Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: gstoneberg on August 31, 2013, 08:36:22 pm

Title: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on August 31, 2013, 08:36:22 pm
I got a private message on the hog forum the other day from Jack who I didn't know:

I was looking through some old threads and saw that you make bows and teach other people how to make them as well. I was wondering if you still did this as I have recently discovered traditional archery and self bows and I am interested in making my own bow.

Thanks in advance
- Jack


I live for this, somebody who wants to learn how to make a bow and needs some guidance. :)  So, today Jack and his dad, Mark, arrived at the shop about 10:15.  We wasted very little time picking out a stave and getting started.  This is some of the wood we first cut over at Thomas' place 2 or 3 years ago.  I had split this stave out and the bark had fallen off, so I painted the back and put it in the shop.  Consequently there are no borers and it was a perfect candidate for Jack's first osage bow.  It'll need some twist taken out, but it wouldn't be as much fun if it were straight.   Here he is at 11:00 with most of the sapwood off.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9638063843_28999988c8_z.jpg)

Jack's impressive with the draw knife.  He took to it like nobody I've ever taught.  Here he is finishing the back to a growth ring at 3:45 in the afternoon (and a big lunch of smoked wild pork interrupted his progress).

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/9638063365_6aae83fcac_z.jpg)

He never needed a bit of help once he understood what he needed to do.  When he finished up and called it a day at 5:20 he had both limbs bending and was closing in on floor tiller.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9638062785_968e06a345_z.jpg)

Jack's a pretty tall young man, nearly 6'3" at age 15, so we made the bow 68".  We may shorten it though, his draw length is right at 28".  He's shooting for 40lbs, but I'll bet we go higher than that as he can pull more than that already.  Never have I had somebody new to bow work crank out a bow like Jack has today.  And, it was 103 degrees outside, probably more in the shop.

I spent quite a bit of time trying to make a point and talking to Mark.  I broke 2 or 3 beautiful pieces of flint, one I broke 3 times.  It wasn't my best knapping day, but it was a great day of making bows.  Life is good.  They made an appointment for next Saturday morning...can't wait.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: H Rhodes on August 31, 2013, 08:49:22 pm
That is what it's all about right there George!  Jack looks like a fine young man and I bet we end up seeing a bunch of bows from him in the future.  Way to go.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Josh B on August 31, 2013, 08:57:39 pm
Good on ya George!  Looks like he's a natural.  Josh
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: wood_bandit99 on August 31, 2013, 09:20:44 pm
That's cool. I won't ever forget the people who helped me. They gave me staves and said "figure it out" turns out I was a natural too. No bows have ever been broken by me  ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Fred Arnold on August 31, 2013, 09:56:42 pm
Good for you George. Looks like a happy young man in those pics.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Trapper Rob on August 31, 2013, 09:58:29 pm
Way to go George.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: TRACY on August 31, 2013, 10:18:41 pm
Looks like you've made a new lasting friendship George! Great spirit and fellowship!


Tracy
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: lostarrow on August 31, 2013, 10:55:12 pm
The world would be a much better place if it had more people like the ones on  here! Good stuff.!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: osage outlaw on August 31, 2013, 11:08:36 pm
Super cool George!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: cowboy on August 31, 2013, 11:28:10 pm
That's awesome George! Sounds like he'll be ready to hunt by next month.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 01, 2013, 12:45:18 am
Thanks all. It was a very good time.  I'm looking forward to next Saturday already.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: 4dog on September 01, 2013, 12:47:12 am
Cool ,,just cool.  8)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: paulsemp on September 01, 2013, 01:35:25 am
I sure wish I had a guy like you around when I was a kid
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: bubby on September 01, 2013, 02:11:36 am
awesome George, make sure to book a couple extra sat. so ya can teach him how to knap a point :laugh:
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: DuBois on September 01, 2013, 03:11:59 am
That is great. Good job to you both! Hope I can experience something simillar someday with my, or someone elses kids.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Del the cat on September 01, 2013, 03:33:28 am
 ;D  great story and cool pics.
Passin' it on... that's what we love.
It's great when people really want to lean and take the trouble to come and have a go.
6'3"  :o keep him away from those warbow boys George  ;)
Del
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 01, 2013, 07:55:29 am
Wow, thanks you guys.  I woke up sore this morning, guess I need to do a little more draw knife work to stay in better shape?

