Not really a buildalong, I've tried to photograph as many steps as I could, up to now, but I've missed a few & I'm sure I'll miss a few more along the way.
Okay, every good yarn begins with a backstory.....
I'm going to Canada in June for my first black bear hunt & I really, really want to take a bear with equipment that I built myself (well, bow & arrows anyway!) & a stone point, although that may well change.
I don't have time to mess this up simply due to lack of materials, workspace & equipment.
I've sought advice & design ideas from all the best people I know; Will & Pappy from Twin Oaks, Pat B, Alex Roche & a few others.
I have a long-ass draw & that is a HUGELY limiting factor when it comes to selfbows & no experience.
Alex donated me an 80" stave of 2 year cut, mostly straight Osage & showed me how to chase a ring...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140115_154801_088_zps9dycbney.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140115_154801_088_zps9dycbney.jpg.html)
As you can see, I numbered & marked each ring, so I didn't lose track!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140115_151147_603_zpsa2cvx1kd.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140115_151147_603_zpsa2cvx1kd.jpg.html)
As I got to what I thought would be my final ring (Oh-ho, how wrong I was!) I noticed that the stave started to crack down the back & after a few panicked phone calls & texts assured me not to worry, I stopped!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111241_325_zpscn81zzdm.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111241_325_zpscn81zzdm.jpg.html)
This is the stave, all peeled down, cut to 76" & full 7" wide.....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140214_151130_833_zpsaapv6f00.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140214_151130_833_zpsaapv6f00.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140214_151058_763_zps4u6duwnj.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140214_151058_763_zps4u6duwnj.jpg.html)
At that stage of the game, I'd gone as far as I could without hands-on help. I couldn't picture, in my head, where the bow would lie in the wood so a trip to Pappy's was in order (never a bad thing!)
I didn't photo the section I needed, but I bandsawed it down to this....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_104736_443_zpsnpev9iry.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_104736_443_zpsnpev9iry.jpg.html)
Avoiding the big, fist-sized cluster of pin knots. Unfortunately, that meant using the splintered side & chasing down a further 5 rings! *facepalm*
Next thing to do was layout the bow on the stave. I talked extensively to Will about this. Now, don't get me wrong, Pappy & most of the other guys at Twin Oaks are some of the best self-bowyers in the country, but they have their ways of doing things & that's the way it's done. Will NEVER thinks in the box & is not scared of trying different designs to produce a sweet, smooth, stack & shock free bow of any length, at any draw weight & length.
Again, sorry, no pictures, but he decided that a 72" NTN bow would be safe at 31" however with the traditional 4" handle & 2" fades I would have a huge amount of moving wood that would be shocky, no matter how thin the tips. He layed the bow out with a 4" handle, 4" fades. 1½" at the fades widening to 1¾" at 1/3 limb, 1½" at mid limb & then tapering to ½" tips. This creates a slightly 'leaf' shaped limb that has a bit more tension & compression area in the most stressed area, allowing the limb to be thinner. Clever, huh?!
Here he is doing the business on the saw....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_182633_671_zps4jdbb0li.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_182633_671_zps4jdbb0li.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_182621_637_zpskfk6mjt6.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_182621_637_zpskfk6mjt6.jpg.html)
He then showed me how to thin the blank & get it starting to bend. Measuring a limb thickness of a hair over 5/16" at the fades to a hair under 5/16" at the tips for now, with a flat, crowned belly. This leaves 3 even-width flat surfaces. The flat belly & 2 angled flats from the belly to the 5/16 mark on the side (If you see what I mean)
Back of the bow....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_211231_411_zpsajzmaprj.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_211231_411_zpsajzmaprj.jpg.html)
1/2 side profile....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_211204_667_zps9urypllb.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140315_211204_667_zps9urypllb.jpg.html)
Rob, get a can od Bulls eye spray shellac from your local hardware store and keep the back sealed. Even "dry" staves can check when you expose a new back ring. I keep a can on my work bench all the time. The spray shellac is more expensive(about $8 a can) than the paint on but as little as you will use and the spray can stuff doesn't have a shelf life like the paint on stuff.
She's coming alone well. You won't go wrong with Will and Pappy's help. Looking forward to checking her out at the Classic.
If I remember correctly, those last photos were taken before I started thinning the limbs.
The next batch are where it sits right now, taken this morning.
You'll see in the photos the 3 facets I talked about & I've photo'd each knot individually.
