Thanks John and Andy, Great tips.  The next one should be considerably easier.  I sent out an email yesterday to begin the process of naming the bow.  Suggestions so far are sexcaliber (due to my love and obsession with the bow) and gangbanger (after trad gang)  Any other suggestions?

Lots of sanding. here are a few quick pics.

Question, after I finish all of this sanding its time to think about finishing the bow.  I have read a little about using tung oil or deft to finish, but I would like to pick a finish that will look best on the figured shedua riser.  My plan is to do a couple of samples on the left over shedua. Any suggestions?

That's coming along Josh.

To me, sanding is the tedious part of bow building and the part where I have the hardest time not getting in a rush.  When you think your done sanding, quit working and come back to sand more.

I really don't have any advice on finishes.  I've just gone the simple route with about 6 coats of Minwax polyurathane.  I don't have a good area where I can spray anything without it polluting the whole house - don't want the kids breathing any fumes.

My father-in-law fabbed up a spray booth for painting cars in his garage. He just used some tarps and PVC. I don't see any reason why you couldn't do the same outside if needed. Open at the top, even using cheap, thin plastic from the hardware store (i.e. vapor barrier stuff). Enough to keep the wind off and debris down.

I really like the looks of the hand rubbed stuff better than the sprayed anyway.

BTW, the bow looks awesome Josh!

Finished!!! Thanks to everyone's help.  The bow, (aka Kallista) shoots great and that is all that really matters.  I'm very happy with the way it turned out.  It pulls a little heavier than I was planning but I like it, It actually doesn't feel like the 69#'s at 28"'s that it weighed in at.  Anyway, thanks again to everyone on the site, I could not have done it without the tradgang.
Josh
 

 

 

 

Great job!

Good job josh.  Crafting your first bow gives you a real sense of satisfaction doesn't it.

Job well done nice wood combinations.