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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: KentuckyTJ on January 30, 2009, 02:16:00 PM

Title: Checkering your own riser
Post by: KentuckyTJ on January 30, 2009, 02:16:00 PM
I pondering checkering the riser on my Shafer Silvertip has anyone ever done this? I have a checkering kit that was a hand me down from my Dad. Should I attempt this or should I just spend the $155 and send it back to the bowyer to do it?
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: Ian johnson on January 30, 2009, 02:46:00 PM
why dont you try stipiling the grip?
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: Brad_Gentry on January 30, 2009, 02:48:00 PM
If you're confident in your checkering skills, I'd say why the heck not... if not, send it in.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: 30coupe on January 30, 2009, 02:55:00 PM
Practice on some scrap wood first. Checkering isn't really difficult, it just takes patience. If you get in a hurry, bad things can happen: broken diamonds, over-runs, wavy lines, etc.
 
If you practice first, then take your time, it is doable. The area on a riser is pretty small, so it would make a good first project. I have done several guns. No bows yet, but I am seriously considering it on my Badger takedown.

A good investment would be Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks by Monte Kennedy. If you already have the tools, invest in the book. You can save over $100 and have something you did yourself to be proud of. Kennedy will help get you started on the right foot.

Russ
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: snag on January 30, 2009, 02:59:00 PM
Practice until you are confident in this...if you can get to a point where you are confident then send it off. Don't want to do something you will regret!
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: Chris Surtees on January 30, 2009, 02:59:00 PM
TJ,

I would practice on some scrap wood and if you feel confident enough use a bow you will not necessarily be upset if you make a mistake.

If that turns out good I would go for it.

The book is a good idea also or better yet see if someone close by your home does it and will teach you.

Chris
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: maineac on January 30, 2009, 03:11:00 PM
I would also try to practice on a hard wood with a curve similar to your handle.  There is a different feel to different woods, and curves add an additional challenge over flat wood.  Take your time to practice and learn and you will be able to do your own work. Which for me makes the tool (bow in this case) more enjoyable to carry and use.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: KentuckyTJ on February 01, 2009, 06:03:00 PM
That's the thing a gun stock wouldn't be any problem but the sharp curves of this grip frighten me. I think it would be money well spent to send it in.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: snag on February 01, 2009, 06:15:00 PM
Good decision TJ....did you ever post a pic of this bow?  lol
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: KentuckyTJ on February 01, 2009, 07:04:00 PM
I did Snag here's the link.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069110;p=6
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: JimB on February 01, 2009, 08:16:00 PM
The curves of that grip would be a lot more difficult than most areas on a rifle.Note that most rifle checkering patterns are only on the sides of the grip and the ones that go all the way over the grip cost a lot more because they are very tricky to do.I had a Silvertip with checkered handle and the first thing I saw was how well that checkering was done over those curved surfaces.I have checkered a few rifles and I know I couldn't do anywhere near that good a job on that much contour.It is worth every penny to pay someone.Beautiful bow,by the way.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: snag on February 01, 2009, 08:53:00 PM
Very nice TJ! Love the antler limb bolts. Great grain in the limbs and riser.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: Angus on February 02, 2009, 08:39:00 AM
I'd echo the "send it in" thought, TJ.  That's a really pretty bow, and I would want a great checker job, 22 lines per inch minimum on it.  Pretend it's a fine Parker or LC Smith double, and you'll get the results, the look and feel that you want.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: KentuckyTJ on February 02, 2009, 09:15:00 AM
Alex, I'm going to send it in. I'd hate to screw it up. Love your Parker comment. I have a damascus barreled 16 gauge Parker side/side my grandfather gave me before he died and it's a fine piece of metal and wood.

Thanks guys for talking me out of my delusions.
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: MikeW on February 03, 2009, 11:26:00 AM
I'd love to have this done to my Blacktail.
  (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a170/aaaabbbbcccc/BowRiser.jpg)
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: doeboy on February 03, 2009, 12:25:00 PM
Mike W.

What kind of baow is that and where can i get that done! that is sweet!
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: MikeW on February 03, 2009, 02:19:00 PM
This guy did it. But I think he passed away.
 http://www.drcheckering.com/examples12.htm
Title: Re: Checkering your own riser
Post by: nd chickenman on February 03, 2009, 06:28:00 PM
Send it in, you will never keep the cutters sharp on the dymond wood riser with the resins in it. I am sure they are checkered with a power tool, not hand tools.