Back....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094552_379_zpss8fsnfxu.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094552_379_zpss8fsnfxu.jpg.html)
Profile....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094616_370_zpsxtiihjl5.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094616_370_zpsxtiihjl5.jpg.html)
Non-working handle (luckily!)....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094645_366_zpsw7fdqs7j.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094645_366_zpsw7fdqs7j.jpg.html)
Mid fade, belly side....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094720_775_zpskh9rzagy.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094720_775_zpskh9rzagy.jpg.html)
Opposite fade, belly side
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094732_875_zps6p6b8sbf.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094732_875_zps6p6b8sbf.jpg.html)
Mid-limb knots....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094637_912_zpslvflhg1e.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094637_912_zpslvflhg1e.jpg.html)
Opposite mid-limb knots....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094650_534_zpssdz5ot54.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094650_534_zpssdz5ot54.jpg.html)
Outer 1/3 point knots....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094655_891_zpshrtherah.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094655_891_zpshrtherah.jpg.html)
Opposite outer 1/3 point knots....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094630_521_zpsr0i2ehd1.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_094630_521_zpsr0i2ehd1.jpg.html)
I'm hoping to get back up there this Saturday to start heat bending some of the whoops & bends out of the blank & if I have time, possibly get a long string on it.
From here on out, I'll try & update this thread whenever I do anything. I'm probably going to add a rawhide backing, a sinew wrap where one of the checks runs off the edge of the bow, skins (or similar) & a grip wrap.
Hopefully another newbie like me might learn or be inspired!
Oh, and if ONE MORE PERSON tells me to go slow & enjoy chasing that ring, I swear there'll be an article about me in the paper (possibly containing the words 'Frenzied', 'Multiple' & 'Savage'! :D :D
Thanks Pat. As soon as I got home I sealed the back with 4 coats of poly (all I had on hand) I'm hoping that'll stop it getting worse. I'm keeping the blank outside so it won't get too dry, too quickly in the house.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, this being my first I'm working on the possible theory that a wide, thin limb is under less stress than a narrow, thick limb & rather than aiming for my usual 65-70#, I'm looking to keep it between 45 & 55. As you can see, I'm trying for 'overbuilt' rather than perfectly proportioned!
Rob, the width/thickness has more to do with the wood you use. In my experience osage prefers narrower, thicker limbs. And,if you don't over build your over build it will make a more durable bow for you without excess hand shock.
Another think I keep handy on my work bench is a tube of super glue. I put it on all knots, back and belly and in any cracks that might develop at a knot.
Thanks again! Do you saturate knots with superglue, or just coat like you'd use a varnish?
I do as Pat does with superglue. I smear it on quickly with my finger and then immediately sand over it to get it filled up with wood dust. I do this several times until there's not voids left.
Best of luck, and enjoy both the build and the hunt! :)
Rob, I'll put a drop on each knot. On some bigger knots and knots with checks in them I have to do it twice. After the glue dries I lightly scrape then sand the excess glue off. For big hollow knots I add saw dust with the super glue, making sure to fill all voids by doing it in layers. When you put a lot of glue and saw duct in the knot it will send off some pretty harsh vapors so be careful.
Ah ha! Gotcha :)
So far all these little knots look to be sound. The light horizontal lines you can see on a couple of them are pencil marks. I'll make sure to keep a bottle or three on hand though.
That is a real good shape for an osage bow. It is traditional and similar to the style bows Jay Massey built.
You can't go wrong with those Twin Oak Boys.
Hey Rob that's awesome. I heard you was going on the hunt. I wish I knew something about selfbows so I could try to help,. The only advice I could offer would be the one thing you asked not for anyone to tell you again..lol Just kidding. Its looking great so far. Can't wait to see it all finished up. I didn't know you drew 31" inches though..dang that's way out there.
Looking good Rob. I don't think you can find a better group of people to help you through the process.
It should be close to being a bow by the middle of next week, bring it to Cincinnati with you;I'd like to see it.
Coming along nicely Rob. Best of luck on your Bear hunt
Cool! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Good shooting,
Steve
I'm enjoying the pics as you go. Thanks
Slow progress so far.... I 'think' I'm about floor tillered, but it's still super heavy. I'll be back at Pappy's tomorrow afternoon for more supervision. I'm really not comfortable going further until I get a more experienced eye on it. Hopefully I'll have it ready to go on the caul tomorrow &I'll start heating out some of the twists & deflex. If so, I'll be sure to update y'all!
