All right, I've been keeping an eye on this site for about a year, and never truly made an entrance, so here goes.
I'm 14, and I've been making bows for what is about 2 1/2 years now. I've also shot trad for 5 years, mainly with a fiberglass and wood (lemonwood, to be exact) laminated bow that I helped make. And this is my newest bow.
I've finished up an Osage recurve I've been working on, I hope to use it for deer hunting this fall. It's exactly 50lb@23". The bow is 48" ntn because I didn't know if I was going to be hunting in a blind, and if I am going to hunt from one some, the bow I would have to use would have to be below 60" long. So, to give myself a little room for movement, I wanted a bow that would be about 47-48" ntn. As you can see, I have another hole in one limb, it does go all the way through, but I couldn't get a good picture. Between the leather I glued on the curves and the rabbit-skin handle (the fur drapes across the strike plate), this bow is very quiet. I hardly hear a thing when I shoot it. Before I wrapped the handle, it was painful to shoot; the bow would bounce in my hand and began to bruise it. The rabbit-skin helps a lot to cushion the shot; now it's actually a very pleasant shooter! The weight jump from 40lb. to 50lb. was a struggle at first, but after pulling it quite often every day for about a week, I can shoot it normally. All right, I'll shut up now and show the pictures.
btw, feel free to ask questions and such.
Sean
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0022-1.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0016.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0014_0001.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0012_0001.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0010_0001.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0006_0001.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0005-1.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/Thebowguy/000_0001_0001-3.jpg
Very nice!
You've really got it going on there!
Thanks for the pictures!
Larry
:bigsmyl: Congrats on the Bow Building. Looking Good
Awesome. You really must have the love for traditional. You literally are starting out the hardest way with those self bows. Says a lot for your character. Also not speaking up for 2 years does too with this group! You could teach a lot of us some things. Welcome to the group and good luck with all your endeavors.
You did a very good job. You should proud, not many can build their own bows (me included).
Welcome to the gang. Alan
SWEET!! Very nice, you should be proud!! Shawn
:thumbsup:
Keep it up and you could evolve into one of the future leaders in this sport. And we could say we knew you when... :thumbsup:
You,sir, did a wonderful job on that bow!!!
:thumbsup: :notworthy: :clapper:
Great looking bow and great form....I wish I was that devoted to traditional archery at 14...I was too busy wishing for my first truck and a date to be serious about anything else. Congrats!!!
Outstanding job, Sean. :notworthy: Best wishes on your hunting this fall. :campfire:
Thanks a lot for all the nice comments, guys. The bow shoots pretty flat, which is how I wanted it to work. Now to working up some arrows to go along with it! :)
Sean
Them arrows wouldn't be sourwood would they? Pat
Sean, very nice, I am impressed! If you can do that at 14, think about what you can do at 24!!!!
Congratulations on putting your efforts in a good, safe, and clean direction.
Dan
Ha, Pat, they are going to be both sourwood and bamboo, a set of at least 6 from each. They are mostly straightened, but I've got to make one more pass. Oh, is the bamboo slightly green still? Should I let it dry for a while?
Thanks OconeeDan.
Sean
Sean, The Bambusa should be cured out fine. If you lay it in the sun, it will turn a nice tan color. Pat
All right, I'll do that.
Sean