Jvermast,
this one is almost over, but the next one will start in January.

No worries Dave.  Not sure why ole green bean broke.  I measured what I was drawing and it was 27.5" so it wasn't overdrawn and it broke mid pull.  I've got a black widow and a bow I finished this spring as back up.  I was hoping to put one down opening day here in AR with a couple of slickheads that are walking a few yards from the tree I'll be sitting in.

bummer about the bow goose.

I may not be on much over the next few days (it is  a good thing if not) Send sticks your updates.

Hope you have a safe trip home Kelly.

Some may have a fair excuse for being late with their swap bows this year,,, here is mine.

You may remember seeing this bow as my swap bow. If not just look back in the thread and there are more pics of my swap bow.

 
 

Well, I had it all packed up and ready to ship.

 

I found out for more than one reason I could not ship the bow as promissed. For one,,, it was simply too long for anyone to ship to it intended address. So I unpacked the bow and cut it in half.

 

Never had made a two peice and being sheap I opted for my own idea on how to cheaply make a joint for my first two piece swap bow. Everything was going great and I just was not happy with the job. The hardware was not flush with the backing so I needed to drill a little deeper.

 
 

Then the bad luck hit me. The bow slipped in the jaws of my vise and the boring bit blew out the side of the bow handle. Ouch!

 

So I break down and buy a sleeve from 3Rivers and begin a new bow after the deadline.

 

So I begin to make progress again.

Old and new


Since this was my first two piece, I was late with the trade and so I wanted it to be the first of several in my building progression

So, I added a rawhide backing to make it an indestuctable heavy weight. You can see the hide on the backing in this pic.
Also, came up with some snake skins by chance.



I did not have enough of two of the same skins for this bow, so another first.... Two different snake skins.




Got her tillered out and added the skins and glue.



The two billets I used were from two different trees. Both had some funky punky wood going on but it was usable and turned out to be a heavy shooter.




This bow deserved a heavy leather handle wrap job too. Not real pretty but all heavy leather!

Another first is the asian water buffalo horn tips. I really like the look of some of this horn that was given to me by Tony Chinn.







And the finished bow in two pieces. The joint is almost too tight,,, no clicking or odd sounds. I really like the sleeve too!

And here are the draw pics in left and right hands.

   

It's all I can do to hold it for the pic. It turned out 65# @ 28". It has a blacksnake on one limb and a copperhead on the other.

       

P.S. The bow will ship out October 7th! Be on the look out for a "North American Snake Fight"!

Beautiful bow, Joe! Your recipient will not mind having to wait on that one. Also, a wonderful story of your adventure in producing such a terrific bow.      

Thanks guys. I tried some black palm but they both broke on me, both sad days.  

Another sad day today my the bow that I received in the swap has lost weight due to the crack that I showed earlier, I tried to fix it but I guess it's not fixable and I don't want a bloody nose so I put it in the corner,  and the season starts this weekend!      Off to look for another solution

beautiful job on the 2 piece bow, joe. i know your recipient will love it. rv

QuoteOriginally posted by Osagetree:
 

Joe, is it me, or does one need to watch where he's reaching for tools in your shop?  That one skin looks like it needs a little skiving....

Cuban sorry to hear about your bow, it is a tough year in the swap on all ends it sounds like.

Joe you are an inspiration to us all with every bow you build.

Who ever if anyone, is trying to jump through flamming hoops to get a bow out to me, I don't want you to worry about it.  I have all the bows I need, I just don't want you to have to do your job, deal with family, and other responsibilities and have not getting the bow in the mail heavy on your mind.  I'm really am happy and content, so don't go outta your way for me.  Sticks n strings can vouch for me, he's a customer of mine and talked with me a little about it, when he called the other day wondering when I was going to get his wife's bow done.

Mike is top notch fellers that is a fact!

How you been Mike?

I'm Good, be expecting your order on or about Tuesday. Came out right at 35# @ 24" but I got it marked 41# @ 27".  

-Mike

Joe,
You done good...really, really good!

Well Friends I am on my first stop to getting home. It will take a few more days before I am Home but I closer then I was day a go.

Thanks gang! I just notice my recipient has not posted since early August. He is probably upset as I know he sent out a bow months ago and has not recieved his yet. I hope I will be forgiven if he see's page 170 or when he gets the package.

Ruddy, thanks for the sleeve advise. Hope we get to talk again soon.

David, no chance heads come off when they go to the shop. That one copperhead wasn't skinned yet.

Mike, thanks again for the "bit" advise, I will certainly use in the future!

Thanks Red & Walt, I needed those compliments! They provided me encouregment for my next bow.

Kelly,,, you be safe and thanks for all you've done for TG and our Freedom.