I mark the riser profile with templates, then cut the shelf with a hacksaw and make a groove with a square file.


 

I use a sander with a 50 grit belt to remove the sight window.
 

Then clean up whats left with a file.

 

Back to the sanding drum to shape the riser, and we are almost done.

I finish shaping the riser with a small rasp. This is the best file I have ever used, it cuts fast and leaves a smooth finish. I start sanding with 100 grit.



This is my favorite power tool in the shop, it will save an hour of sanding time and can be used for finish shaping.



And here it is, finish sanded, tillered, and hanging in the spray booth. I know what I will be doing tomorrow.

Great detail with lots of photos. Very interesting thread. Sent you a PM about your shop.
Phil

Thanks for sharing all of the tips and gadgets, and great job on the bow!

Thanks for taking us a long.  One of the most professional build-a-longs I've seen.

very nice thanks for sharing!

What an amazing thread. Beautiful work and thanks for sharing with us!

Outstanding work! Thanks for taking the time to do a build along!

Thanks guys,
I sprayed the last coat of epoxy a few minutes ago, now to wait 3 days until I string it, and it is a very long 3 day wait.

Very cool!  You make it look so easy.

-Jeremy

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, lets get a finish on this. I have never understood how white and tan makes clear.

Here it is after 3 coats. I really like how the yellow actionwood looks. Good osage is getting harder to find so it's nice to have an alternative choice.
Now I need to ask a question, I prefer my bows with clean simple lines without an excess of overlays or inlays. Do you like a bow with all the bells and whistles or plain and simple?

I like plain or just a lil fancy about like you have right there!

How do you like the T bird?

Kenny,
I think T-bird epoxy is the best finish, It is very forgiving and versatile. My latest batch is thinner and dries slightly faster than the older ones, and since it is a glue, it sticks very well. As a demonstration I finished a hickory backed osage bow by brushing the finish on. After 4 thick coats I wet sanded the drips and brush marks then buffed and polished the bow. The finish is absolutely flawless, and all it took was a 99 cent paintbrush and about 6 hours sanding time.
The only negative is that if you spray the finish you need a good clean spray room to get a dust free finish, or you have to sand and polish the bow. It does take 30 minutes to go dust free.
                   Greg

What a great workshop and Machinery!  Your bow is great but the workshop is even better  

Thanks for the info Greg!

You make it look easy.  Amazing job!

I was searching for a sanding jig for a R/D riser and I found this post again.  Very nice job, Greg.

ttt...great build along. was looking for tips on how to glue up tips and overlays. Great job. Does anyone know how long to allow the tips to dry when using smooth-on?  i imagine you don't want to go back in the oven.