2021 1st Newbie build along challenge

[Fox]

I figured id start the thread and we can all post our progress. If we want to change the name of the thread/challenge let me know. The finish deadline is May 15th,  any other ideas/ rules would be great! If any other amateur bowyers want to join let us know!

[Digital Caveman]

I'm only a 'newbe' compared to some of the senior bowyers here.  I just graduated to 'amuture' 

Actually I only grasped the importance of PERFECT TILLER until a few bows back, so you can still give me stiff competition.

[Fox]

I'm only a 'newbe' compared to some of the senior bowyers here.  I just graduated to 'amuture' 

Actually I only grasped the importance of PERFECT TILLER until a few bows back, so you can still give me stiff competition.

 
That’s probably about where I am now as well 


I’m going to use the black locust stave started in the other thread. It still has to season some so I’ll have to stop for a few weeks while it finishes drying 

[Fox]

Okay just laid out the bow 1 3/4" wide 65" long. Theres some knots that Im having a hard time with and pin knots that keep ending up right on the edge of the limb, tricky tricky.

Untitled by Livvydog, on FlickrUntitled by Livvydog, on FlickrUntitled by Livvydog, on FlickrUntitled by Livvydog, on Flickr

[eastcreekarchery]

If you’re  going to straighten that stave I suggest you do it when the sides of your stave are still straight (before you do the width taper). That way the sides are flat and easier to hold in a straightening caul or form.

[Allyn T]

Ok I'll be finishing my first bow here shortly and I've got another stave debarked I'll use for the newbie challenge

[Digital Caveman]

Here's the smaller ash from my White Ash thread.

It will be a 66" d-bow 1.5" wide for the inner two feet and tapers straight to the knocks.  I'll probably temper it at some point; it should be a lot easier than HHB 

There is a little character, just enough to make it interesting.  It needs to season a bit more.  I'm not sure how much because the RH is so low here that EMC would be to low.  I hear that ash can take some low humidity though.

[Digital Caveman]

What kind of wood is that Allyn?

[Fox]

That’s a wonderful idea tradcraftsman I’ve always fumbled around so much trying to straighten with the tapers...

[Fox]

Allyn im thinking that’s hickory ?

[Digital Caveman]

That’s a wonderful idea tradcraftsman I’ve always fumbled around so much trying to straighten with the tapers...

I had an idea? 

I generally just cut cross grain a little when cutting in the width taper if necessary to get the tips to line up.  I wouldn't worry much on your stave because the limbs snake in opposite directions so the tips look like they line up through the handle.

[Allyn T]

It is hickory indeed, shagbark to be exact. Hey also for this challenge let's not limit it to one bow or stave, if I break one or royally mess it up I'd like to be able to do another as long as it's in the time frame

[Digital Caveman]

That is what I was thinking.

This thread will be a good way for the senior members to help all the aspiring experts at once.

[Digital Caveman]

By the way, HLD and Perry Reflex should probably not be allowed in this, or I may beat you all with one  (you would probably all crush me If I tried one )

Has anyone sent Deerhunter a PM about this thread?

[Fox]

I’ll pm him