Latest R/D- Maple and boo

[GentlemanArcher]

Hi All.

Here is my latest bow.  Got the final finish on this weekend and had her out this morning.  35# at 26 inches. 64" NTN R/D design.  I got the plans off Bingham.  I add two layers of glass in the riser so I could cut the window to center.  For the rest and strike plate, I used the soft side of self adhesive velcro.  I'm real happy with the way the maple riser finished.

It shoots well.  The center cut riser lets it shot lots of different arrows.  the best so far are GT 1535s, 29 inches long with 155grn up front (100grn inserts and 55 grn tips).  But it seems to be just as happy with 200 grns up front.  I also shot a 3555 with 145 up front and all seemed fine.  As for speed, haven't gotten to the chrono yet, but I can get out to 25 yards with no problem.  

Here are the pics.

   
   
     
     

Lessons learned:
-If you are going to take the time to make a bow, use the best materials you can find.  The hours and attention required deserve quality and beautiful materials.
-Be Patient
-Try new things.  This was the first time I used the handle overlays (the additional layers on back of the bow by the riser and the additional wood on the belly, below and above the handle)

Skills to improve:
-sanding tips and handle overlays into glass.  
-applying a smooth finish, no lint, bubbles or streaks
-less mess during glue-up and clamping.  One thing I did do this time that helped was change to fresh gloves to do the actual clamping.  So one pair for the gluing, and a new pair for dealing with the clamps

Thank you to everyone on this board for the support, education and inspiration.  

Gentleman Archer

[Millhimes]

Nice  The maple is very sharp.how bout a few more pic's.

[4est trekker]

Very classy bow!  I love the figured maple in the riser.  You know, 35# @ 26" is my draw weight/length!       I'd be happy to take it for a test drive for ya!

Happy shooting...looks like you've got some beautiful country to do it in!

[Trux Turning]

Wow that maple does look nice!! Great job.

[scottm]

Beautiful!

[Robertfishes]

nice job! Only 2 pair of gloves for the whole glue up?. I am so messy I have to use at least 10 pair. I use the non powdered vinyl ones that are easy to slip on and off.

[red hill]

Great job! The maple is beautiful.

[JJB]

Looks great, nice work!
-Jay

[kennym]

Nice job Phillip!!  

[GentlemanArcher]

A few more pictures.  Tuned some arrows for the bow this morning.  GT Trads 1535s. (blems from BigJim) 30.5" long with 3x4" feathers.  I found some natural turkey feathers (3rivers) and love the look of them.  I went ahead and did some creasting to compliment the feathers.  

I shoot a few bare shafts and feathered shafts with different point weights.  I settled on 85 grain points with the 11 grn inserts.  The bare shaft group was right with the fletched shafts at that combo.  I tried some heavier points too and with the feathers, they seemed to shoot just as well.  The final weight turned out to be 365 grns.

   

   

Kia Kaha