Hey Del, I told Jack he could have any stave in the shop...except a certain piece of English yew.  I think I might put the draw knife to that beauty this week.  It's funny how having a friend over in the shop gets my bow making juices flowing again.  I'm thinking it might make a really nice recurve?  Also, I'm sad to say that a friend I have in Yorkshire told me a couple weeks ago that he had a tree service come and take out a large yew tree in his yard.  I nearly cried, can't believe I had never told him I made bows. :'(

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: crooketarrow on September 01, 2013, 08:49:08 am
   SWEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
   Looks like you've made a friend for life.
   Nothing makes my heart soar like helping a young man out.
   
                                                                                              ROY
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: SLIMBOB on September 01, 2013, 09:46:12 am
Good on ya George.  That's what it's all about.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 01, 2013, 10:50:39 am
You lucky dog George! Teaching somebody who is truley insprired to learn is awesome. Im hoping my son finds that spark some day.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: rps3 on September 01, 2013, 12:07:22 pm
I love a good story with pictures. Keep posting your progress together.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: BowEd on September 01, 2013, 12:15:00 pm
Great story George.That won't be the last one that boy makes.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: dbb on September 01, 2013, 01:11:14 pm
You guys here are great to learn from,but i sure wish i had some "hands on" teaching in the start like that boys getting.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Badly Bent on September 01, 2013, 01:12:52 pm
Great thing there George, teaching a young man a primitive craft. Seems he has a good deal of skill and enthusiasm which makes it all the more enjoyable for both the mentor and the teacher. That young man is going to learn more
than bow making skills from this experience and one day you can bet he'll look back fondly at what you did for him and he'll pass it on to another young person down the road. Very rewarding ain't it George, your a good man. :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 02, 2013, 08:10:22 am
Jack emailed me that he's thinking about how to get a snakeskin for his bow.  His parents take a dim view of him terrorizing the local water moccasin population. ;)  This would be a great time for a local rat snake to make an appearance around the shop.  Might go dove hunting later today and will keep my eyes open for snakes if I do.

Roy, I totally forgot about that string. :-[  I'll make it up today and send it off tomorrow.

I'll do better with the camera next Saturday, but I don't expect us to be shooting it as it'll need at least 2 heatings to take out twist.  I agree that this won't be his only bow.  I gave him the option of me doing the heat bending this week so the bow could be shooting next weekend, but he wanted to learn that part of the process.  Gotta  love that.  :)

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: lesken2011 on September 02, 2013, 08:55:31 am
Cool story, George. I wish I had gotten started that young and had a mentor like you!!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 02, 2013, 01:58:16 pm
Sorry it took so long for me to get on here guys, had to wait for admin approval :-\. I was just looking through some old threads on the Texas boars forum and I saw George offering to help people build their first bow, he's a great teacher for anyone looking to get into primitive archery and I can't wait till Saturday.

Jack
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on September 02, 2013, 02:34:31 pm
That's really cool George  ;)

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Del the cat on September 02, 2013, 03:48:31 pm
Sorry it took so long for me to get on here guys, had to wait for admin approval :-\. I was just looking through some old threads on the Texas boars forum and I saw George offering to help people build their first bow, he's a great teacher for anyone looking to get into primitive archery and I can't wait till Saturday.

Jack
Welcome aboard Jack :)
Del
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 02, 2013, 04:20:09 pm
Hey Jack, good to see your post.  I'm looking forward to Saturday too. ;D

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 02, 2013, 05:13:47 pm
You know, all this time we have been saying "That George! He don't know Jack."

Guess we can't say that anymore.   >:D

The kid couldn't have reached out to a better person for this subject.  Good for you Georgie!  You must have saved just one decent stave for this situation. 
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Josh B on September 02, 2013, 07:21:10 pm
Welcome aboard young man!  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!  Josh
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 02, 2013, 08:28:15 pm
Welcome aboard young man!  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!  Josh

So am I Josh, Just a few more weekends and i should be out there honing my skills! I might even use it to take a whitetail if i can find a place.

-Jack
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Danzn Bar on September 02, 2013, 09:15:42 pm
You know, all this time we have been saying "That George! He don't know Jack."

