This is my first attempt at making a bow. I am shooting for a 58" 65#@28". I am using Zebrawood and Black Walnut for the riser and Black Walnut for the Limbs. Here is the oven and form I built. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160012.jpg) (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160015.jpg)
Here are all the lams laid out ready to glue. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160016.jpg)
Sanding the Riser pieces and checking for gaps. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160018.jpg) (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160020.jpg)
Riser all glued up. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160025.jpg)
Riser out of the oven and rough cut. The fun stuff starts tomorrow, shaping the riser. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160030.jpg) (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1160029.jpg)
You got it going on! Looks great,,nice shop!!
Thank you. I hope I can end up with a shootable bow by the time it's all done.
You will! then you will build another,and another,,!! :biglaugh:
Looks like you got the picture thing figured out!
Looks really good bro!.. great job. I like the riser design..
Thanks. I did some minor modifications in my down time today. I will have to try it out on the next one. Hopefuly it will make the fitting go a little smoother. It must have taken me 6 hours to get the pieces to fit together. I also changed the Bingam plan up a little. We'll see how that turns out. They are a little stingy with the epoxy. I will have to try to find a supplier here locally.
The kiddo's and a friend are wanting me to make them bows already, so I guess I will be making a couple youth takedown's and another one of these soon. What is your next one?
Tim,
It looks like you got a good start, keep us updated as it progresses.
Wow! Your first bow making attempt and you're tackling a riser that fancy. I sure wasn't that brave with I started. Looks like you know what your doing. Nice!!!
Thanks. I got a little ambitious with it. I figured if I was going to make one it was going to be a nice one. I just hope it doesn't snap in half when I finally pull a string on it.
Sure looks good to me, and the shop is sure set up nice. Congrats and please keep pictures coming.
if i didnt know better , i wouldnt believe that was your first. that riser is gorgeous , and those limbs look like they will be just as nice.
i take it you are a wood worker already ? thats one heck of a shop...
-0hov
Lookin really good, that riser should be plenty strong. I like to see some lamination in them, a single pc of wood can warp later. Don't even ask how I know this! ;)
Whew, just came in for lunch. Here is the Riser after a couple hours of sanding. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1170068.jpg) A couple more hours of sanding and I think I may have the riser done.
Yes, I am really nervous about making the laminated riser for my first attempt. I hope it doesnt come back to bite me.
Thanks for all the compliments guys.
i refuse to believe after seeing that last pic , that this is your first bow. that riser is a masterpiece.
if this is how you start , where do we go from here?!
-hov
Looking really good, you are well on your way to one really spectacular bow.
That looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing
Kris
That is outstanding for your first bow. ^5, Roy
Outstanding work! Keep it up and keep those pics coming.
Wow!!!!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Ok, a day of sanding and the riser is finally finished. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/DSC_3013.jpg) I cant wait to get the limbs finished and see what she looks like.
Yeah, I have no idea what to do for an encore. hahaha. Am I supposed to come up with a name for it or something?
Wow! That really is one of the best looking risers I have seen. Maybe you have a calling? Great job!
That riser is awesome....you are doing superb for a first time try....amazing.
Something tells me your "sand baggin" camoman! How many have you really built or attempted?
i had attempted to build a binghams bow many yrs ago. i failed miserably. yours is lookin great. ruddy
Sorry Pearl Drums, I have filled plenty of sand bags in my time but this is the first Bow I've ever built or attempted. I hadn't even thought seriously about building one until I started getting on these forums over the holidays. Maybe this is my calling. I have done woodworking for a while and already have the tools I needed, I just haven't been able to figure out what I wanted to build.
Hopefully I can make the limbs look good enough to match the riser. They will be Black Walnut with clear glass and I am going to try to put Zebrawood overlays on them. I'll post a pic when I get them done. Thanks again for all the encouragement.
I believe this is your calling then! Excellent work on that riser, it looks professional to me. I cant wait to see finish pic's. Keep em' coming.
