My oldest son, Luke, has helped out on the last several bows that I've built so it's his turn to build one (with a little help). He's always liked red, orange, and yellow so we looked over some of my bows and some bows here on tradgang and he chose cocobolo (Thanks Kenny) with a yellow heart accent. Here are some pictures from this morning.
-Jay
The riser materials were laid out and we mixed the smooth on.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2703.jpg)
The next step was getting everything glued up.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2704.jpg)
Everything got clamped up and it's now in the oven.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2705.jpg)
thats great love to see kids gettin there hands dirty :thumbsup:
Awesome! Can't wait to see the rest! Bring it on!!!
Awsum!Keep us posted!
Fantastic to see young fellows taking their first steps into the world of traditional archery. Great job.
----------
Andy
Be sure to keep that coco dust collected! I've developed an allergic reaction to it, my eyes turn red , Actually around them and on my cheeks just under eyes.
Looks like heck! Only noticed it this year.
Thanks guys, we'll keep you posted on our progress. Thanks for the advice Kenny. It's kind of scary that if can just come on after all your years of working with it.
-Jay
Good job Luke.
Kenny, your just a dainty little flower... :laughing:
You kin call me flower if yant to, but I'm serious bout the coco dust.
A young feller might be more allergic to it than a crusty old phart like you. :laughing: :laughing:
IPE did me in BAD two years ago, my immune system is still messed up.
so far for me
coco- bad skin reaction
yew- bad headache
walnut - slight headache
This is with dust control, prob not as good as need be, but I try..
That's going to be a great looking bow Luke! :thumbsup:
It was nice seeing you and your dad at the Waterloo expo yesterday!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
awesome cant wait to see the finished bow
Here are a few updates after the glue up. The first picture is checking things out after being in the oven.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2712.jpg)
The clamps were removed and the excess glue was removed on the sander. The next step we taped the wood and marked our center.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2715.jpg)
After this we traced our template on the riser block.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2716.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2717.jpg)
Then it was out to the garage to start cuting out our riser.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2719.jpg)
Yes Sir, That is the Good Stuff right there -- Pass it On . >>>-------->
hi Jay,
say, what is that can in the back corner for?- cant really see clearly in the picture.
wayne
Very cool guys!
Wayne - The small cans are the smooth on, it's a two part epoxy. They get mixed in equal amounts in another can for use in glueing up the riser and limbs.
-Jay
ok i get ya- you just warming it up- sorry i thought there was some crazy little trick going on- just gleaning!!
thanks
Looking good Jay. You better start buying more tools so there are some left for you.
Wayne (and everyone else) - if you see anything we're doing and you know of a trick or better way please let us know, we're always wanting to learn.
I like your thinking Greg, maybe we'll have to build a nice big shop in the back yard also.
Great thread, JJ! Wish I'd had some help like this when I was a few decades younger.
Here are some updates from the week. This bow is going to be 58" so we measured and cut our laminations down to size. The fiberglass for the back got trimmed to 64", the parallel maple lam also was cut to 64". The glass for the belly was cut to 64" then cut in half leaving 2 pieces at 32". The tapers were also cut to 32".
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2720.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2721.jpg)
The remaining fadeouts on our riser also got cut and sanded.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2722.jpg)
It was now time for a dry run at our glue up. Our form is pretty old school but we've had good luck with it. First to go on is the 64" glass lam followed by the 64" parallel lamination. After this the riser gets placed and everything is held in place with a large c-clamp.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2724.jpg)
After the riser was clamped the maple taper and remaining fiberglass was placed on top. A rubber pressure strip gets placed on top of this followed by a steel strip shaped to our form.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2725.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2726.jpg)
Once everything gets squared up C clamps get placed all the way to the end in ~3-4 inch intervals.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2728.jpg)
Everything went smooth tonight, hopefully it will go as smooth with the glue on.
Everything was removed and the form got a coating of paste wax to protect it during the real glue up.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2729.jpg)
Lookin good!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I've debated making a riser blank with a belly like that so I can run full length glass on both back and belly.
Thanks, Kenny. Having full length of glass on the belly side would be pretty slick.
-Jay
That young fella isnt going to forget what he is learning for a long time.... kuddos.... :thumbsup:
We were able to get some overlays cut and glued up yesterday and this morning. Luke was up early and wanted to work so we started while still in our PJ's. Here are what will be the tips and back overlay.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2761.jpg)
We mixed up some 2 ton epoxy which went on each piece after getting roughed up with 40 grit sandpaper.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2765.jpg)
After the epoxy was on they went on a mini press that I've found to be helpful.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2766.jpg)
When a few hours have passed they are ready to go.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2763.jpg)
This afternoon we did our glue up. First everything was organized and cleaned.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2768.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2767.jpg)
The smooth on was mixed and applied to the laminations.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2769.jpg)
When everything was laid up we applied some tape to keep everything from sliding then applied our clamps.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2770.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2771.jpg)
Into the oven it went after everything was securly in place.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2772.jpg)
He is never gonna forget this bow!!! :notworthy: :notworthy:
Cool- that's the fun part once you get one in the oven!! Looking good!