JW you keep me in stitches ................ You Sir are brilliant and very entertaining  :)

George and Jack........... now you've got to keep us posted on the progress,  can't wait until next weekend myself!  ;D
DBar
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: okie64 on September 02, 2013, 11:01:20 pm
Its great to see a young man with such enthusiasm to build a bow and the willingness to listen and learn a craft. Lookin forward to seeing progress on this one! :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 03, 2013, 10:21:20 pm
Welcome to this crazy addiction, Jack!  Nice to meetcha.  Stick with ol' Georgie and he'll take care of you.  Just don't let him take you over to the dark side and get you knapping stone!   >:D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 04, 2013, 07:48:18 am
Too late for that...he started knapping before I met him.  We'll probably have time to do a little of that this Saturday. ;D  Life is good.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: okiecountryboy on September 04, 2013, 07:54:27 am
Proud of both of you.
Reading things like this makes  me remember what life is really about.

Thanks for sharing.

Ron
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Knapper on September 04, 2013, 04:13:09 pm
Hey Jack,
 Nice to see another bowyer in the mix. George is a great guy, he let me and a friend show up and do some knapping in Texas this year and we had a blast.
Keep up the pictures and keep em comin.
Knapper
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: bubby on September 04, 2013, 05:36:11 pm
glad to see ya back at it George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 04, 2013, 06:58:27 pm
Welcome to this crazy addiction, Jack!  Nice to meetcha.  Stick with ol' Georgie and he'll take care of you.  Just don't let him take you over to the dark side and get you knapping stone!   >:D

If I didnt start knapping then where would I get my points?  ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Onebowonder on September 04, 2013, 07:02:12 pm
Welcome to this crazy addiction, Jack!  Nice to meetcha.  Stick with ol' Georgie and he'll take care of you.  Just don't let him take you over to the dark side and get you knapping stone!   >:D

If I didnt start knapping then where would I get my points?  ;)

The young man has a point, ...err I assume he has a point, ...or he's working on one or something...   :o ::) :-\

OneBow
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 04, 2013, 08:41:22 pm
Welcome to this crazy addiction, Jack!  Nice to meetcha.  Stick with ol' Georgie and he'll take care of you.  Just don't let him take you over to the dark side and get you knapping stone!   >:D

If I didnt start knapping then where would I get my points?  ;)

The young man has a point, ...err I assume he has a point, ...or he's working on one or something...   :o ::) :-\

OneBow


I lost my only glass point and i haven't gotten around to doing any rock hunting, anyone know a place around Dallas?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 04, 2013, 09:40:28 pm
I'd look for rock in my shop if I were you....

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 04, 2013, 10:24:09 pm
I'd look for rock in my shop if I were you....

George

That might be a good place to start ;D

Jack

Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 04, 2013, 10:26:24 pm
Sure thing, Jacko!  And if you get hit and sweaty, you can go for a dip in Lake Stoneberg.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 04, 2013, 11:07:26 pm
I couldn't get him to stop working long enough for a dip last weekend...and it was 103 degrees!!!! ::)

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 04, 2013, 11:14:37 pm
I'm brining my swimsuit Saturday for sure, man was it hot :o
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 04, 2013, 11:21:37 pm
I couldn't get him to stop working long enough for a dip last weekend...and it was 103 degrees!!!! ::)

George

Young and dumb and fulla ... ambition?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 05, 2013, 10:31:53 pm
Ha, ha John.  Young...yes, ambitious...yes, but no way dumb.  Me, on the other hand...well you know.  ;)  We'll be back at it Saturday morning.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 05, 2013, 10:43:17 pm
I'd love to be there with you folks, heat and all. 
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 05, 2013, 11:01:51 pm
You guys got me hooked on bow making, all my friends think I'm weird now...what do they know ;D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 05, 2013, 11:03:15 pm
Finish your bow, show them, make them weird too.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 05, 2013, 11:22:42 pm
Spread the weirdness??

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 05, 2013, 11:23:21 pm
Spread the weirdness??

George

Did you move to Austin?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 05, 2013, 11:35:55 pm
No, but I drove through it once...
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Onebowonder on September 06, 2013, 10:37:03 am
No, but I drove through it once...

