Author Topic: Reverse handle LB-short build along (Read 1100 times)

bjansen · « **on:** January 24, 2009, 04:36:00 PM »

I thought I would take a try at making my own form design for a reverse handle longbow. It worked out alright, and I took come pics along the way.

First, I drew out my design on a sheet of paper

bjansen · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:37:00 PM »

Then bandsawed the rough shape

bjansen · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:37:00 PM »

I made a template and used a router to ensure both sides were the same shape. Drilled 1.5inch holes every 3.5 inches.....the hardest part...

bjansen · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:39:00 PM »

I also addes some tabs to keep e/t in line when clamping up

bjansen · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:40:00 PM »

I glued up two risers in the meantime. The one I am using for this bow is Sapelle,maple, padauk

bjansen · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:49:00 PM »

Here is a pic of that bottom riser out of squared and cut

bjansen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:50:00 PM »

bjansen · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:53:00 PM »

Now for the lams. I was guessing on this one but I wanted to end up with a wide limb (1 3/4) so I used the following (from back to front)

.050 black glass
.060 maple parallel
.030 glass strip
.120 maple taper (.002 per in)
.050 black glass

bjansen · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:54:00 PM »

In the oven it goes

bjansen · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:57:00 PM »

I had to buy 4 more clamps to get that job done. Sorry i skipped a few steps...the camera was in the house all day..but here are the finished pics....

I added maple, paduak and whitetail antler overlays, glued on overlays to the back of the handle. Used a cow skin rest.

I also tried a endless loop string...worked great, takes a little longer but i like it. I put some extra padding in the loops and let them long to act as a silencer.

bjansen · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2009, 05:00:00 PM »

For the finish I used TB epoxy, 2 brush coats for sealer, sanded then 2 finish spray coats, steel wool then paste wax.

bjansen · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2009, 05:02:00 PM »

bjansen · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2009, 05:09:00 PM »

Final specs: 66" ntn, 46# @ 28"

positives: Draws very smooth & I think that reverse handle makes it stable

negatives: I dislike how the string come off the tips, there are essentially parallel to each other when strung. To compensate I did some work on the knocks to ensure the string had a nice round look and eased the transition...the point on that is to reflex the limbs more at the end, or through the entire limb, one or the other...not a mix like this one.

lessons learned: when applying the TB finish, apply one coat at a time, sanding in between...I tried 2 heavy coats for the sealer coat...and it was tough/gummy to sand through even after 2 weeks drying.

Cody Roiter · « **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2009, 07:14:00 PM »

WOW very nice job my friend I bet u will make more..
Cody

Diamondback59 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:28:00 PM »

looks good brad man the father in law must have some big paws<<< to hold that handel very nice job brock

Steve J · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:29:00 PM »

Nice bow! I've made nothing but R/D longbows but I want to do a recurve soon and now I'm thinking of doing a reverse handle..hehe

What length is the riser?

kennym · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:43:00 PM »

Nice job Brad,neat lookin design!Let us know how she shoots.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:34:00 AM »

Great job! Do you have any full draw pics?

bjansen · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:03:00 AM »

Thanks guys..yeah here is a full draw pic.

When i shot this bow it has very low handshock and a smooth draw...but as for FPS i am not sure...i wish i had a crono here at my house...but i suspect it is a little slow.

The riser is 22 inches fade to fade

bjansen · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:04:00 AM »

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Author Topic: Reverse handle LB-short build along (Read 1100 times)

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