Hello everyone, I wanted to show off my first successful bow!

I first started wanting to make a bow 3 years ago when I got into traditional archery. It has been a LONG and challenging ride fulfilling this dream. Many failed attempts and novice mistakes had left me wondering if I was every going to make a useable bow. But I am happy to say I think I have finally conquered it, and I can see building many more bows in the future. The 9+ failed bows before this one only make success that much sweeter. So, with that said, here it is!

64.5" NTN, 55@29, Bamboo backed Ipe with 3/4" Ipe riser and curly maple grip. black walnut tips along with dark brown leather grip and arrow rests. Finished in 4 coats of gloss Spar Varnish.  I have always loved the dual-shelf bear kodiaks from the 1950's, So dual shelves was something I really wanted. She holds 1/4" of set right after being unstrung and relaxes back to dead straight overnight. It shoots very well and I think a deer is going to be in serious trouble this coming fall! Enjoy,SS.

Congratulations; you did well. Why dual shelf, just curious?

The tiller looks very nice which is the primary concern when just starting out making. Well done!
As you say failures only make success taste all the sweeter!
I would just advise you that cutting in one deep shelf is a wee bit risky for a wooden bow with no reinforcement in the riser...two is maybe not the best idea if you make another. Glass bows with deep shelves normally have another material as an I beam for reinforcement.
Anyway well done  

Carpdaddy, I wanted a dual shelf because I can shoot either right or left handed. This gives me ultimate flexibility for shots while hunting.

Mike, I understand what you mean. If she breaks I will rack it up as another hard lesson learned.  Thanks for the complements. SS

QuoteOriginally posted by silent sniper:
Carpdaddy, I wanted a dual shelf because I can shoot either right or left handed. This gives me ultimate flexibility for shots while hunting. SS

Then your my idol!    :cool:

It just takes practice. You already know what good form looks and feels like, so just apply it to shooting the opposite hand. The learning curve for me was much quicker then I expected. Once you can teach yourself to get good form with your weak arm then work on aiming and release, which felt VERY foreign at first.

With practice accuracy will come.  Now don't get me wrong, I can't nail a target at 25 yards like I can right handed, but right now at 10-15 yards I can shoot left handed well enough to have confidence in taking a shot if the chance arose.  Give it a try, you never know how it may turn out! SS

Congratulations on a fine bow.  Your persistence definitely paid off.  The tiller looks great.  I love the double shelf.

Double post

Double post

Nice job Taylor!!

Cool! Tiller looks great!

I have a bbo with twin shelves, made by John McCullough. Love it!

Good shooting, to ya, hope you get your deer, too!

good job, Taylor. tiller looks very good this time. I admire your persistence. deer in danger for sure now.

"that which is sought with difficulty is discovered with pleasure." - St. Augustine.