....quickly and with the windows up and doors all locked I hope!   :o :o :o

OneBow
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 08, 2013, 01:42:53 am
Yep, Austin is not my favorite place.

Jack and his dad were back today.  We didn't make quite as much progress as last time, partly because we did the heat bending and could not go on to tillering; and partly because I took him out to the lease, we grabbed trail cam photos, and shot bows and guns.  Didn't get very many pictures of the process and missed the gun shooting entirely.

First, Jack took the bow to where we had a nice even taper and a good floor tiller bend.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9698979420_3f9edd354d_z.jpg)

Then we moved over to the heat bending spot and straightened the bow up.  It took 3 heatings.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9698978948_e59b8f6d38_z.jpg)

Then at the lease he shot my osage shorty that I hunted (poorly) with last season.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9698978482_a7b01b0e4d_z.jpg)

He shoots it  well.  :)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9698977840_69670d38a3_z.jpg)

When we got back home Jack's dad took a picture of the 2 of us and the bow at its current state.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9698977206_519dd95475_z.jpg)

It's nice and straight, the string goes through the handle and each limb has a touch of reflex in the middle.  Should work out well.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 08, 2013, 03:13:03 pm
By George, I think he's got it....and got it BAAAAD! 

Poor Jack, he'll never be the same again.   >:D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 08, 2013, 03:56:49 pm
By George, I think he's got it....and got it BAAAAD! 

Poor Jack, he'll never be the same again.   >:D

I'm a changed man ;D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on September 09, 2013, 02:57:13 am
Great post George. Let him know I have some nice belly scales if he wants em for the back of that bow..

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 09, 2013, 02:54:54 pm
Great post George. Let him know I have some nice belly scales if he wants em for the back of that bow..

Cipriano

Do you mean like the belly scales of a snake?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on September 09, 2013, 03:06:40 pm
Yes.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 09, 2013, 03:13:36 pm
Yes.

Did you split the snake down either side and just peel off either half? I haven't heard of using the belly scales for a backing before
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 22, 2013, 12:22:58 am
Jack came back to work on his bow again this weekend.  We had hoped to go hog hunting Friday night but we got a VERY much needed hard rain that turned the Texas dirt to slime.  So, we cut string nocks in his bow and got a string on his bow.  Still had some twist  so we did another heat bend.  Then we worked on flint points.  Today we began tillering in earnest.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9865369836_a563715407_z.jpg)

Jack is a natural, he's eyeing that unbending spot in the middle of the right limb.  We got to a nice bend very early.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9865304746_3f6221fec0_z.jpg)

When we quit the bow was pulling 50lbs@20".  We'll shoot it the next time he's over.  Here it is at a low brace.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9865385686_5f564090b8_z.jpg)

It's going to be a great bow.  It has a natural forward set handle and is center shot.  It is 66" n2n and Jack plans to make it 50#@28".  That should work out just fine. :)

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: wood_bandit99 on September 22, 2013, 12:31:29 am
That's cool! I plan on doing this at ojam. All these people that helped me get materials for bow building, I asked them how I can even come close to returning the favor and they said, pass it on. I take more joy in doing stuff for other people then I do making one for my self. Their'a tend to look prettier too for some reason  :o LOL
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 22, 2013, 06:11:26 pm
I cant wait till we get it shooting, gotta get it ready for deer season ;D. We're having that roast you gave us for dinner tonight George, got it all wrapped up with bacon i can smell it cooking right now >:D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Carson (CMB) on September 22, 2013, 06:20:58 pm
Very Cool!  Nice progress Jack!  Looks like you will have ready in time.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 22, 2013, 10:24:48 pm
Good news Jack, these are on the way for your bow!

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9886972004_0148f488cc_z.jpg)

Life is good.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: burn em up chuck on September 22, 2013, 11:01:48 pm
   very very cool, way to pass it on

                           chuck
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: k-hat on September 22, 2013, 11:15:18 pm
Stoneberg's at it again ;)  good on ya, looks like another addict... and at such a young age >:D ;D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 22, 2013, 11:18:07 pm
Good news Jack, these are on the way for your bow!

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9886972004_0148f488cc_z.jpg)

Life is good.

