Kid's bow build for St. Jude's this year

[halfseminole]

So I've started on my contribution to the auction this year.  I expect it to take about till then to finish it, and I plan to go all out on this one.

 

This is Asher.  Asher was our only child, and he was the joy of our lives.  He was the happiest child we ever saw, and the work here is in his honor, so other children can have every opportunity like he did.  He passed two years ago this month, but there's no moment he's not on our mind still.

So, on with the show.

 

I've reduced this hickory slat to about 15 pounds draw.  Pictured are some of my tools, a self knapped scraper and my copper axe, which is also a great scraper.  I don't like to post until I have it semi functional due to difficulties with my hands.  But it works, it will fling a little arrow, but it could be so much more, don't you think?

 

So here is a completely blue riser of white waxwood.  Waxwood is also known as Chinese privet, and being an evergreen is susceptible to the same fungus that causes blue jean pine.  It's been curing for over two years, and it's very, very tough.  This will be very, very hard to actually damage.

 

The handle and bow are sized and then glued with hide glue.  I'm trying to use the old methods here, as I feel they still work best.  And yes, that is gold leaf in the corner and yes, I will be gilding parts of this bow.

When the handle is set up and shaped, I'll do the tip overlays next.  Not sure if I'll use more waxwood or try something like bone or horn.  I'll look through all my raw materials to make sure.

I've got plans for this bow, ones that will hopefully make it a good deal more robust and worth keeping.  I'm working to build a hundred year bow, like the bows of antiquity.  Pray it works out, as I'm working very hard on this.

[BenM]

Hard to know what to say.  Can't imagine the pain you must feel everyday.  Incredible that you are able to channel your pain and anger into something positive to honor Asher.

[bigbob2]

I echo the above sentiments. I really hope that things do improve for your family. Hope you bow works out too.

[Roy from Pa]

So sorry and great thing you are doing.

[rockkiller]

Originally posted by michels_benny:
Hard to know what to say.  Can't imagine the pain you must feel everyday.  Incredible that you are able to channel your pain and anger into something positive to honor Asher.

x2
Can't be said better.

[Buemaker]

Great, and I wish you and your family all the best in 2015. Bue--.    

[Crittergetter]

Man, your an inspiration to us all!!

[halfseminole]

Here's the handle shaped, and wiped down with mineral spirits to show the grain.  I'll get better pictures later.

 

This is the blue jean waxwood on the tips, waiting for the hide glue to set.  It's very hard, hard enough for Chinese striking weapons.  In addition, I grew up making greenwood bows from this stuff.  It's good memories.

 

 

It doesn't go all the way to the ends for a reason, which the next pictures will show.

 

 

The wooden tips are now bookended with precious amber.  Hide glue attaches to both top and side.  It will attach-the amber is roughened and somewhat porous.  It's soft, so the string won't touch it, just the wood.

Current plans are for the belly to get toasted, should I attempt to reflex it then?  I'm backing it with sinew, should I start with the toasting or just let the sinew do it?

[goobersan]

Lookin great Ed      keep the faith

[KellyG]

I have never used hide glue but if it is like other glues it will release under heat. If that is the case toast that belly first. Or do you already know what heat does to hide glue?

[halfseminole]

Dry heat causes it to shrink and harden, wet heat makes it let go.  Hide glue and I are old friends.

Toasting the belly is the next step, because it will mess up the sinew otherwise.