New here, and new to bow building

kennym · June 15, 2015, 09:04:00 PM

Mount the limbs first and line up the center line on riser with the centers on limbs at nocks with a string. Move at nocks both limbs same amount to line up with riser.

I grind my limb edges to line with an ancient skil 6" disc sander , about 10 min. per limb,just change limb sides often to reduce heat.
36 or 40 grit.

Mad Max · June 16, 2015, 09:31:00 PM

4-1/2" hand grinder

BFreed59 · June 17, 2015, 10:42:00 AM

It turns out the little band saw was able to cut through it ok, got the limbs shaped up and just need to round the edges then throw a string on there. I will post some pics later today.

Thanks for the help guys

BFreed59 · June 17, 2015, 05:59:00 PM

Here are some pics of my progress. Its finally starting to look like a bow!!

Got the limbs shaped up and bolted on.

BFreed59 · June 17, 2015, 06:06:00 PM

Finally got a string on it, I gotta say it was a bit nerve racking to string it the first time.

There is a little bit of Lim twist going on and my plan is to work on that a bit tonight.

BFreed59 · June 21, 2015, 09:42:00 PM

I have been having some trouble with fixing the limb twist, it has stayed about the same, I'm not sure if I am just not removing enough along the limb edge I get kinda nervous when doing that so may have been going a little too lightly with that.

I also got the riser shaped and just have alot of sanding ahead of me.

I also tested out some teak oil as a finish. And think it looks pretty good. I haven't used it before and wanted to see if anyone has used it before and if I am on the right track. I'm planning on doing 4 coats and sanding in between. Then wait a few days then put a clear coat on. Would that work?

And on a side note the scrap I used to test the finish out on makes a pretty fancy doorstop

Pyro43 · June 22, 2015, 02:40:00 AM

That finish looks good. It seems like you have some experience with oil finishes. I've done a bit of research on all the different types of finishes, oils and varnishes and their blends. And I have to say I wish producers wouldn't make it so confusing for people. Most oil based finishes are so similar you almost couldnt tell difference when using them. They have just marketed them under so many names and brands we all are led to believe there are so many choices and considerations to make, when there aren't. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box, you saying you used 'teak oil' just reminded me of that.

Anyway, I personally wouldnt put a clear coat over the oil. A well aplied oil finish is not only gorgeous, but plenty durable for most applications, unless you plan on dragging the bow behind the truck or leaving it in the lake that is.

BFreed59 · June 24, 2015, 02:21:00 PM

Got some more work done on the bow, I have the limb tip overlays glued on not shaped yet, and think I have most of the limb twist straightened out. I will get a picture up once I string it up again. I have also got some sanding done on the riser, got up to 100 grit. I didn't realize how cool the grain of the zebra wood was till I wiped the sawdust out, it almost looks like a laminated piece of wood, can't wait to get the finish put on and see how it looks finished.

BFreed59 · July 06, 2015, 08:27:00 PM

I figures it has been awhile since I updated this thread, I have nearly fixed the twist, just a tiny bit left in the limbs but it is shootable now and doesn't kick the string. I just started to put the finish on the riser and its looking good after 3 coats I will wait awhile and put another coat or two on it. I'm really liking the purpleheart and zebrawood combo, the teak oil finish really brightens the purpleheart up

ZSL · July 06, 2015, 08:46:00 PM

That looks great! I like the wood combo!

beachbowhunter · July 07, 2015, 01:43:00 AM

My first bow wasn't near that nice. Hats off to you. Nice job!

mikkekeswick · July 07, 2015, 01:46:00 AM

Cool!
Just a heads up though on the purpleheart, over time it will go grey....See if you can get a finish to go on top with a uv inhibitor in it.

BFreed59 · July 07, 2015, 09:55:00 AM

The bottle of teak oil says it acts as a UV blocker, but not sure how good of one it is since I have never used it before.

BFreed59 · July 17, 2015, 01:03:00 PM

Just finished my bow yesterday, and thought I would post some finished pictures up.

The finished specs are 66" NTN
After bringing it to the local archery shot to weigh it, it pulls 65# at 32" feels nice and smooth all the way back.

Working on getting a full draw pic up for you guys.

Here it is unstrung

Here it is with the string on

The riser

And a pic of it outside

Thanks for all the help and encouragement! This is really an addicting hobby and already thinking of what to build next.

BFreed59 · July 17, 2015, 01:45:00 PM

And here is the full draw picture, don't mind the poor form, looks like i'm drawing a bit short of what i should be, that will be my next project to fix... may be a long process.

thanks again for all the help.

talkingcabbage · July 18, 2015, 01:59:00 AM

Looks really nice Brian! Good finish too. I use an oil finish and top with a poly. Makes for a good, hard, and durable finish. And you're right, that oil really brings out the color so much more than just poly by itself!

My first takedown took FOR-EV-ER to get the limb alignment figured out. Glad to see it didn't take long for you. I guess I've got a thicker head to sink through.

Nice job again!