George

Those are some awesome skins George 8), What kind of snake is that?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 22, 2013, 11:23:42 pm
Stoneberg's at it again ;)  good on ya, looks like another addict... and at such a young age >:D ;D

I'm already clearing a spot in the garage so I can start seasoning wood after I finish this bow ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 23, 2013, 12:26:07 am
Those are some awesome skins George 8), What kind of snake is that?

I think he said eastern diamondback water snake.

I'm already clearing a spot in the garage so I can start seasoning wood after I finish this bow ;)

I have a friend who always has osage we can cut.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 23, 2013, 01:12:20 am
Those are some awesome skins George 8), What kind of snake is that?

I think he said eastern diamondback water snake.

I'm already clearing a spot in the garage so I can start seasoning wood after I finish this bow ;)

I have a friend who always has osage we can cut.

George

I'd just have to figure out how I would get it home :laugh:
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: echatham on September 23, 2013, 11:18:34 am
this thread warms my heart  ;D  I can't seem to get anybody interested in building a bow  :-\
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on September 23, 2013, 04:34:30 pm
The skins are Eastern Diamondback Water snakes.  George they are now headed your way.  My contribution young man ;)

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 23, 2013, 06:09:05 pm
The skins are Eastern Diamondback Water snakes.  George they are now headed your way.  My contribution young man ;)

Cipriano

Thank you Cipriano, it is very much appreciated. They are going to take this bow to a whole new level of cool 8)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 25, 2013, 08:30:10 pm
Thanks Cip, got the skins today. :)

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: 4dog on September 26, 2013, 10:45:20 am
Very,very,very......cool thread.   8)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: TimPotter on September 26, 2013, 08:06:13 pm
This is such a great thread. Wonderful job sharing your time and experience with such a willing pupil.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on September 26, 2013, 09:37:51 pm
You are welcome jstason. Happy to contribute ;)

Good deal! Don't mention it george ;)

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 28, 2013, 06:45:59 pm
Jack came by again today.  I should have been deer hunting, but didn't get enough points hafted to arrows to be ready.  This let Jack come a little earlier than we had planned.  He slowly worked up to his draw length scraping away with my butcher knife (aka scraper)...

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9987705725_8aa4240aab_z.jpg)

We had a break in the rain so he got to launch his first arrows.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9987708755_69cf0c10d5_z.jpg)(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9987707155_594300a9fa_z.jpg)

Since the bow really isn't done we didn't shoot all that much.  He shot it well though.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/9987710745_03e6607d96_z.jpg)

The bow is 66" n2n and 55lbs at 27".  I expect it to come down another pound or two and the draw to come out another inch as he does the finish sanding  and shoots it in.  It has an inch or 2 of natural deflex right at the handle and so far has taken no set.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9987767956_710b1fc7b5.jpg)(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/9987840743_18c972f417.jpg)

You can see the temporary floppy rest taped in place.  We finished the day up gluing together a cork rest and fitting and gluing on mesquite tip overlays.  Next time we get together we'll glue on the snakeskins.

Good days!  :)

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: dbb on September 28, 2013, 06:48:48 pm
That looks really great!
Great work...both of you.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Mad Max on September 28, 2013, 07:33:17 pm
Get er doneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
keep up the good work :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: H Rhodes on September 28, 2013, 08:47:27 pm
I like the bend on that one!  Awesome bow.   ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 28, 2013, 09:42:43 pm
Anyone that doesn't envy that kid for his bow ain't paying enough attention to detail!  That is a very fine example of why deer should be afraid, very afraid!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Badly Bent on September 28, 2013, 10:40:49 pm
Super nice bow at this point. Gonna be even better when you finish her up with the skins, nice work Jack. :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 28, 2013, 10:47:57 pm
Anyone that doesn't envy that kid for his bow ain't paying enough attention to detail!  That is a very fine example of why deer should be afraid, very afraid!

I'm tempted to take it to the 3d range at the bass pro here just to see what people say ;D
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 28, 2013, 11:51:55 pm
Is that the Bass Pro over by DFW airport?  Don't forget to practice with that longbow you took home, it'll help you be more comfortable at that draw weight.  Do you have plans for arrows yet?  I don't have wood shafts in that spine weight, other than the 2 in the 3Rivers test kit.

You did well today Jack.  I really didn't help much in the final tillering and it looks great!

