Finally got it together and started my first bow

[LittleBen]

I've been living under a rock for the last 3-4 days just grinding away at a nice red oak board bow.

Seems to be coming together well. Got everything roughed out(besides handle) in about two days, another day to tiller it.

Things were going well until I got it to full draw (25", full draw for me) and i heard a slight creak. In a moment of I backed it with 2 layers of brown paper. Not sure the thickness at the moment but I'm hoping that wasn't entirely futile.

I'm going to stick it out because it seems to be fine now. Going to cut the riser section tomorrow, and hopefully get it all sanded up.

Any thoughts on what to use for the finish would be awesome. Also anyone with paper backing experience, what type do you normally use, how many layers etc?

Lastly I was hoping I could get some thoughts on the amount of set. The board I started with had about 1/2" of reflex, and after being tillered, and shot twice it has taken maybe 1" to 1 1/2" of set past straight, as measured from the backing at the tips. So thats like 1 1/2" to 2" of total set. Is this normal?

Bow is 62" ntn, 2.5in straight taper to 1" tips, ~3/8" thick along the limbs. Draw weight is whatever it comes out to ... if I can shoot (it at) a turkey I call it a success ... a deer then a great success. Details to follow soon once I can get it measured. Thanks All!!


I'll post pics braced, and at full draw shortly.

[okie64]

I use truoil or tung oil for finish. 5 or 6 coats sanded with 000 steel wool in between each coat. 2" of set is not bad at all for your first bow.

[b.glass]

1.5-2" past straight would be ok with me if it were my bow. I don't like anything past 2" and 1.5" is good.

[macbow]

I also like the tru-oil.
Okie, could you give me some idea of how the tru-oil vs tung oil works. Tung oil is easier for me to pick up at the store here but I've never used it.
Ron