build along - ultimate wooden bow

[Shaun]

Hey TG folks, this build along is from the following thread started by the Ferret: "Designing the ultimate wooden bow"

 http://tradgang.com//noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=018017

I take no credit for the design, only following directions. Also, since this is a consensus design, I'm asking for continued group input on the building. Here is the roughed out bow;
 

 

 

 

[clintopher]

Look at those rings!!!  The stave I'm working on has double that amount.  Wish I could offer more help, but I'm workin on my first one.

Clint

[Shaun]

The criteria "YOU ARE BUILDING FOR YOURSELF, THE ONLY BOW YOU WILL HAVE TO HUNT WITH FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS" (all shooting all weather)
Here's the design consensus from that thread:

(1) Material = osage
(2) ntn length = 64"
(3) handle design = rigid
(4) handle legth = 4"
(5) fade length = 1 1/2"
(6) limb design = full width 1/3 working limb tapered to the 1/2" tips
(7) limb width at fade 1 3/8"
(8) limb length = even
(9) belly type = slightly rounded
(10) backing = none
(11) rest = glued up leather
(12) overlays = yes, bone/antler
(13) profile = straight
(14) finish = True-oil
(15) handle convering = leather
(16) string = Flemish twist B-50 or FF (50/50)

[Shaun]

So, first question for consensus; If we are aiming for a "straight" profile, should I induce a couple inches of backset and undo the propeller twist at this point to end up straight after tiller and shoot in?

clintoppher, I picked a decent piece of osage - 6 rings / inch using the theory that this is the one bow for the next 5 years (even though it will not be). This stave was about half dead in the standing tree and was near the center of a large stave that yeilded two bow blanks above it - seems dry enough to start working.

[luv2bowhunt]

Oh yeah, I will be watching this thread continuously!!! I will have to agree with Clintopher... dang nice lookin' rings    

Very cool idea to build this "ultimate bow". Should really be awesome.

Kevin.

[frankb]

Gotta agree.  Those rings are tempting... even for a hack like me!      

Good luck with this one.  Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Frankb

[T Folts]

I belive refex before you start is what you will want for the flat bow finished. imo

Terry

[the Ferret]

Shaun if you have a caul available, once you get the bow to where the limbs are bending some at floor tiller (limbs about 5/8" thick mid limb), induce about 2 1/2" of reflex at the tips graduating from the fade to the tip.

  http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/inducingreflex.msnw  

When you pull it off the caul it will retain about 1 3/4" of that. After tillering you should be flat to 1/2" reflex.

I too will be following this one..should be cool!

[John Scifres]

I agree with Mickey.  Always make your corrections at the front end.  Tiller's more true that way.

[DCM]

That is a clean piece of bodark.  Are you sure it's to one ring on the back?  I see stuff in one pic that looks like rings, right by your thumb and two more down it's lenght.

[Dano]

Nice stave Shaun    oughta make a great bow.

[Shaun]

DCM, not sure about one ring yet. I roughed this out with draw knife and will go back with bright light and slow approach to get clean back ring. Wanted to do final demention lay out and some reduction as well.


Mickey, I'll make and use a caul. Thanks for the link to your web page on adding reflex and I think I will pick up a set of those big lights showing in the background - looks like a big help in seeing ring chase clearly (may have to wear sunglasses).

Keeping the back and ends sealed with shellac to try to prevent checking as we go.

Thanks all for keeping track and helping, may have a few more helpers when the TX Sweaters come back to their puters.

[John Scifres]

She's definitely not to one ring.  Here's a site I did that I hope shows you how to chase a ring.   Roughing out a selfbow  

I see at least 3 rings on top of your desired one now.

Have fun, I know I will  

[Jason Lester]

I was going to say I didn't think it was one ring.
This will be a cool thread

[tom sawyer]

Definitely reflex and straighten.  That piece deserves it.

[B.O.D.]

very nice! Kevin you are one dang good photographer!!! looked at your album, I too used to do wildlife, and you are good! ASHSTYK

[luv2bowhunt]

Awww shucks ashstyk.... you are making me blush  :D  

Thanks!

[Little Tree]

do all the above, cull with heat and oil. take all the prop out of it. But first find that ring! should be easy with those rings. If you want to go with simplicity, scrap the overlays. Don't need them, will just add mass to the tips. and could fail in the long run. K.I.S.Bowman! Will Be Watching.

[Shaun]

Friday night update; laid out and cut closer to finished dementions in preparation for chasing the top ring.

 

Followed suggestion for beginners on John Scrifes web site to pencil around the chosen ring, I made my line on the early growth above the finish ring.

 

Finished chasing the ring, went well with new lights and taking my time and cheater line around the edge to help guide me. Still some propeller and a slight dogleg near the hadle on one side.

 

Worked on straightening twists and turns, shellac on the back (and fades end grain) and then laid out final dementions again. Use a rasp to take it down to the demention lines and get it approx 5/8" thick. Build and then bent to a caul with 2 1/2" backset.

 

That's all for this evening folks, tune in tomorrow for the continuing saga of the consensus built ultimate bow...

[Josh_IOWA]

I can't believe you people tell him to use a heat gun on that straight wood.