First Bow Build.. Bendy Osage Bow Buildalong

[John Scifres]

Yes.

4" or so brace.  shorten the string 2" or so and try it.

[jeremy1517]

Hey John,  I think it's looking better but I can't quite get the limbs equal looking. It's pulling 50# @ 25".  I don't know if the right limb is stiff up by the handle or what. I've been shaving but I don't want to do to much.  What do you think?

 

[John Scifres]

Yes, I would work the inner third on the right a bit more.  Go slow, 10 scrapes at a time and exercise it 20-30 pulls after every scraping session and then take a picture.  You are getting really close though and still 2-3" of bend to make fine adjustment.

[jeremy1517]

Should I do anything on the left limb?

Also, I'm still using the rasp, is that OK?

[John Scifres]

Nothing on the left right now,

No rasp.  Scraper only.

[jeremy1517]

Thanks John. After all this, I think I'm going to buy you a Christmas present or something!!

[John Scifres]

Better not take you 'til Christmas to get this done  

[jeremy1517]

Haha, hey I feel pretty good getting as far as I have without breaking the stave!!!!!  I will hopefully get the limbs evened out tonight....... hopefully!!

[John Scifres]

don't hurry though

[jeremy1517]

No, I'm in no hurry. I'm taking it slow.

[KellyG]

Looks good Jeremy.

John did Roy share his crayons with you?  

[jeremy1517]

Alright John, I'm feeling pretty good about the bow. Pulling the right weight. Limbs are looking better. There is still a difference on the right limb but I'm getting worried about scraping more off. It's definitely getting thinner.I thought I'd post a pic and find out what you're seeing.

Where else do I need to scrape?

 

[John Scifres]

The right limb is overlaid under the left here.  I also marked where I would scrape.  Green means go, red means stop. 10 scrapes at a time.  Exercise and check.

Get a picture of it drawn in your hand.  Mark the center of the string and put your middle finger there to draw it.  Place the fulcrum of your grip right at the center of the bow.  Put an arrow on it and mark the arrow wherever you are pulling to your desired weight and don't pull it any farther.

[John Scifres]

Also get a pic of it braced and unbraced (strung and unstrung).

[jeremy1517]

for the braced, use a string that is two inches shorter than knock distances?

[John Scifres]

that should be close but adjust as needed,

[jeremy1517]

Alright John. Is this the time I should Scrape the limbs with it braced up??

use the board to lift the string out of the way....

[John Scifres]

Yes, that's what I do.  Get me that braced pic though.

[jeremy1517]

OK John, I have done NO scraping since the last pic I posted. I still need to do the work you outlined. I thought I'd go ahead and post two braced pics.  

What do you think?

Low Brace:  string is 2" shorter than knock length.

   


Higher Brace:  string is 4" shorter than knock length

 

[John Scifres]

right limb needs work from just outside of the handle to midlimb.