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 29, 2013, 12:29:10 pm
Is that the Bass Pro over by DFW airport?  Don't forget to practice with that longbow you took home, it'll help you be more comfortable at that draw weight.  Do you have plans for arrows yet?  I don't have wood shafts in that spine weight, other than the 2 in the 3Rivers test kit.

You did well today Jack.  I really didn't help much in the final tillering and it looks great!

George

Yep it's the one by lake grapevine. What was the spine on the arrows with the yellow fletchings because I think I might just order some shafts from 3rivers?
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on September 29, 2013, 11:50:58 pm
Jack,

Those are the 50-55lb spine.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on September 29, 2013, 11:53:18 pm
Thanks George  :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on October 05, 2013, 01:28:14 am
Jack is back working this weekend.  He spent all of tonight on finishing his limb tips.  Very nice work!

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/10094024416_c10dab3317_z.jpg)

That is mesquite on the overlay.  He did such a nice job on the overlay/limb junction that we'll stop the snakeskin short of it.

I wasn't much help and spent most of the night knapping.  This came from a piece of Burlington from Stringman.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/10094072794_bb75b86ddb_z.jpg)

Tomorrow the skins will go on Jack's bow.  Life is good!

George

Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: BowSlayer on October 05, 2013, 07:26:24 am
well done to both of you looks like you made a fine bow there. can't wait to see the skins! ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Carson (CMB) on October 05, 2013, 02:02:02 pm
Sweet tips Jack! 
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on October 05, 2013, 03:51:39 pm
We've made some progress.  The skins are on, but not fully dry.  I caught Jack in the process of putting on the first skin.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/10103944504_a6605a1587_z.jpg)

The skins are drying a little slower than usual, a cold front blew through this morning and lowered the temperature 20 degrees.  It's been drizzling ever since.  So, Mary made up a batch of venison chili in the crock pot and a double batch of bread dough for cinnamon rolls.  We grabbed a little bit of dough to have fried bread with our chili for lunch.  O man was it good!!!!

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/10103865206_ea655ae467_z.jpg)

Jack's closing in on a flint point.  I think we'll head out and see if he can't wrap that up.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on October 05, 2013, 11:36:27 pm
A couple more pictures.  Jack finished the up the final sanding on his bow after the snakeskins were dry.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/10108449324_398623d250_z.jpg)

(Gotta love jeans turned yellow by osage dust... :))  We prepared the handle wrap and the cork arrow rest and ended the day spraying on the first coat of finish.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/10108593173_29854f0240_z.jpg)

We're very close to the end now.  I'm afraid I can't work with Jack next weekend so it may be a couple weeks before the next session.  We need the thread wrap at the end of the snakeskin, to lace up the handle wrap, and a few more coats of finish and it'll be done.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: BowSlayer on October 06, 2013, 11:32:31 am
Very nice.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: TRACY on October 06, 2013, 11:53:54 am
Great progress since I last checked in. Jack, you'll be a real trend setter with the youth today with the Osage faded jeans ;D everyone will want a pair!


Tracy
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: DGF on October 06, 2013, 12:30:44 pm
Jack, you'll be a real trend setter with the youth today with the Osage faded jeans ;D everyone will want a pair!


I sure hope so. It'd be nice to be cool again.

Doing great Jack. Looks to be a sweet bow!
-Dan
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Zion on October 06, 2013, 01:58:05 pm
lookin great, keep it up  :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 06, 2013, 03:09:24 pm
Well done, George. Nice tiller, Jack. It's a fine thing this bow making and it's a finer thing when we can teach it to others. Jawge
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: Josh B on October 06, 2013, 06:05:30 pm
Wow!  That's shapin up quite nicely!  Kudos all around!  Josh
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: jstason on October 06, 2013, 11:18:04 pm
 It's been a great experience all around and I can't wait to see the finished product. Thanks for all the compliments guys it means a lot  :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: criveraville on October 07, 2013, 12:41:48 am
Jack,

You've done a great job!! Excellent job with the tips and skins. Nicely done.

