I get by with a little help from my friend!

[bow loving man]

Recently I was involved in a study that required a project as part of the study.  I decided I wanted to finally bite the bullet and build my own bow!  I have built two forms, glued up one bow, but have never built a bow from start to finish!  So I made what turned out to be a wise move and called a bowyer friend of mine.  We worked a deal where he would mentor me trough each step of the process and he allowed me to use his form  and tools for this bow.  I completely enjoyed each step along the way, he'd instruct and share with me what was needed and I would attempt to do my best so that it would be approved by the quiet gentle wisdom of my mentor.
He was so patient with me, and would gently correct me if I was not working the file correctly or sanding in the proper direction, or had the tips a little awkward looking...The bow turned out to be 62" 52#@28" . It has wenge, bocote, and maple in the riser and myrtle in the limb veneers. Fortunately for me he offered to apply his special spray finish to the bow so I told him sure and I will learn that step on the next one!
I will show you some pics and let you see how his influence showed up in the bow...

     


       

       
     

 The bow has lots of rookie mistakes in it but I really like how it turned out and it helps remind me that I too am not perfect and yes I do get by with a little help from my friend!

I can't thank my friend/bowyer/mentor enough! His wisdom, patience, and amazing talent are precious gifts he offers so generously.  

My friend is here frequently, CAN YOU GUESS WHO MY BOWYER FRIEND IS BY LOOKING AT THE PICS?

I would cherish any critique that would help me on  #2 and more bows in the future...I am always looking to learn!

[Roy from Pa]

That is very nice work.. ^5

[4est trekker]

That's a very, very fine looking bow, from tip to tip.  I particularly love that frosted finish...my absolute favorite for a bow!

[beachbowhunter]

Your friend is surely a great guy but I'm guessing he's kind of a dork....a Bodork?

Great work!

[LittleBen]

Very nice work! How about a braced and full draw pic?

[wood carver 2]

I see no rookie mistakes (or any other kind). What I see is a work of art.
Dave.

[bow loving man]

Beachbowhunter you are absolutely correct!  Mike aka Bodork is an awesome guy!!!! Thanks Mike for sharing your gifts with me!!!

Thanks guys for the positive comments

[chackworth3]

Looks awesome! Nice work

[bigbob2]

highly appealing well done!

[Trux Turning]

Wow!! You hit the jack pot there...now you need to have Mike mentor you with some knofe making.

[mwosborn]

Fine looking bow for sure - I also love the finish.

[Bowjunkie]

That's a very nice bow.

[bow loving man]

Trux, no knives for me. Although I do have one of Mike's knifes and I love it!

Here is a pic of braced profile and a full draw pic for you Ben

 

 

[Ranger44]

Nice work and every pretty bow.  It just shows how much shorter the learning curve is with a great mentor.  You are very lucky to have him as your friend.

[timbermoose]

wow dude! looks great. the only mistake i see is that the shelf is on the wrong side.  

[LESKEN2011]

That one really is sweet! From one lefty to another...congrats!!

[D]

Ohhhh I love Wenge.  Ive had some setting on the shelf for over a year now saving it for myself like a selfish kid..lol  I'm with everyone else I see no mistakes.  That is a really sweet bow.  Well done.

[Trapper Rob]

Beautiful bow can't see any mistakes.

[chackworth3]

Didn't even dawn on me until I saw the full draw pic that the shelf is on the right(lefty) side  

[kennym]

Nice job Barry!            

Kudos to Mike for bein a good buddy!!   :cool: