Reverse handle LB-short build along

[bjansen]

I thought I would take a try at making my own form design for a reverse handle longbow.  It worked out alright, and I took come pics along the way.

First, I drew out my design on a sheet of paper

[bjansen]

Then bandsawed the rough shape

[bjansen]

I made a template and used a router to ensure both sides were the same shape.  Drilled 1.5inch holes every 3.5 inches.....the hardest part...

[bjansen]

I also addes some tabs to keep e/t in line when clamping up

[bjansen]

I glued up two risers in the meantime.  The one I am using for this bow is Sapelle,maple, padauk

[bjansen]

Here is a pic of that bottom riser out of squared and cut

[bjansen]

 

[bjansen]

Now for the lams. I was guessing on this one but I wanted to end up with a wide limb (1 3/4) so I used the following (from back to front)

.050 black glass
.060 maple parallel
.030 glass strip
.120 maple taper (.002 per in)
.050 black glass

[bjansen]

In the oven it goes

[bjansen]

I had to buy 4 more clamps to get that job done.  Sorry i skipped a few steps...the camera was in the house all day..but here are the finished pics....

I added maple, paduak and whitetail antler overlays, glued on overlays to the back of the handle.  Used a cow skin rest.  

I also tried a endless loop string...worked great, takes a little longer but i like it.  I put some extra padding in the loops and let them long to act as a silencer.  

[bjansen]

For the finish I used TB epoxy, 2 brush coats for sealer, sanded then 2 finish spray coats, steel wool then paste wax.  

[bjansen]

[bjansen]

Final specs:  66" ntn, 46# @ 28"

positives: Draws very smooth & I think that reverse handle makes it stable

negatives:  I dislike how the string come off the tips, there are essentially parallel to each other when strung.  To compensate I did some work on the  knocks to ensure the string had a nice round look and eased the transition...the point on that is to reflex the limbs more at the end, or through the entire limb, one or the other...not a mix like this one.  

lessons learned:  when applying the TB finish, apply one coat at a time, sanding in between...I tried 2 heavy coats for the sealer coat...and it was tough/gummy to sand through even after 2 weeks drying.  

[Cody Roiter]

WOW very nice job my friend I bet u will make more..
Cody

[Diamondback59]

looks good brad man the father in law must have some big paws<<< to hold that handel  very nice job  brock

[Steve J]

Nice bow!  I've made nothing but R/D longbows but I want to do a recurve soon and now I'm thinking of doing a reverse handle..hehe

What length is the riser?

[kennym]

Nice job Brad,neat lookin design!Let us know how she shoots.  

[Apex Predator]

Great job!  Do you have any full draw pics?

[bjansen]

Thanks guys..yeah here is a full draw pic.  

When i shot this bow it has very low handshock and a smooth draw...but as for FPS i am not sure...i wish i had a crono here at my house...but i suspect it is a little slow.

The riser is 22 inches fade to fade

[bjansen]