Questions /Answers concerning glass bow blanks . . .Dryad Bows NEED INPUT

[wingnut]

We've recieved input from a bunch of customers concerning the handle type on the new blank.  The short of it is that they are intimidated by the handle design.

What do you think of a glass blank with a handle like the BBO blank?  Much easier to finish out and it should be a real nice shooter.

Mike and Jason

[insttech1]

No no no....at least not for me, but then again, I have the tools and a few handle-grinds under my belt, so it's not so big an issue.

How 'bout this...charge them an extra $40 to cut the shelf and grind the handle to 80% finished work, and leave the cheaper blanks to those of us who don't mind the extra hand-work.

Just some thoughts...
Marc

[Jason Jelinek]

Mike,

When I make fiberglass bows the only thing different I do from wooden bows is cut a shelf and I've cut a few on wooden bows as well.

The steps you guys went through to shape the handle makes it look very nice and you have about 5-7 steps more than me.  You might want to do a build along that shows a simpler handle shaping method (making the rectangle an oval, and a simple radiused shelf that blends into the rest of the bow), this might clear up some confusion.

Often times I just make the rectangle an oval and cut out the shelf and round that out a bit.  The last one I did had a double shelf and I cut in only about 1/8" on each side and glued on shelf material.

Since your blanks are custom ordered, having the option of a BBO blank handle wouldn't hurt.  The do-it yourself guys might like it because they could be similar to the wooden/self bows they make, allowing them to use similar arrows.

Jason

[wingnut]

Yep that's what I'm thinking, offer two different handle configurations.  Make up both when we go to shows.

Mike

[wingnut]

Any other input?

Mike

[brent d.]

It looks that there is plenty of wood to work with there Mike. A person could feasibly make a high, medium or low wristed grip with that much wood. The riser is my favorite part of the bowmaking process.

It seems like the 2 options would work fine if a guy didnt feel confident about doing it himself.

[Bjorn]

Your build along showed some pretty significant use of power tools for the handle and shelf area. It would be a good thing for a casual week end bow tillerer to be able to work that with hand tools; rasp, sand paper and saw. And we know you guys could help us achieve that with some pre-shaping and a video. For me, I want to get one or two of your current Bamboo/Osage blanks under my belt and plan from there.
I like what y'all are up to.

[mmgrode]

You could also send patterns to trace into the handle for the different handle configurations(ie. high, medium, low wrist).  This would make it simpler to lay out the handles for shaping.  I think many would prefer an option to pay a bit extra to have you shape the handle for them Mike.  Matt

[wingnut]

I think your right Matt.  The only thing we have to figure is how much time we have in the handle shaping and how much it's worth.

I was hoping for more response.  Oh well we'll just have to wait to see if we get more input.

Thanks,

Mike

[ozarkcherrybow1]

Mike, I love the idea of learning how to shape out a nice handle, and also like the idea of sending out paterns for the different grips.
 I don't like having a selbow type handle because the whole point to me in getting a glass blank from you would be so I could cut the shelf to center for a better variety of arrows.
 Are you and Jason going to put on a little seminar at ojam if a few of us buy one?
     Terry

[Jedimaster]

I've got to be humble enough to admit I was a little intimidated when I saw the build-along. Don't get me wrong, I think it was a well done tutorial, and I ate it up. To be honest, I was really enthused before I realized what goes into making it look that good. Even after much instruction I'm still prone to screw ups. But that is my amatuer opinion and not a very talented one either.

By and large I think the folks here are capable of following your instructions and even putting their own personal touches on your design.

I agree that it would increase a fumble fingers (like me) level of confidence to make a template and possibly a CD available. Heck, charge separate for the "enhanced instructional tutorial". It'd be worth the optional cost.

One other suggestion that could help is a topic on here designated to show off the 'gangers handi-work with your blanks. An inspirational sort of thing for the artistically challenged.

[Kevin L.]

I liked the build-along, but I'm in the camp of not having all of those fancy tools. I wouldn't mind seeing it available as a rough riser, like the one you showed, and one a little more "roughed in", that a fellow with just hand tools could finish up without too much trouble. Maybe make it an option, with an upcharge and slight additional wait.

The idea of a set of patterns is a good one. I'd hate to get one of those in and mess it up while trying to eyeball the profile.

Thanks a bunch, either way    

[T-Mac]

I like the idea of going it from the blank. Even with the lack of all the power tools. They say the way to learn is to start doing and that's just what I plan to do as soon as I can get money together for a blank. Thanks Mike for the build along and for all the help you have given me in the past. I really appreciate it.

[Tom Leemans]

Looks like we need a "Building The Fiberglass Bow Blank" DVD, eh Mike?  
   
I figure anyone who's intimidated by it just needs to get a little experience, in order to feel comfortable. I would suggest maybe they cut a piece of scrap wood to the same dimensions and practice shaping it first.

[wingnut]

Tom,

Yep a DVD will probably be in the works.  It took six months to shoot and produce the last one.  This has less steps and would be shorter though.  I'll talk with Rusty and see if he is interested.  Also got to talk with Jason because he would have to star in this one.  LOL


In the mean time, we are looking at roughing out a little simpler handle design for an additional fee.

Mike

[Jason Jelinek]

You don't need a belt sander to do the handle, a half-round or 4-in-1 rasp will work too, just takes longer.

Mike and Jason use the belt sander because it takes a lot less time and they're making many more bows than most of us are.

Jason

[wingnut]

Jason is correct.  We use power tool because we do it for a living.  Hand tools work just as well but take a little longer.

We think we worked out a roughed out handle and window.  So all you have to do is the final fitting and finish.  Also looks like we will be able to do it without raising prices.  Might discount a little for someone wanting it in the "square".

Mike