I will be there as well. I look forward to meeting you.

I hope so! I wasn't quite confident enough in my abilities the past two years to feel like I could adequately partake compared to everyone else's masterpieces but I'm finally at a point where I feel my bows are worthy of one of the other fine bowyers around here.

I have used edge grain sassafras as core light  weight not total in the core maybe one out of three lams. And it smells nice when you grind it.

The more I do this the more I think we waste a lot of time bare shafting. I think it can get you close, but the real test is an arrow tipped with a broadhead.

I've gotten perfect bareshaft flight and then awkward broadhead flight on certain setups and visa versa. There's just too many variables and too many archers with poor releases including myself to get a perfect bare shaft every time.  I would say as long as you're not getting an extreme kick right or left or up or down then you're probably a lot closer then you think. 

Another thing with bareshafting is any cant in the bow will give you some wild results down range.

Personally I like a little nock high and a little nock left.

Will we have one this year??

Initial impression is very favorable.

Thanks Pat,
Yes belly is heat treated. I seems to be holding pretty well. I have now shot some arrows. It takes some string follow, when un strung tips line up with the handle, then they return to the forward position after a few minutes.

Quote from: Jlinson on January 21, 2026, 01:35:06 PMHaven't been here in a while and finally got some breathing room after a new home build and ready for some me time lol.
Last glass build was in 2014 and I kept it pretty conservative on materials, bamboo cores, black glass and rose wood  recurve. Getting ready to do a takedown recurve and want to use everything that I have milled off my place and sawmill.
Need opinions on core wood, done have my veneers that will go under clear glass. But need opinions on core wood? I have Red elm, hickory and sasafrass cut dried a d ready to grind, I have some walnut but not really pleased with it, grain has some run out. I have backed hickory with bamboo on a couple long bows and fire hardened an elm bow last year that were good shooters but not used them under glass.
Has anyone used these and have any opinions on them?

I can see the appeal of just using wood you have milled off your place, but seriously.... rock hard maple and bamboo is hard to beat in a recurve limb. You can build a whole bunch of bows out of buying 1 - 4/4 X 8" X 10' long, or 12' if you are building one piece bows, and have very little money invested. Maple And bamboo has the best longevity hands down of any core wood out there. Just pick out a nice straight grained piece and rip it on your table saw.   .02 cents worth.

Quote from: Rob DiStefano on December 28, 2025, 06:19:03 AMBow material matters far less than bow/limb design.

100% agree .  imho...adding that the execution of the layout/tiller of said design also being crucial to that noise level or lack-thereof .

I just now found this. ...My absolute best for you Randy ....We are all pulling for you brother !