Get a Primitive Archer subscription and enter it in the November BOM contest ;)

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack
Post by: gstoneberg on October 12, 2013, 11:48:10 pm
Jack was by today to put the finishing touches on his bow.  We got the handle wrap on, the string wrap at the end of the snakeskin, shot the bow a fair bit, and took the finished pictures.  It needs a couple more coats of finish, but it's essentially done.  I wish I'd had Jack take a few more scrapes in the middle of the upper limb, is it looks a little stiff, but it's taken no set at all so I guess it's OK.  It started with some natural deflex which is unchanged.  Jack did a great job, the bow shoots well, and I'm proud of him.  You'll notice Jack is a little wet in the pictures.  We got a very nice and very needed rain this afternoon so our finish pictures were taken in the entryway of the house.  The bow came out a little heavier than I expected it to, 58lbs@28".  Jack is definitely able to pull it.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/10236353116_1011321a90.jpg) (http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/10236354555_04b2575899.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/10236325984_dbac1ab4d5.jpg) (http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/10236382446_02783b15e7.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/10236273284_40b363c85c_z.jpg)

We also started working on arrows as his arrow shafts from 3-rivers had come in.  He got his first experience with straightening wood shafts, cutting the nock tapers and installing nocks. Hopefully soon we'll take his new bow and arrows out hunting.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Mad Max on October 13, 2013, 12:42:22 am
Nice bow jack. It's time for bow # 2
One day you can do the same for some young man. :) ;) 8)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Cameroo on October 13, 2013, 01:40:56 am
Everything about this thread is awesome  8) Both of you have done an excellent job
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: dbb on October 13, 2013, 07:13:57 am
Fantastic work,that one will serve you well for a long time!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: BowSlayer on October 13, 2013, 07:23:53 am
Cool bow jack!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: BowEd on October 13, 2013, 08:14:23 am
Very nice first bow Jack especially with the help from the right man.Great thread here.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Badly Bent on October 13, 2013, 08:27:19 am
Finished up beautiful, very impressive work Jack and good luck hunting.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: IdahoMatt on October 13, 2013, 11:31:16 am
Great job Jack.  What a nice guy to show you the ropes in such great detail.  Way to pass on the art to the next generation.   :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Scottski on October 13, 2013, 12:29:48 pm
That is one fine bow young man. You done some good work on it. Good luck hunting and have fun shooting that good looking bow.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: osage outlaw on October 13, 2013, 02:13:38 pm
Great job Jack and George!  :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: criveraville on October 14, 2013, 12:33:34 am
Congrats Jack!! That's one nice new bow!! You have a master their to help you. And a darn good man.. Lucky you.

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: wood_bandit99 on October 14, 2013, 12:59:37 am
That thing looks scary bad. Send it to my house so I can fix it  >:D man! I'm jealous. That looks awesome!
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: jstason on October 14, 2013, 01:49:46 am
Thanks for all the compliments guys, I got to shoot her a bit today (not as much as I would have liked due to rain) and she feel nice :laugh:. I can't wait to get her out in the woods for the real test  ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: skarhand on October 14, 2013, 12:27:19 pm
Very nice bow. Very lucky to have such a great teacher. Squeeze all you can out of him, LOL.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: dwardo on October 14, 2013, 04:16:04 pm
Great bow, has it all.
Shame on you for getting a youngun hooked on bow making  ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 14, 2013, 11:45:37 pm
It's not my fault...he came to me. ;) >:D

Jack, I finally got out hunting last night.  I passed a nice little doe that spent 10 minutes tempting me.  It's a 20 yard shot, better be practicing.  The pigs have been coming in too, had a big sounder there with a couple litters of teeny ones a couple days ago.  I can't get enough shots at them to keep the numbers down.   :o

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: jstason on October 15, 2013, 12:40:20 am
I was out there yesterday when the rain let up, my carbons don't fly nearly as nice as the wood arrows I shot at your house do >:D. I'm just waiting on the broad heads I ordered yesterday and I should be set.
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 15, 2013, 12:56:24 am
Maybe I should finish up some arrows for you before you come next time so you can have some to shoot? 

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: jstason on October 15, 2013, 01:14:29 am
dont worry about it George :) they fly straight enough for me to practice with :P
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: criveraville on October 15, 2013, 01:38:25 am
Maybe I should finish up some arrows for you before you come next time so you can have some to shoot? 

George

Have you made any privet arrows?

