Clay Hayes build along

[YosemiteSam]

Well, I'm still deciding what to do with the handle but I'm calling this one finished.  Clay Hayes posted a build along video series of a rawhide backed maple board.  It's an asymmetrical bendy-handle at 70".  Mine came in right around 50# @ 27".  The bendy-handle design sure shortens my draw length.  I tried a little bit of decoration on the belly with a wood burning tool & stained the rawhide on the back.  This is my first asymmetrical bow and my first bendy-handle so any thoughts for improvements are welcome.

It shoots okay if I do my part.  The pic below of my group at 20 yards took some work to get & I'm still getting used to how to shoot it & where it groups.  If I do everything right, it's a nice soft *thum* upon release & a straight arrow.  But one small form error puts the arrow off somewhere or I hear a *click* of the shaft hitting the handle.  A good form teaching bow, perhaps...  

I left the tips stiff and narrow.  I had also attempted to put in the backset at glue-up but my floor tillering wasn't the best so I lost most of it.  Nevertheless, it has less than 1.5" of set after tillering to 28.5"  So I'll call it a success.

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[John Malone]

Very nice Sam, id call it a success to.

[Roy from Pa]

Nice..

[C. Johnson]

Looks great!

[Forwardhandle]

Looking Good !!

[mwosborn]

   Nice work.

[George Tsoukalas]

Very nice tiller. Jawge