Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Ronbow on August 01, 2010, 10:21:41 pm
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This is my first attempt to build a bow. It is from a Red Oak 1x2x96 and cut down to 72", (70" ntn). I made this based on the info from Pete Wards' site (Bow Making / Bow Building for poor people and apartment dwellers), Thanks to Sam for posting this instruction build along. It made me feel like I could do it without spending a ton of money and thanks Pete, for the advice, and for giving me the link to this forum.
I was able to build this bow in just a few nights (after work), with only hand tools. I am totally hooked and give about every waking thought to the next bow and and all of the possibilities, and thanks to all of you here, the possibilities seem endless.
The bow scaled out to 42 lbs at my 30" draw and has about 2" of set or string follow. After reading many of the bow building posts, I believe the string follow is due to my over drawing before the correct tiller.
At any rate, I am so excited to have made my first bow and welcome/ encourage the pro's here to give me some pointers for this and the ones to follow.
Thanks again and looking forward to building with you all.
Ronbow
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welcome to PA ! nice bow and your not alone in the addiction.
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Welcome! and good looking first! As you'll discover, we thrive on lots of pics, especially the full draw shots. Don't hesitate to ask questions, this is a very knowledgeable and generous group!
Frode
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Hey thanks for taking a look. Sorry about missing a couple of pics. I had a hard time learning how to post them and ran out of room. But any way, here is the full draw.
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that's an excellent tiller, especially for you first. Real good job
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Hey thanks Scott, coming from you, that fires me up even more. Even though the wife is getting tired of finding shavings (I will try to hide them better).
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First, middle, or last.....that is a fine bow....it bends well and flings arrows. Like Ken said about addiction.....so many bows and so little time ;D
rich
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Very nice bow and especially since it is your first. I can see lots of possibilities coming from you. You seem to have a grip on the nuances of wood bow building already. Now all you need is the experience. 8)
Welcome to PA. Keep up the good work. You had best tell the wife to get use to the shavings or get yourself a man cave. This addiction is very hard to shake! ;)
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Thanks Pat, wow, I have to feel you guys are taking it easy on me (me being a green-horn) but man I really do feel the call. I am just going to smile for now and start scouting for more wood. I have to say that I was not expecting to get many lookers but it sure feels good to get replies from pros like you, Half eye, youngbowyer33, Forde, and Scott D. I really do appreciate your eyes and opinions.
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congrats on your first and I find the fireplace in the yard geting used more often,shavings are great kindlin!! :)
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beautiful tiller- just do that every time & folks will call you a pro in no time!! ;)
Rob
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That really is a beautiful bend on that bow.
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Congrats on your first,wished mine had looked like that.Welcome. :)
Pappy
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By the way,what is it backed with,looks like some kind of mesh. ???
Pappy
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Pappy, LOL, let's not go there. Ron, excellent tiller. on that bow. Welcome and congratulations Jawge
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Thanks Pappy and thanks George, getting an ok from you two, you do know this, is like the ultimate in my book. I don't know as much about you as I will but I can tell from the respect you are given by the others, that you earned it. If I knew nothing else, that would be enough.
I hope to hang around long enough to pick you two guys' brain, share a cup of coffee, and maybe put a rasp on the same piece of wood. Now that sounds like Bowyer Heaven.
Thanks a lot
Ron
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I'm no pro, that tiller is better than any of mine.
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Very well done for the first one :)
Welcome to the land of bow building , I bet that it won't be your last bow in this year ::) ;D
acker
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Very pretty bow and weight seems to have worked out well. Feels good doesn't it! Is that backing drywall tape?
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Thanks all, and yes, it is drywall tape backing. Although it was part of the instructions for the build, I almost scraped the plan because of the looks but decided that, hey, it is the first bow and so went pretty much by the instructions. I did not paint it (backing) and it turned out looking better (in my eyes anyway). I am starting my next bow now and would like to use flax for backing but am unsure how to obtain it and what exactly is needed. Any advise on flax would be greatly appreciated, like is there any chain store or common place it might be purchased, and what do I ask for, (is there different types / lengths required)?
I am not totally 100% set on flax, but according to the posts I have read, it is not too expensive (which is good) and is a great baking.
I also am helping my daughter start her first bow today. Man oh man, am I having fun! :D :D
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Ronbow,
I used burlap (yes as in bag), whent on great and I like it.
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thanks Crow, right now Jawge has got me thinking an old silk dress might be the look and service I need on this one but you can bet a burlap backing is in the near future.
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I find burlap cheap and visually appealing. But you're right first bow an all so not a biggie. Generally we try to stay away from FG here but I think you did such an outstanding job tillering up your first bow that no one was going to jump on you about it. Flax would be neat but also remember that if you pick a good board you can make one unbacked too.
Keep up the outstanding work.
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Thanks NTD, I had an idea that the backing may have hit on a sore spot with Pappy, Sorry Pappy, won't happen again. I think I am on the right track now. After a little back and forth with Jawge, I think I will go with linen, it being the strongest and easiest to work with for my second bow and keep reading about Flax. For some reason it is stuck in my mind, ( singing to me) and so I know it is in my near future. If you have any info or links, please let me know because I am hungry for the knowledge.
Thanks again
NTD
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Ronbow,
Good choice. You will never go wrong following Jawge's lead!! He is The Man!
Chasing Crow