Great build-along, JJ. Luke looks like he's got everything goin' on! Good job, Luke.
Thanks guys. - Luke
That form setup is quite ingenius. I have been dealing with two piece forms with the air hose set up.
The bow popped of the form well and the glue buggers were sanded off. The next step was to remove the old tape.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2773.jpg)
After that tape was taken off some clean tape was put on and we found our center.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2774.jpg)
We then marked our center line down the whole length of the blank.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2781.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2782.jpg)
After the center was marked we laid our template down and traced it on the tape.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2783.jpg)
Then it was out to the garage to cut our our limbs and sand them to our line. When this was complete our string grooves were filed in. I use a drill bit to help visualize where the one on the opposite side is to keep things straight and even.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2784.jpg)
-Jay
Looking good you guys, :clapper:
Luke, you are doing a geat job there young man. It is good to learn the important but boring bits early, like proper cleaning of everything and being organized. Takes time but is quicker that doing it again because you messed up rushing. Can't wait to see this finished.
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. The last couple of days were spent fine tuning our tiller and limb straightness.
First we measured from the string to the end of the fadeouts. The stiffer one was marked as the bottom limb.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2790.jpg)
We were over 1/4" different so we sanded both sides of the stiffer one very slowly and carefully measuring often until they were the same distance. Here's an action shot of the process and the final measurement.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2791.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2794.jpg)
When we were happy with our tiller it was time to check our limb straighness.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2796.jpg)
This was pretty close but a small adjustment was needed on the bottom limb. We deepened the string groove and evened the tip back out and that did the trick.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2797.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2798.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2799.jpg)
Since this is Luke's build is this bow a righty or a lefty? and what weight is he looking for in his build at what length bow?
Getting more than curious here. :campfire:
Way to go, Luke! Your bow looks awesome.
Mike,
This will be a righty. We are glueing on some overlays now (pics to come), when these are on we'll get the sight window and handle cut in. It's 58" long. We're shooting for ~35# or so. Our most recent bow was one for my wife that came in at that weight and we've duplicated everything from that build, different woods though.
-Jay
Awesome job Luke! Looking good. :thumbsup:
looks like you guys are going to be shooting this bow soon. It looks great, nice job!
Thanks guys for posting such great things, there are a lot of little steps in between those big steps. I have noticed that you are some of the same guys posting, thanks for taking the time to comment on my bow.
-Luke
Looking great fellas!
This is great stuff.
Great job Luke and Dad!! :bigsmyl:
Looking good! Looking forward to seeing it take shape.
Great thread! Looks like it's gonna be a sweet bow!
Just to cool :)
:campfire:
We were able to get our overlays glued on yesterday afternoon and tonight. We put a little taper on them prior to glue up. This one will be the back overlay.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2788.jpg)
I've put tips on before and after checking for limb straightness. I've found it a little easier putting them on after everything is straight then filing to our string grooves, either way works though.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2800.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2801.jpg)
Luke, did you get to shoot it before overlays?
I have trouble not doin that!! :bigsmyl:
good to see you guys are working safe!
Luke must of run into homework.... :bigsmyl:
Kenny - no shooting yet, soon though.
I've had homework and have church tonight, Dad will put some pictures up soon.
- Luke
The 1st arrow from one I built still leaves me in awe of making something that will do that!!
You let us know when you shoot it!! :thumbsup:
Looking good. How many fiberglass slivers do you have Luke?
Just before the boys headed out this evening we traced our riser template. Then it was out to the garage for some bandsaw work.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2802.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2803.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2804.jpg)
After it was roughed out it spend a little time on the spindle sander. It's starting to look like a bow now!
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2810.jpg)
We'll touch up the tips and get some shots in soon! No major slivers yet, I'm sure we'll get some as we do more hand work, that's my favorite part of it all.
-Jay
Looking great Luke!Cant wait to finish on it.Its going to be awsum!
good job luke gonna be a good looking bow
This evening we did some work on the tips. The string grooves are in and we got some sanding done.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2812.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2811.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2820.jpg)
Luke then went to work on the riser, shaping it to his liking.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2814.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2818.jpg)
We tested the feel along the way.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2816.jpg)
We then put the string on it and checked our weight, right on target at 35#.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2823.jpg)
Hey Kenny, I finally shot my very first arrows with my bow! -Luke YEAH!
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2825.jpg)
Here's where we're at so far.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2828.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2827.jpg)
Greg, I did get one sliver - Luke
Thanks everyone for posting comments on my bow. We`re having fun! - Luke
Cool, isn't it!!
