the but.. but yes, that blue/white/zebra wood does look cool.  I need to find a stain that covers more evenaly if possible.  But it still works.

Alrighty...

Got bow #5 and #3 done!  Here are the pics..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2018.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2017.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2016.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2015.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2021.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2020.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2019.jpg)

So HOHOHO.. I will get pics tomorrow of all 5 lined up and the kids shooting them!  They are calling for rain, but in the afternoon, so we should be able to get some arrows in before the rain.  Heck, we a resilient bunch, we will shoot in the rain if not heavy!

Wow that blue one wild!!!! and they're all nice   :clapper:    :archer2:

They are beauties. Merry Christmas

The blue one is for my 10 year old.. I think it fit's him perfect.

I liked the way it came out.  Sometimes its fun to something a little different.  I love the look of natural woods, but getting some color in them looks good to!

Thanks everyone.. will post some pics tomorrow!

Looking at this thread was like reading a well fashioned novel.  Love #4 and the blue and pink stains I love for the kids.  Props to you Bradford and can't wait to see the bows in action with the kids.  Kudos!

Fantastic job, Bradford. I'm totally amazed how you just produce one after another.

----------
Andy

No question on your talents... I like the grey one the best tho for me.... but if you was to give one away... I don't think no one would be saying... nah....  :)

Great works again...

Merry Christmas...  :archer2:

Thanks for the kudo's guys.. fun morning!
I hid the bows in a closet in the living room and after all the electronics and games where opened, I opened the close and started handing them out.. there faces where to die for!

Here are some pics!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2045.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2037.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2038.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2039.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2040.jpg)

And dad got a bit of Christmas to .. hehehehe

 (http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2046.jpg)

This little 3d fox is going to die tomorrow!!!  LOL.. as long as the rain lets up.  That was a terrific gift!

Also, I had this Diamond Liberty target bow on layaway at Sportsman Warehouse, and my parents paid it off!  Yippeee!  I am doing both leagues this year.. trad and compound!

Fun Christmas.  What was great, my dad saw all those bows and asked . .."wheres mine?".. he is in for a surprise on his birthday!  Cant wait.  To much fun.  And looks like I might get a couple of bows on commission for folks.. Thanks guys!  That helps pay for this disease..I mean, hobby!

Bradford, You might want to get the compound pick off your thread before they pull it  :rolleyes:  

No compound picks allowed on Tradgang!!

Great thread   :bigsmyl:    :thumbsup:  

Tracy

Merry Christmas Glad you made your dead line.Talk to you later,
Kelly

great job! I had a blast watching this one for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Dave

I' am new to the site and still learning all about it.  I love the build along and yours was one of the best I have ever seen.  I' am sure that the young ones are very proud of the bows.  The bows were great and your comments were to say the least on line.  I love the print on the template, Red would be proud of you.

Thanks to everyone for following along and the great input and compliments!  It makes it all worth while.

I hope I was able to show a few folks some tricks and how to's.. hope some of you where able to learn from my mistakes so you don't make them.  And hope all in all I was able to inspire someone.  Inspiration can crush depression, improve self worth and over all make you feel like you have a mission in life.  So everyone get out there a build!  I think I do it more for the idea that I might not have use of my hands in years to come due to my arthritis, but until that day comes, I will build, I will create, I will dream and keep moving forward.  Happy Holidays to all of you!

A few more pics from today after the rain stopped..

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2048.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2050.jpg)

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2049.jpg)

Poor Foxy.. got an ear piercing on this one.  My youngest nailed him square in between the eyes.. had a good laugh on that one!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2052.jpg)

And, took the time to clean the humble little shed where all the magic happens!  Ready to make some more!

(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo273/timberwolf177/5%20bow%20build/100_2053.jpg)

My personal learning experience from this....

Again this was a new bow design for me, so....

1.  I like the air hose system better than bands.  I feel, for me, I get a tighter glue line and it takes less time.  So I will build a new form for air hose.

2.  Doing more than one is actually kind of nice.  You can be working on one while the other is curing.

3.  Take the time to make sure your wood and form are all lined up and square.. makes less work later.

4.  The mouse sander by Black and Decker is one of the best tools ever!...LOL.  Saves time.

5.  Stay away from oily woods if possible.  They gum up the sand paper and make it hard for the clear coats to dry.

6.  I really like making one piece recurves!  I am going to make lot's more!  

That, I think, sums up the important points.

Bradford, you are an inspiration to those of us who procrastinate and are somewhat lazy. Great job and a great looking bunch of kids.
Merry Christmas

Congrats you get my vote for awesomest dad of the year.  

Shawn

Thanks for the build along.  Awesome job and I am sure the kids loved it.

Wow! I have enjoyed this build along!! You also get my vote for cool dad for the year! Now I just got to build me one of those!  Good work Bradford!!

Very nice job Bradford!!!!!!Your ambition is wearing off on me. Thanks

Great build-a-long, Bradford! Your kids look thrilled with their gifts.  Good job.
Stan

Awesome buildalong!

Thanks everyone!  Was lots of fun.  Getting ready to finish up the take down I started for my dad.  I will start a seperate build along for that one next week when I get back to it!

The kids love the bows!  They don't even take them to their rooms.. they stand them up next to each other in the living room so everyone can see them!  To COOL!