Rob, you know you can't go wrong with Pappy and the boys at Twin Oaks although they might put you to work with the Classic coming up. I'll help you when I get there. I'll be there on the Tuesday before.
hey Bro that is looking awesome
Alrighty, got a lot done yesterday.
I had to do a lot more thinning to get it bending properly on the floor. I had to go waaay thinner than I expected.
Draw it on....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120504_258_zps0elfhloe.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120504_258_zps0elfhloe.jpg.html)
Aaaand.....scrape it off. Ad nauseum....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120712_886_zps92rdvigu.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120712_886_zps92rdvigu.jpg.html)
Until you're getting the limb bending all the way through.
Obviously I couldn't photo the bow while bending it, but this is it ready for the form....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120719_215_zpsgp6gid6f.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_120719_215_zpsgp6gid6f.jpg.html)
I cut off the big knot in the handle. It's a non-working area, so violating a ring there isn't an issue....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133028_338_zpsc3kohhhq.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133028_338_zpsc3kohhhq.jpg.html)
I also rounded off all the sharp edges & corners so that the heat gun wouldn't burn them off....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133116_486_zpsgpaz1obq.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133116_486_zpsgpaz1obq.jpg.html)
Here it is sat on the caul. The big deflex in this limb needs to go away!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133015_734_zps1ifdl8a6.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133015_734_zps1ifdl8a6.jpg.html)
The other end isn't too bad, but a little reflex wouldn't hurt....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133007_329_zpsbqut1kbs.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_133007_329_zpsbqut1kbs.jpg.html)
All oiled up & ready for the heat gun....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_135545_880_zpsnac2bwnx.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_135545_880_zpsnac2bwnx.jpg.html)
And heated until it's almost too hot to touch, then clamped to the form. This particular caul is a little short for my bow, but we made it work. It will induce 6" of reflex but it'll relax back to about 4" once it's cooled & the clamps come off....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_143426_944_zpskgr52fot.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_143426_944_zpskgr52fot.jpg.html)
After 2 hours of cooling, it comes off & we cut the string nocks. I measured 1" down from the limb tip & marked across. ½" down from that & marked across, then joined the lines at an angle & this becomes my nock....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_160024_078_zpszuozn14b.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_160024_078_zpszuozn14b.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_155810_516_zpsqfugp63n.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_155810_516_zpsqfugp63n.jpg.html)
Then onto the long string. Holding about 3" of reflex here. No bending pics yet, but I was almost at brace when I had a minor setback....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_162154_079_zpsqk9fyrsw.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_162154_079_zpsqk9fyrsw.jpg.html)
Pulling the bow down to about 8" on the long string, I noticed that the string loop was starting to cut into the corner of the nock & create a splinter!!!
I know to you experienced guys know that this really isn't a big deal, but I swear I nearly lost my lunch. I thought I'd killed it!
Pappy plied me with a couple of Newcastle Browns & got my heartrate back into double digits.
No problem, I just need to add tip overlays earlier than I expected!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_180523_281_zpsdphucmfw.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_180523_281_zpsdphucmfw.jpg.html)
I also took the time to fill all the drying checks on the back of the bow with Superglue. Luckily none of the checks run off the edge of the bow, every one of them follows a grain line in the center of the limbs....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_180649_065_zpspdjmnxes.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140405_180649_065_zpspdjmnxes.jpg.html)
Unforunately, that's all for now. I need to lay it back on the form & pull out some of the propeller twist. That should happily get me on the short string & I can start the rawhide backing.
The system Will H showed me of creating the 3 facets on the belly is working out perfectly. Scrape in the middle flat to change tiller, scrape the sides to reduce weight. I'm scraping at a rate of 3 in the center to 2 on each side & it's coming round very evenly & much quicker than I thought. One limb is still a little stiff, but is bending nicely all the way from fade to the outer quarter. Unfortunately the nock on that limb gave up before I could get it to catch up, but it won't take much!
Coming along nicely, Rob. Looking forward to following your progress and seeing your bow in a few weeks at the Classic.
Nice work. Looking good :thumbsup:
Rob that looks great man. Really glad its coming along good. I'm with Pat look forward to seeing it at the Classic. Well done.
Rob that bow is going to be awesome, I know it! Osage selfies rock!
I'm super jealous !!!!
Looks like you have help from the best self bowyers in the country.
And being able to run down to Pappys, I suppose it can't get much better..
