2012 Red Oak Board Bow Trade

[hedgeapple]

Bubby, that's what I said until I actually attempted to make a bow from a red oak board.  haha  Well, most of my mistakes were trying to take advantage of dimensional lumber to speed up the process, especially when it came to reducing the belly with power tools.  haha  Anyhow, I think it I made a few more I could get the process down to well under 10 hours. 

Bubby, btw, what kind of blade to you use on your table saw for cutting out the excess belly wood?  I used a ripping blade and it left a lot of tool marks to sand out.

[bubby]

hedge I use one with lots of teeth and a thin kerf, more teeth=less marks, I haven't used the tablesaw for quite a while, just been using my bandsaw and farriers rasp, even on the two I built last Thursday

[hedgeapple]

I made my trade 2 1/2 wide.  I really thought about using the bandsaw, but was afraid of were the bottom part of the blade was cutting.  I'm still learning the finer points of bandsawing.    I probably could have angled the board like I do when laying out a stave bow, then rasp the ridge.  I might try that the next time.  I was just out of time and materials to try something else new.

[tattoo dave]

Ok, so, I know it's crazy late, but I put my trade bow in the mail today. I apologize to the recipient!! It should be there friday. I tillered it to 28", but my draw is only 26". I hope he likes it. Again, sorry it's late.

Tattoo Dave

[hedgeapple]

I didn't like the pain job I put on the bow.  So, I sanded it and started over.  I'm happy with my cave man drawings now.  I just need to sign and put another coat of poly on it.  I'm heading to the Classic first thing in the morning.  So it will be next week before it's shipped.  Oh, I've got to make a string for it, also.  I'll do that at the classic.

[Onebowonder]

OK, when I got home last night, there was a long PVC tube at my door!!!  It was from Oregon.  I've yet to open it, ...but I am itching to do so!  I still haven't gotten my trade bow shipped out, so I feel like I need to finish my work before I start my play.   

I'll post pix as soon as I'm 'allowed' to open my new toy...

OneBow

[Matt Heppe]

Tattoo Dave,

Received your (or is it my?) bow today! Fantastic! Great paint job and you went all out including a nock button and silencers!

I was on my way out when it arrived and only got to string it. I'll post some pics and give it it's own thread when I get home. Oh, and I'll shoot it too!

Tell me about the matching arrows. What are the shafts made of? And the arrowheads as well. The arrows are beautiful.

Thanks for all the hard work!

Matt

[tattoo dave]

Hey Matt, Glad ya like it! The arrows are bamboo, just steel trade points. My draw is 26", so it was shot in at that draw, let me know if anything goes south with it, and I'll send ya another.

Tattoo Dave

[Shiloh]

I'm officially jealous after looking through some of these pics. Seriously, a lot of talent here, guys!

Quick question; about how much set do you guys get with your red oak bows? I've been averaging about 1.5"-2" when just unbraced with a 70 or 72" long bow. My next one is going to be 68" ntn, so I was wondering if there's something I'm doing wrong?

[hedgeapple]

Shiloh, I'm no expert on red oak board bows by any stretch of the imagination.  This is what I did and it seemed to work. I heated in about 2" of recurve and I heat tempered it 3 or 4 times during the tillering process.  Work slowly, fix problems as  you see them.

Prep time and funds went to the classic last week.  The bow will be sent this week, I promise.

[hedgeapple]

Well, I was going to send the bow out today, but while taking pictures of it yesterday, I realized I still hadn't glued on an arrow rest or strike plate, or made a new string for it.  Anyhow here's the pic

[hedgeapple]

I hope my caveman art work isn't  too corny.  The half and hunter on each limb is suppose to representing "hunting sunrise to sunset"
I forgot to take a braced picture, sorry.  The fd pic is only 26".  I deleted the longer draw pic from the camera by accident.

[autologus]

Very nice Hedge, how many still have not received a bow.  We need to hurry up and get them finished and sent out it is past the deadline.

Grady

[ionicmuffin]

I've talked to the guy I'm supposed to finish one for, we are sorted out so everything is alright, ill be doing my best to finish one up in a week or two, well see.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

I think it is a good idea that everyone that hasn't sent a bow contact the person you are building for. Seems as tho this trade is falling by the wayside which is disappointing. I'm with you grady I haven't received one either.