HH bug got me ... Part One!

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 09:46:00 AM

I can't help but to add a little story to the pics. You guys infected me back in December and I ordered up the blank not long before this thread started. I was lucky enough to pick up the blank in person from Craig and Jason, hold Robin Hood #1 in my hands, pet the elephant foot umbrella stand, etc. I made a string for it that night at my sisters and shot some arrows off my knuckle into a snow bank with it in Missoula. They went a bit left... Took me 20 minutes to dig them back out.

The bow made it home to VA a week later, but with home construction, trying squeeze in some hunting, it didn't really do much until the end of January when I glued some antler tips on and started work.

Needed a new string, since pulling on the first one with unfinished string grooves quickly frayed it. I just couldn't bring myself to cover up the wood, and found I didn't need to yet. I would like to try someone's with a wrap to see if it makes life better or not.

The bow scaled in at 62# instead of the ordered 55#. I'm still a newbie, and I had been shooting a 45# recurve (that actually measures about 49#). 13# is quite a jump, especially combined with a whole new style of bow. I could barely keep the arrows in the hay bale at 20 yards. I began to wonder what kind of Koolaid you guys were drinking.

But I loved the simplicity and beauty of the bow, not to mention how light it was. Time to persevere. I figured I'd give it at least 6 months of daily dedication and see what happens.

With some advice I just tried to take it easy and get stronger and concentrate on form. I'm finally starting to form groups again, but I'm still a long way from where I was with my recurve. (The carbon is a stumping arrow thrown in from 20 yds.)

I also managed to get a couple pics at full draw. Don't judge my form too harshly, it's hard for my puny muscles to hold this bow at anchor while waiting for the camera timer to go off.

Rob DiStefano · March 19, 2011, 09:48:00 AM

beautiful job, david.

what finish did you use?

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 09:50:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
That's cool David!!

How much sanding does it take to g work down a bow blank. Does it come tillered?

I am considering the defying of drs orders and giving one a try.

God bless,Mudd

First - Careful about defying doctors' orders. You don't want to prolong a recovery. That said, they're only human themselves...

Second - The blanks come tillered. I'm guessing Craig expects a lot more sanding, but the instructions say to be careful to preserve the tiller. So I only sanded enough get rid of the scratch marks, round the edges, and get the handle to the right shape. Wasn't bad. He leaves you a line where the shelf belongs and as long as you're not in a hurry it seems like it's pretty foolproof.

That said, I'd like to buy one finished by Craig next time, if nothing else than for comparison.

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 09:53:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
beautiful job, david.

what finish did you use?

Water-based poly. I use it for almost everything now days. Had no problem with the cocobola, easy to work with, etc. The only thing I'll say is it seems to dry/cure in two stages. To the touch in hours. To the point where it's fully hardened and durable it seems to take a week or so.

March 19, 2011, 10:01:00 AM

Awesome bow David! Pretty cocobolo.
Good shootin too!!

SpankyNeal · March 19, 2011, 10:08:00 AM

Very nice job David! Your form looks pretty good to me.

SpankyNeal · March 19, 2011, 10:13:00 AM

Thought you guys might like to see the family tree, so here's a couple of pics of the three Sunsets that are in the house now. "QP" is in Nate's capable hands for a refit.

This one kind of gives an idea of the difference in string follow between the glass bows, and the one with the glass on the back only. That is what makes "El Tigre" so sweet to shoot! The review thread for it is up and ready so you guys can get a better description of how the Big Cat, as I call it, feels and shoots.

Rob DiStefano · March 19, 2011, 11:16:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by canopyboy:

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
beautiful job, david.

what finish did you use?
Water-based poly. I use it for almost everything now days. Had no problem with the cocobola, easy to work with, etc. The only thing I'll say is it seems to dry/cure in two stages. To the touch in hours. To the point where it's fully hardened and durable it seems to take a week or so. [/b]

spray or wipe on?

Jesse_83 · March 19, 2011, 11:32:00 AM

Thanks far rider!

Mudd · March 19, 2011, 11:44:00 AM

Oh man!!!

Spanky I could be nice and volunteer to train any one of those for you...lol

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 12:35:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:

Quotespray or wipe on? [/b]
This was spray on as I was already set up and spraying cabinets. I've brushed it on as well with good results too. Never tried the wipe on.

I will say that once it gets fully cured/dried, it's some pretty tough stuff. And I like the fact that it doesn't have any additional amber color to it. The woods seem to show through on their own better.

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 12:37:00 PM

Spanky, that is a fine looking family you've got. I think that glass on the back only of the big cat is quite cool. Someday I'll have to try one...

March 19, 2011, 12:37:00 PM

Nice family Spanky!
The kids seem to be well behaved! Handsome lads all in a row!

Thanks for giving us a look..really enjoying your treasures.

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 12:56:00 PM

Tony, quick make another post. I hear that 666 is not the luckiest of numbers...

Mudd · March 19, 2011, 02:05:00 PM

Whew! Tony is at 667 now...lol

I'm glad you were looking out for my buddy Tony.

I am like "totally" impressed with your bow.

Both young and old can understand "valley" talk right?...lol

God bless,Mudd

longbowben · March 19, 2011, 02:31:00 PM

Take a look at my new neck knife.

Wannabe1 · March 19, 2011, 02:37:00 PM

Ben, that's pretty sharp! All pun intended.

canopyboy · March 19, 2011, 04:04:00 PM

Wow, that's pretty cool. And the top one especially so. I may have to try that too... (adding to a long list)

Mudd, what's "valley" talk? Is that when my three girls start in some language 'ole dad can't understand? Or the when grandpa and I talk about back home up in the 'holler?

Cookus · March 20, 2011, 07:10:00 PM

Nice lookin' neckers Ben! I actually had to gut a deer with a broadhead when I forgot my knife 25 years ago...

March 20, 2011, 09:03:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by canopyboy:
Tony, quick make another post. I hear that 666 is not the luckiest of numbers...

Whew! I thought I smelled smoke...LOL! Fortunately I have an eternal immunity

Now 666 longbows would be too lucky, you think?