I've enjoyed your build, and I have a target just like that! :bigsmyl:
Looking nice Luke.. ^5
Thats awesome. I am glad you got to do that project buddy. The only thing I am sad about is I see yet another poor soul with the first symptoms of bowyer addiction.
Fantastic job, Luke and Dad !
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Andy
Luke that is beautiful. You should be proud of your efforts.
Just one sliver? I can get more than that just opening the box.
I can't wait to see that bow in person.
Seems to turn out really well, nice build along. Bue--.
I thought I share a couple more pictures, got to spend a little time sanding and working on the overlays this afternoon.
-Jay
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2834.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2833.jpg)
Very nice bow Luke & Jay.
looking good
We are starting to approach the final stretch! Tonight we worked on our back overlay, getting a smoother transition into the limb. We then removed the remaining shine off the glass and rounded the edges of the limbs. We also started the final sanding of the riser. Fun stuff!
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2836.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2838.jpg)
Wait til you spray that baby, Luke!!
It will really look great then, more than it already does!! :bigsmyl:
QuoteOriginally posted by kennym:
Wait til you spray that baby, Luke!!
It will really look great then, more than it already does!! :bigsmyl:
x2
This is the part where patience come in. I have to cheat and spray a little shellac so I get a sneak peak during sanding. Looking great!
We've been puting a little spit on there every now and then to check our sanding. I will be gone for a few days but will check in when I get back. Thanks guys! ;) :)
-Luke
Awesome job!!
is this the same Luke that i saw an article about in the primitive archer magazine?
Awwesome job guys, and great looking bow Luke. I would love to build a recurve just like that sometime. This is a great thread and thanks for sharing. You're the man Luke.
I just came up from some more finish sanding. This cocobolo is going to look really nice, it's all ready to seal and spray.
Wayne - this is a different Luke, I'm not familiar with the article but will have to check it out.
Steve - I replied to your PM, good luck with your build, be sure to add picturs along the way.
-Jay
Awesome, Luke! Great job, young man.
The string grooves are filed in now.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2841.jpg)
All the cocobolo was sealed with super glue.
The wood colors are starting to pop if you noticed.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2843.jpg)
Now we are sealing the limbs with tru oil.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2847.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2848.jpg)
-Luke
Looks great Luke!! :clapper:
Looking better all the time. No way I am ever going to show Luke my first bow. I bet he could make a prettier bow than I did blind folded.
Thanks Greg and Kenny for commenting on my bow project. It is really fun.
Hey guys, how many deer have you shot with a recurve or long bow you made? I'm curious. :thumbsup:
We just have a couple more coats of finish to spray then put on the leather wrap and we'll be done.
- Luke
"{Hey guys, how many deer have you shot with a recurve or long bow you made? "
Not sure, never really kept a count. My guess is between 30 and 50. For sure 3 deer last year and a couple yotes.
We were able to apply our lettering yesterday and put the final coats of finish over it.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2857.jpg)
After that our leather wrap was cut to shape and the holes were punched.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2856.jpg)
We just came up from glueing and tying on the wrap. We'll let it dry and post some finished and full draw pictures when everything is dry.
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/100_2858.jpg)
-Jay
Dang Luke great work!!!
Can I hire you to build one for me :bigsmyl:
Very well done!!!!
:campfire:
Looks great Luke.
I would say I have shot around 25 deer with my home made bows. Also one elk, one bear, one fox and boat loads of carp.
Thanks for watching my build on the bow, it was fun! Thanks, Kenny, for the cocobolo. It really really looks pretty with yellow heart don't you think?! Here are some pictures with it all finished up. Can't wait to shoot the first arrow with it all finished.
Thanks again everyone!
- Luke
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/Lukeshelfside.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/LukeBackOverlay.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/LukeBellyOverlay.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/LukeTip.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/Lukefulldraw-3.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/Lukeprofile.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/Lukethumbsup.jpg)
(http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/jabjorkl_bucket/Luketakingpicture.jpg)
Wow that's. Awesome!!
Beautiful bow , Luke!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Ya done great. :notworthy:
x2 x2 Wow :clapper:
:archer2: now go shoot that bad boy...
nice job! thanks for posting the pictures of your build! now you have to build a bunch of arrows.
Outstanding job Luke!
Luke you are the man!
Congratulations!
><>
Glenn
Excellent build along and a beautiful bow! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Luke you have talent!
Dave.
Awesome Luke..
Great job Luke! That black handle wrap looks stunning with the black limbs! Did I mention that I'm Luke's proud grandpa? :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Amazing job Luke, I feel privileged to watch your build :)
Great work!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Wow! Great job!
definitely he is better than me :)
Great Job Luke. Beautiful Bow
Well done Luke. That bow is fantastic.
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Andy
Beautiful bow , Luke!!Awsum work!!!!
Wow Luke, Great looking bow, you did a fantastic job picking out wood and putting them together. Well done! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Jay and Bernie, You guys must be proud ;)
JJB: PM sent
great job!! looks good.