First Bow Build-Along

[Patrick A R]

Finally got the chance to start working on my first bow. I've decided to make a red oak pyramid bow based off of 4est trekker's tutorial from back in 2009.

Went down to Home Depot and got all the rest the tools I'll be needing (minus a jigsaw/ bandsaw that I now know would come in handy).

This is the only board I found. The grains are fairly straight and I'm pretty sure that the long growth is enough.

 

Next I drew out all my measurements and cutting lines. I cut out the riser and tip overlays. I'm hoping that tomorrow I can borrow the use of a jig or bandsaw to cut out the bow. Then I'll get to gluing and the real work can start. If not I'll have a slow go of it with a coping or handsaw.

 

Any tips as I progress are greatly appreciated! I'll continue to post as I progress.

[4est trekker]

My only tip is that you shouldn't follow 4est Trekker's buildlong...he didn't know what he was talking about.  He really should redo that buildalong now that he's not such a bowbuilding dunce!    

In all seriousness, take it slow and have some fun!  

[Patrick A R]

Hahaha! Well if he does make another one I'll follow that one as well!

I'm having a ton of fun so far and I've barely begun. My only hangup is the cutting out part. Soon I'll invest in a jigsaw, but for now it's lots of tired forearms for me! haha  :D

[takefive]

I used my old Skil circular saw to cut the profile on the first couple of board bows I made.  I free handed it staying well outside the line, but you could clamp a board to use as a fence if you have that kind of saw.  Very first one was a pyramid following 4est's build along and amazingly, given my lack of skills, it decided to become a bow.  I'm working on my 11th bow now.  If I ever run into Mr. Trekker, I'm going to thank him and offer to buy him a cold one or two.    

[Inuumarue]

Can't really tell from the photos, but if you don't have a center line on the bow go ahead and check it with some string.  If your measurement references are from the edge of the board and it is a little warped then your bow will be as well.  The more time you spend in layout double checking everything, the better.

One of my first bows I built I didn't check the center line and ended up with tips about 0.5" off to one side... which I had no idea how to fix at the time.

Looks good and good luck!

[monterey]

Tips?  Ditto the need for a dead on centerline.  And, speaking of "tips", to my eye your tips may be a bit wide but it could be the camera angle or maybe just my personal preference

[Pat B]

I always make tips wide and leave the handle area wide for future adjustments once the bow is braced. You don't need either to be shaped to tiller the bow anyway.