"Not Wide" Red Oak Board Bow Not for BOM

[Selfbowman]

Looks great Jawge.

[George Tsoukalas]

Thanks, Arvin. Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

I finally got around serving the string.

In this photo, you can see how I poke the serving string through the Flemish. Keeps it tight.

I am right handled and I serve clockwise. The same direction as my release. It may not make a difference but it may and I've always done it that way.

I don't use a serving tool. I put the serving on by hand. I recommend using a serving tool. LOL.

Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

I serve it really tight. I push and pull to make it so.

At the top , I give it a few half hitches.

Then, I tie the finishing knot for the serving.

Explaining that is hard.

Tim Baker did it it in one of the TBB's and I can find the reference if anyone is interested.

Only experienced and accomplished bowyers I do thank them, have been commenting recently so I am not sure if  beginners have hung in there and the reference may not be needed.

Photo shows the finished serving.

Jawge

[bentstick54]

I’ve been checking in on occasion, but have been more reading than commenting. I really enjoy following, as I’ve never made a board bow. I do refer to your site on occasion for advice also. It’s good that everyone is so willing to share your knowledge so freely. Thank You

[bjrogg]

Your serving looks really good George. I didn’t have a serving tool for my first couple of bows but it definitely makes serving easier having one.

I also started out with B-55 and switched to D-97 because of the stretch. I have since come to realize I had to much twist that I’m sure didn’t help my stretch problem.

I’m sure you and your website have helped numerous people over the years. I can’t really think of anything a bowyer can do that would be more rewarding

Bjrogg

[George Tsoukalas]

Thanks, bentstick. I am glad you re making and hunting with your bows.
Thanks, Bj. My website has been a labor of love.
Jawge

[paulc]

So it is possible to twist the bow string too much....hmmm.  I might be familiar with that problem

Paul

[George Tsoukalas]

Yes, Paul, it is possible. 1-3 is the ideal for B 50. I'm at 3 now. Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

I finally put about 30 shots through the bow. I decided to get it down to old man draw weight(43 lbs at 25") so I could draw it easier. Made it comfy for me.

I then sanded it with 220 grit, dampened the  limbs with a damp cloth to raise the grain, sanded it again with 220 grit and followed by 400 and 600 grit sanding. I usually repeat the process until the grain is no longer lifted but it's time to get this done.

Then I stained it with water based oak stain...I know...not the best of colors but that's what I had.

Next up is 3 coats of exterior poly. Perhaps tomorrow.

Thanks for hanging in there.

Jawge

[superdav95]

Wow jawge that serving turned out nice for doing by hand!  I made myself a jig of sort for my endless loops strings.  I like the idea of weaving the tag end thru the Flemish twist string.  I’ll have to try that next time. 

[George Tsoukalas]

Dave, thanks. That's the only way I have ever served.
I just gave it its first coat of poly. 2 more to go.
Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

The polyurethane has been applied. Since the handle is so narrow (1") I glued on some carpet foam using Titebond 3, which also gives the handle some give. 

I also glued on the arrow pass and 3 progressively smaller pieces of leather as a shelf. I used  a not so watery  Gorilla Glue  (cryanoacelate).

Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

The bow is done. I've enjoyed this journey. Making this bow has been fun.

Here is the handle. I favor a baseball stitch on a covering of leather. I used Titebond 3. I did a test run to make sure the leather would stick to the foam.

Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

Here is the baseball stitch.

Thanks for looking.

Jawge