This years Trade Bow & Last years

[kodiakkid]

I've settled on this one for my trade bow. At least my first attempt. I figure this one will force me to go slow. This is a roughed out bow I started on a little while back. I've been through one heating and bending session. There are some checks (cracks) in the handle area running into one fade. I'm hoping there's enough wood to work at least the worse of them out. I also scorched the back of the bow a bit. It was the first time I ever put tin foil under the bow. Not sure I'm gonna use tin foil under anymore bows. Let me know what you guys think about the issues mentioned. I'm already certain I'm gonna back it with something.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Couldn't resist shooting Buffalo Spirit for awhile this evening. This was last years Trade Bow I recieved from Mr. Bert Frelink. She's a beauty as well as a shooter. Thanks alot again Bert.
 
 

[ranger 3]

I never put tin foil under the bow.

[1oldbowguy]

I like the character of the bow.  Like the twist and turns makes for a unusual bow.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I say get down past the drying cracks and the scorched wood and see what ya got. No real way to tell until you get below the surface. The drying cracks concern me more than the scorched suface does. I've had drying cracks that looked only skin deep until I started removing wood and never did get below them before I ran out of useable wood. When I see those I always try to remove them first before I go any further, because if they go too far into the heart wood then there's no point wasting any more of my time with any other part of the bow.

Let us know how it goes.
Good luck!

[DVSHUNTER]

I do like the character. If you could get by without a backing I would, can you afford to chase a ring or two lower to get past the scorch marks? That top ring sure looks thick. Maybe you can drop just one ring and get past the scorch marks. I don't put foil under my bows anymore either. It takes longer , but is less dangerous.
I wouldn't and don't worry about those drying checks. They will be fine.

[JamesV]

You guys amaze me, building a good shooting bow out of a crooked stick. I tried a straight stick and it broke. My hat is off to you..........

James..............

[Roy from Pa]

James, maybe ya need to try harder:)

[longbowhntr]

I agree with David above about the cracks (just use a little super glue) I wouldn't worry much about them. As he suggested... can you go down one ring?

another David    

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Pat B]

I'd try to go down below the scorched ring if you have enough meat to work with. The checks on the belly wouldn't worry me either. Super glue them!

[kodiakkid]

Decided not to let this one be the trade bow. I did some damage with the heat gun. Doesn't seem to affect the integrity of the bow. At least not right now. I don't really want to send it out though so I been working on another one.
 
After seeing PatB's tip curving jig I decided to borrow the idea.
 
 

They didn't turn out to bad but I have a little adjustment to make to one tip.

I've been shooting it in a bit. Seems to me to be a decent shooter. It's pulling right at 60 lbs @ 28". Shootin for around 55#. After final sanding and another slight adjustment to the bottom limb I should be close.
 
 
 

What do you guys think about the tiller? All comments welcome.

[kodiakkid]

Figured I would include this one again.
 

[Bert Frelink]

Paul,
Looks like you shoot Pat's "Giraffe" better than the "Buffalo" spirit.
Nice shooting, I had to pass on the swap this year but have been peeking a little now and then.
Bert.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Good looking bow there Kid somebody is gonna be well pleased.

[broketooth]

looks great so far paul, your recipient will be happy.