Thanks. I hope it all works out, it was a fun process. Unfortunately I don't have alot of free time with the two kids at home. I have to take leave and get approval from the wife to spend time and money to do things like this. I think she may be onboard ater this one though. hahaha
im sure they will win awards.
i think you get YBF (years best first)
-hov
Sell a few for $500 and she will let you out in the shop all you want! Once I cashed a few checks my leash got much longer.
Cool, I didn't even know they had a contest. Sign me up, I never win anything. Hahaha
I don't know about selling them. I don't know a whole lot about marketing and if people would even buy them. Plus I could only make a handful of them a year.
QuoteOriginally posted by camoman:
I don't know about selling them. I don't know a whole lot about marketing and if people would even buy them. Plus I could only make a handful of them a year.
Thats what I do and it pays for all my hunting and then some. Plus I enjoy building every single one.
Shawn
Might be an idea if I can find people to buy them.
Just spent a couple hours out working on the limbs. Shaped them a little and put on some accents. Got it in the oven now. Will try to work on them tomorrow after work and get some pics up tomorrow night.
im sure once you been here for a while , your pm box will have plenty of orders.
if i had 500$ , id probably spend it on wood , but if i was spending someone else's money , id give you 500$ for that bow any day of the week.
-hov
Thanks, don't think I will ever sell this one. I believe if I had $500 I would spend it on wood now too. Hahaha. I am seriously thinking about selling a couple of the bows I already have to get bow building supplies. I really enjoyed building this one and am anxious to get started on another.
Here's the first peek at the limbs. Not sure how I feel about the zebrawood accent at the limb base. May skip it on the next bow. Gotta turn in for the night. Maybe I can get it finished up tomorrow with a little luck. Here's a pic. (http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1190075.jpg)
Any tips on how to give it a less shiny look would be appreciated.
Looking real good, accents and all!
Makes me think twice about a glass bow!
Thanks. I hope to get it finished up so I can try it out tomorrow.
Looks good. Blending that style of overlay into the limb is a little bit of a pain- but you have the skills. Your bow will be as shiny as the finish you use on it.
Any tips on blending it?
i dont do glass , but i would imagine using some sandpaper , masking off the limb so you dont scratch it , and just press your thumb on the overlay , then pull the sandpaper . i cut long strips of sandpaper into about 1" wide x 12" long , and sort of do a primate belt sander...
you should wait for advice from a glasser , they might tell you im completely wrong...and i may be...
i love the accents and limbs. we are dying to see it all bolted together im sure.
-hov
It looks like you beveled the overlay where it goes into the glass- which is a good thing. Tape off the glass and you can use either use a file or sand paper and blend them in- you'll want to get them thinned down at the ends some so they will flex with the limb and not pop up. Look up Marty's build along on doing tips-that one is very helpful.
I did bevel them, good eye, I cant even see that in the picture. I was wondering if I need to thin them out, I kinda thought they might pop up too.
The wife just called and said I have to watch the babies tonight. Looks like it will be pretty late before I can get out there and do some work, unless I can convince them to help me. hahaha. Good think I took off the next two days. I will put some of this advice to work tonight and post up some pics when I make some more progress.
Oh, I did make some "Rookie" mistakes so far,
Didn't put anything on the pressure strip when I glued the first limb and had to pry it off when it came out. Fixed that on the next limb by putting plastic wrap between the limb and strip and waxing the strip.
When I glued the tips on, like an idiot I put a piece of wood on each side so my C clamp wouldnt dent up the tip. Well of course they were glued to the limb when it came out. hahaha. I had to sand them off.
I also missed a few minor spots on the riser when final sanding. You cant see it in the pics and can barely see it in person, but I'm pretty picky and I know they are there. Definately be patient and methodical when sanding.
Here is the finished Bow, just needs a string and I will be out shooting it tomorrow.
(http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/DSC_3021.jpg)
(http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/DSC_3029.jpg)
(http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/DSC_3027.jpg)
Looks really good bro.. great job. Guess the kit was a great way to get yer feet wet.
Now you need to be dreamin' up designs and types of woods that look good together... hehehe.
Bet you can't build just one!
Great job
Yeah, I'm pretty much hooked. I learned alot. The limbs came out a little darker than I expected but over all it turned out good. I'm dreaming up my next creation. I think I will sell the next one. I like the design I came up with on this one. I will probably stick with it for a while and then I already have an idea of another design for later. Thanks for all the help!
