My first bow

[TallguyNW]

Hi all,
I've been lurking here a long time, learning from all you have to share.  I've been a woodworker for years, and I enjoy working with exotic hardwoods.  I haven't been involved in archery since my college days, but I thought it would be a really fun project to make a bow.  

My first bow is a 68" pronounced take-down longbow from Bingham.  The riser is figured bloodwood, birdseye maple and a couple black accent strips of black phenolic.  The limbs are clear bo-tuff & figured maple on the back, maple core, padauk wedges and black bo-tuff on the belly.

Things I've learned...  1) For a first bow, don't make a footed riser, without a jig, doing everything by hand... Man, that was a test in patience.  2) I should have stuck with wipe-on poly rather than a rattle can.  Finishing has always been a weakness of mine and getting a nice air gun system isn't quite in the budget, yet.

Anyway, here are the pics!










-Mike-

[Wagstaff]

Good Work!  I think you have a real talent there..  How does it shoot?

[Msturm]

Holy Cow!  that is awesome!

[Carpdaddy]

Wow; very nice! Looks like you have had years of bowbuilding practice.

[Roy from Pa]

Very nice work.

[BenBow]

Love the contrast

[canopyboy]

Very nice! That's awesome for a first bow. Heck, it looks nicer than any bow I've made. Well done.

[GreyGoose]

Way Cool!

[chackworth3]

Nice job!

[TallguyNW]

Thanks everyone!
I haven't shot it yet.  I need to go buy some arrows and bring it out to the field out back.  I spec'd it at 40# when I ordered the materials from Bingham, but it feels heavier than that.  I've had a broken elbow and several shoulder issues, so there isn't a whole lot of strength in my right arm.  
I'm thinking about the next bow already... leaning towards tulipwood and ebony - I do like contrasting woods!

[Buemaker]

Looking good.  

[wood carver 2]

Very nice. I love the contrast.
Dave.

[passion for knowledge]

Your first bow is unlikely to be your last!

[Mad Max]

nice bow, looks awesome

[jsweka]

Sorry.  I don't believe you.  That can't possibly be your first bow.

That's awesome!!!!        

[takefive]

Great looking bow!  That is some neat work.