Thanks guys, I'm proud of this one. It's my best yet, for sure.
Bernie and Jesse, I stained the bow with the pecan stain, then I wasn't happy with how uneven the color was. Anybody who's worked with hickory has seen this before. I used some of the pecan satin itself to tint the poly. I went pretty heavy at first, maybe 15% stain to 85% poly, then less stain in the final coats. You have to be careful to apply it evenly 'cause if you put a lot in one area it'll be darker than other areas. Be careful sanding between coats, or you'll make light spots. After the first coat I used steel wool instead of 400 grit.
Mitch, thanks. That camo-cambium back only took a couple of minutes with a scraper. It's easy.
Minuteman, Holmgaards are supposed to have absolutely static tips. It was a challenge getting them light, but not bending. I'm a big fan of the classic American Flatbow handle style. In fact, hanging next to Great Dane just three feet away from me as I type are three lemonwood AFBs from the 1950s. I find it plenty comfortable when shooting. When I shoot the only part of my hand touching the bow is the web between my thumb and forefinger and a couple of fingertips. I'm a loose gripper
OldBow, thanks for the compliment. I had a good stave.
Uh, it never occured to me to submit it for Bow of the Month, but ok, sure. I posted it in December, so it's only fair that I compete in December.
now i gotta go see who i'm up against.