Great luck on your bear hunt !
A few more steps along my journey....
Right now I've got the rawhide drying on it's back & it's drawing around 45#@25"
Rectifying the twist with wedges, heat & clamps on the form..
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_111727_882_zpsbmep4o9x.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_111727_882_zpsbmep4o9x.jpg.html)
Icracked the belly doing this, but it's shallow enough that it scraped & sanded out...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_120922_681_zpsj1ytrnod.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_120922_681_zpsj1ytrnod.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_120904_754_zpsm2urkqdf.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_120904_754_zpsm2urkqdf.jpg.html)
That got me to brace height & ready for a proper string!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_141351_943_zpsinnlk3vh.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_141351_943_zpsinnlk3vh.jpg.html)
Shaping the grip....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_161003_473_zpshqielc3f.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_161003_473_zpshqielc3f.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164159_691_zpsxlpjm3ff.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164159_691_zpsxlpjm3ff.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164226_952_zpsmg7qusxj.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164226_952_zpsmg7qusxj.jpg.html)
At brace height. There's a but of an issue developing at the right mid-limb, so I'm going to stay away from that right now. It's looking like it could hinge without too much persuasion.....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164321_044_zpsszxg1otn.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140426_164321_044_zpsszxg1otn.jpg.html)
I don't have any drawn pics (I had my hands full!)
Here I'm sizing the back ready for the rawhide...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_103837_112_zpsftq5nhtz.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_103837_112_zpsftq5nhtz.jpg.html)
:thumbsup:
Getting the rawhide measured & cut...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_113322_329_zpsxo98maxr.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_113322_329_zpsxo98maxr.jpg.html)
2 pieces cut, with the grain, & matched for thickness...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_113817_728_zpsmfqtmmvk.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_113817_728_zpsmfqtmmvk.jpg.html)
Laying out the supplies. With jobs like this, or skins, it saves a lot of headaches if you have everything well organized in advance....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_114651_734_zpsikc2ndqe.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_114651_734_zpsikc2ndqe.jpg.html)
After sizing the back, I apply a coat of straight glue to both the rawhide & the bow. Lay the rawhide along the limb & press ask the air out, making sure to get a good glue bond ( this takes frigging ages! ) The hide wants to slide around, lift in areas & stuck in others, but I stayed with it. Eventually the glue goes tacky enough that I can start to wrap with bandages....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_122415_386_zpshis8nr9e.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_122415_386_zpshis8nr9e.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_122415_386_zpshis8nr9e.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140427_122415_386_zpshis8nr9e.jpg.html)
I'll let it sit in an airy, air conditioned room to dry for at least 48 hours before trimming the edges.
I'll be back at Pappy's on Wednesday to finish up the tillering to 32" and them I'll shoot it for a while before working on the finish, I reckon!
Looking Great Rob. Look forward to seeing it in about a week.
Coming along nicely, Rob. See you and your new bow in a few days.
I unwrapped all the bandages after 4 hours & left it overnight to dry.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140428_083441_040_zpsedtte8ko.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140428_083441_040_zpsedtte8ko.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140428_083426_099_zpsuiuru16a.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140428_083426_099_zpsuiuru16a.jpg.html)
Got it all dried out today & filed the rawhide to the edges of my limbs. I've blended & sanded the edges & glue lines until I can no longer feel any transition from wood to rawhide. Tomorrow I'll get to the final tillering & my first full-draw shots! I promise I'll have some photos of it at full draw, both on & off the tree!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140429_213437_481_zpstrjd6o4o.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140429_213437_481_zpstrjd6o4o.jpg.html)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140429_213400_856_zpsnazlyeca.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140429_213400_856_zpsnazlyeca.jpg.html)
Well, I got her to full draw today.
60#@31" after 60 arrows.....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140430_143943_934_zpsepe1blso.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140430_143943_934_zpsepe1blso.jpg.html)
Well done Rob. Now I just hope everything goes good on your bear hunt
And then he was addicted for the remainder of his life!
Way to jump in and get'r done!
You might want to get another vise!!!! LOL!
Not sure how I managed that double post!
Looks good, Rob! I like the looks of the rawhide.
How you been, Joe? Haven't sen you post much lately.
Looks good, Rob. Jawge
I saw Rob's bow this past weekend at the Classic. Rob did a jam up job on this bow. He shot it all weekend and now he IS ready for bear! Very nice job, Rob. Don't forget the pics from your bear hunt.