Author Topic: My first bow (Juniper)  (Read 9343 times)

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Offline MXer

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My first bow (Juniper)
« on: November 09, 2015, 12:34:10 pm »
This is my first post here.  I've learned a lot just by reading all your threads.  Just wanted to say keep up the good work!  I'll try to post some pics of my build.

Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2015, 01:05:50 pm »




Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2015, 01:10:27 pm »
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Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2015, 01:12:29 pm »




Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2015, 01:15:11 pm »
My Dad gave me the cape off of his mule deer this year.  I made a nice big piece of rawhide with it, and used that to back it.

Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2015, 01:16:40 pm »




Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2015, 01:20:06 pm »
I got some of the "set" out of it by putting vegetable oil on the tillered side of the bow and heating it and then bending it backwards for a day.  It still has a little set.

Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2015, 01:20:57 pm »


Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2015, 01:25:27 pm »
I'm sure there are some problems from a "Good" bowyer's perspective, but I just taught myself along the way and have a better understanding of what I should do next time.  It came in under weight from where I wanted it.  I don't have a way to measure it.  I should have made it longer as the draw length is only 22" and probably only 25-30 lbs.  It does shoot well and it's definitely fun to shoot!

I plan to finish it with Tru-oil soon.

Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2015, 01:32:53 pm »
One thing I found interesting was the fact that the stave had a slight curve to it, so I used that figuring it would just be reflexed, or bent the opposite way when unstrung.  (I hope I'm using these terms correctly)  The more wood I removed the more that went away. In fact, you can see in one of my pics that it actually ended up bending the other way that I wanted and twisting a little.

Offline Pat B

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2015, 02:41:54 pm »
I'm moving this to "BOWS" for more responses.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Del the cat

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #11 on: November 10, 2015, 03:08:21 pm »
You've done a great job...
But a couple of pointers for the next one :).
Avoid cutting sharp angles and avoid shaping the grip and arrow pass until the bow is near finished, it allows room to ajust the string line and how the the arrow sits on the bow.
Anywhere you cut into the bows width there needs to be extra thickness to cope with the concentration of stress and the weakness created.
Del
Health warning, these posts may contain traces of nut.

Offline MXer

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #12 on: November 10, 2015, 08:46:56 pm »
Thanks for the feedback.  The handle ended up bigger than I wanted because of 2 knots right there.  My next one should be better!

Offline bowandarrow473

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #13 on: November 10, 2015, 08:50:38 pm »
Looks like a great first bow, your well on your way!
Whatever you are, be a good one.

Offline Bryce

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Re: My first bow (Juniper)
« Reply #14 on: November 10, 2015, 09:31:50 pm »
Good start man! Next time you find a piece of juniper like that let me know;) I'll gladly take it off your hands:) for a fair trade of course.

Check out some of the build along in the 'how-to' section there all different woods but they work for most bow woods out there.

Welcome to the bowyers club:)


-Bryce
Clatskanie, Oregon