Here she is. I'm pretty proud of how it's gone so far.
getting the final shape on the fades and sides and backing with linen today and building a tiller device of some sort.

Now, the tip!  :cry: Will a hardwood tip overlay be the best thing to do here?

Hi, What kind of wood is it made from ? You might not have to put a tip overlay on it if it's a hard wood. It is looking good ! Welcome to the world of wood bow building, it's an addictive habit !!

A tip overlay is not necessary on most bow woods but they sure look good. Hardwood, antler, bone, leather saturated with super glue...lots of options!
 Keep us posted with pics. You're getting to the fun part!

QuoteOriginally posted by formerbutcher:
Hi, What kind of wood is it made from ? You might not have to put a tip overlay on it if it's a hard wood. It is looking good ! Welcome to the world of wood bow building, it's an addictive habit !!

Yes it's hard wood. spotted gum. Thanks.

QuoteOriginally posted by Pat B:
A tip overlay is not necessary on most bow woods but they sure look good. Hardwood, antler, bone, leather saturated with super glue...lots of options!
 Keep us posted with pics. You're getting to the fun part!

Even with the baad bit in my tip?

Looks Good to Me, but I am No Judge on such things.


"Perfection is such a nuisance that I often regret having cured myself of using tobacco." - Zola<----<<< Good Sig Line!!

QuoteOriginally posted by Shakes.602:
Looks Good to Me, but I am No Judge on such things.


"Perfection is such a nuisance that I often regret having cured myself of using tobacco." - Zola<----<<< Good Sig Line!!    

Thanks heaps bud. Yeah, it's a good one.

I didn't realize you were from down under. I was trying to figure what kinda of wood that was.
Is spotted gum a "hard" wood?   How wide are your tips? You may be able to eliminate the bad area on the left side and fill the part on the back with super glue and saw dust...or add an overlay!

Spotted gum is hardwood and an extremely hard wood.
Tips are 1/4 inch.
I was thinking of gluing the bad part up because it's not that deep.
Also, it's on the belly side, so a tip overlay wouldn't cover it but would only be there to make that area deeper or thicker.

You shouldn't need to do anything with that area. With hardwood you don't need overlays. When you cut your string grooves you may have to dress the edges up if they cross that bad area so it doesn't abrade your string.

Great, thanks Pat B.

Slow day. Backed the bow with some linen.
Is this how it should look?

Also, what glue to use for nock overlays?

If the linen is attached solidly without air pockets the uneven coloration should even out when you put down your finish. You may want to test it first in a not so obvious area. If you are not satisfied you can stain the back.
  I have used super glue, TiteBond glue and 2ton epoxy for overlays with good results. I have used both thin and gel super glue and both work but the gel is better IMO.
  Be sure to round your back edges before you stress the bow so if there is a potential splinter it will be eliminated or at least relieved.

Yep, it's not air as far as I can tell.
I've rounded them, but will do it again tonight.
I've changed the taper profile to finalise the shape.

Looks good. Now lets get it bending!

Looks great so far.  If spotted gum is anything like Sweet Gum we have in Alabama, probably will not need overlays on the tips.  Keep the pics rolling as you work on it, can't wait to see how it turns out.

I've decided to only use tip overlays if handshock becomes an issue.
I'll update as I'm going, I've got a rental house inspection tomorrow so lots of cleaning and no bow making.

If you have hand shock, tip overlays will only add more tip weight and increase the shock.

OK so I was under the impression I could narrow the tips if they were overlayed, decreasing the shock.