Nice looking bow. I haven't tried a glass bow yet. Maybe someday...
Ok, here is one with the string. Last one will be shooting it. Hope everyone liked the pics. Who's building one next?
(http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/SavageX1.jpg)
Camoman,
If you build a few of these and give them to friends and relitive as chirstmas and B-gifts it will be like the field of dreams. If you build it they will come.
Plus you get all that practice in and with practice come perfection.
Looks good I may have to try them glass ones someday, after I learn how to make a wood one,
Kelly
It was definately a new experience for me. I will be making more, I don't know about giving them away, I can't afford another hobby that costs me money. Hahaha. With the right tools, some patience and imagination it makes for a fun project but I will have to sell a few if I plan on making more, no money tree in my backyard if you know what I mean. If you decide to make one be sure to post pics. I only put a few this time since it was my first one and I was trying to stay focused on what I was doing. Next time I will take more pics and try some different things.
Oh, Kelley, I have a hard enough time trying to keep all the family and friends away from my house, I don't want to draw them in! Hahaha. Take care over there, I'm sure I'll be going again soon.
Great job, like that riser.
I think you know more than your letting on? I think you are no stranger to working with wood. :rolleyes:
If not, then you sure got your head on straight and everything looks great to me! Nice shop and even nicer shop tools.......I'm so envious! :D
I'll be watching this one for sure. I'm anxious to see how she shoots! :thumbsup:
When I refinish gun stocks and the owner wants a satin finish, I use 0000 steel wool in between coats then hit it lightly on the final finish coat and then wax it with Pledge furniture polish. Makes an eye popping beautiful Satin finish without the glossy shine.
You probably already know that since you know how to work with wood?
My dad builds furniture so that's how I know about that little trick.
Ive been tinkering with wood for many years, never been very good at applying finishes, I do better spraying or wiping than I do with brushing. Hahaha. The shop was kind of a twist of fate. I was burglarized a few years ago and they stole alot of my stuff including 4 wheelers, when I got the insurance money I put it all into woodworking tools. Worked out good but insurance didn't cover everything I lost. I hate thieves. I plan on making plenty of bows in the futures, I built this one for myself to get some practice.
Wow! Very nice. I like those dark woods.
Ok, here's the last pic. The bow shoots great. A little loud with the cheap Binghams string and no silencers, but a new string and some yarn will fix that. Grouping good at 10-20 yards. It's been a blast building this, I look forward to the next one. Thanks for all the encouragement guys. I'm out!
(http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/camoman/P1210098.jpg)
Well done sir, well done.
Nice!!!!
looks like a shooter! nice job
Nice riser,job well done.
Camoman,
she looks and shoots great. If you do end up here or the other place let me know. I will be time for you to try self bows. You only need a few hand tools and a stave as I am finding out (should have know it early man had less). The tools you might have and the stave I might beable to help with. I plan on cutting a lot of Osage in the spring of 2012.
Kelly
Great Job. Looks great. Congrats
Outstanding job Tim. You don't happen to be posted at Fort Hood do you? Any thoughts on a d/r longbow design?
No, trained there plenty of times. I am in the DFW area. Haven't really given longbows much thought. I started out recurve and it just feels natural to me. As far as I can tell I will probably just build TD recurves. I love the way they look. I did have the opportunity to shoot an Apex Predator oongbow for a couple of weeks and it was a great bow but nothing will ever beat the feel of a recurve to me.
Great job! I can't tell your brace height but if it is loud try adjusting it up a bit. My binghams usually got quiet around 8 or 8.25".
Well that is the nicest first bow I have seen. I plan on building my first lam bow soon and that definately inspires me to get started, not that mine will be anywhere near that nice or complex. WOW! Nice job.
Bjansen, yes the it seems to like the brace height at 8"
KelleyG, its rumored I may be in Afghanistan by the end of the year. Hopefully not, now I have a new hobby to spend a little time with.
Thanks again for all the compliments guys. I hope to get started on another soon. I will try to post alot more pics and such on the next build.