Cipriano
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Del the cat on October 15, 2013, 07:49:28 am
Kudos George, well done Jack.
That's the way to hand it on...
Feel free to PM me some venison or bacon... whichever you get first ;D
Del
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 15, 2013, 08:25:22 am
Have you made any privet arrows?

Cipriano

No, I had a half dozen PO Cedar shafts already with self nocks cut that I made up for this season.  As always, I put it off until the last possible minute... :-[

Kudos George, well done Jack.
That's the way to hand it on...
Feel free to PM me some venison or bacon... whichever you get first ;D
Del

Thanks, and consider it done my friend, though I fear PM'd meat might go bad on the way.  Why don't you fly on over here and we'll go chase the pork around together?

You know I told Jack he could have any stave in the shop except for one.  I need to get off my butt and make a bow of that lovely piece of yew.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Southpaw4 on October 16, 2013, 05:42:31 pm
Wow, George, you and jack did a fabulous job on that bow. It's beautiful. Can't wait to get mine done. Jack, I might have some japanese arrow bamboo shafts for you if you like. I'm out in oak point. Get you some feathers from three rivers and we will set up an arrow making day if ya like
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: jstason on October 16, 2013, 06:23:02 pm
Sounds like fun southpaw good luck on your bow :)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: smoke on October 16, 2013, 07:33:50 pm
Dang George, I wish I had been aware of your bowyer skills when you lived in Nebraska!  Very nice work!!! (Jack too!)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Gus on October 16, 2013, 07:37:26 pm
Awesome Story George!

And Great Job Jack...
Now you gotta post some Bloody Arrow and Backstrap photos...  :)

-gus
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 16, 2013, 08:36:43 pm
Guys, Jack did all the work on this one.  I did a little coaching, but this is pretty much all his baby.  He did GOOD!!!

Kevin, I'm looking forward to working again tomorrow night.  Hopefully we can make more progress.  Nice offer on the bamboo.  Jack brought over a dozen PO cedar shafts from 3-rivers last time and we got 6 straightened and nocks on last week.  We'll get as many as we can fletched up for him this weekend.  I have a box full of turkey feathers we can split, grind and chop for his arrows.  I also have some commercial ones he can use if he wants.

Smoke, I would have loved to work with you.  I lived a little north of Fremont and worked in Omaha. Where are you?  Did you make the Nebraska Traditional Archers rendezvous around Labor Day?

On that note Gus, I'm thinking of going out Friday night and Saturday morning.  I got my sights on this weird horned buck:

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10318971813_5df21ed29b_n.jpg)

We need to get Jack a set of hunting arrows done, he should have some broadheads by the weekend, but I don't know that his arrows will be ready to hunt by Saturday.  He'll need some practice time with them.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: jstason on October 16, 2013, 09:45:22 pm
That buck still hanging around George? ;)
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 16, 2013, 11:26:03 pm
Yep, Randy saw him Saturday.  He only hunts with a crossbow so his season doesn't open for 2 more weeks.  He was out there hoping for hogs.  I still haven't seen him in person.  Hopefully soon.

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Gus on October 17, 2013, 06:00:10 pm
Well Good Luck to you George...

If nothing else you have some Good Karma working in your favor...

As for the Hogs, I just spoke with my Uncle in Kirvin, TX.
It would seem that most of the hogs in northeast Texas are abusing his pastures.
Working on getting a Hunting Bow finished up so I can go stick a Pig on his place... :)

Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise!

-gus
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: gstoneberg on October 18, 2013, 09:39:23 am
Thanks.  If you need somebody to carry arrows when you head to Kirvin let me know.  I could be convinced to drive down.  The largest hog I've ever seen (and sadly couldn't hit with a rifle :-[) was on a hunt down that way. 

George
Title: Re: My New Friend Jack - finish pictures added
Post by: Gus on October 18, 2013, 05:23:38 pm
I hear ya George...

It looks like there is at least one Bruiser in the current bunch...
My uncle has an Experienced pair of Hundred pound American Bulldogs, and this Boar bested them in under ten minutes. The dogs are gonna recover after a trip to the Vet and Many stitches and staples.
I've seen his male bulldog take down a 200 pounder solo.

We're planning to put out some feeders to get the hogs coming in.
Hoping to get a Bow Shot...

:)

-gus