BOW BUG bites again, a Bow Buildalong *finished with a new grip*

[Numitokayo]

Listen, its obvious, the man has talent, lots of it.  Very nice looking bow.  Keep the pictures coming  

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The most valuable gift is a good example

['46]

Nice job so far. You don't need a built up grip, make her a semi-bendy handle bow. If it ain't a primo piece of wood more bending limb is better anyway.

[Dano]

I'd follow George's advice, and if ya need a handle, super glue some leather on there and form it like you would wood (no pun intended)   :D

[superkodiak]

Thanks guys for all of the suggestions! I don't know what I would do without ya.  I am off tomorrow, so I am going to pick up some lumber to put together a bowyers bench.  I think it might help out some of the awkward handling of the stave.  I'll be sure to post some more pictures soon.

[superkodiak]

Alright, so I am back at the bit! I decided to take today off from bow building.... and build a little something else.  So, it was getting kind of tough to work on the bow just propping it up on that target you see in the photos above.  I figured it was time to build that bowyers bench that I have been talking about.  So! I went to pick up some lumber and put one together.  Let me tell you, it's so much better.  I only used it for a little while, but it's going to be a delight.  I even made a little storage area below for all the tools and whatnot.  I am gonna get some photos up ASAP. =) Have a blessed Easter.

[superkodiak]

[superkodiak]

[superkodiak]

Now I'll get that bow done for sure!  I think the next thing I need is a tiller tree.... maybe I'll take care of that in the next couple days. =)  Do you guys think that I should put a backing on this bow, being it's my first and all.... or should I go for it all!  I mean, I did start this project with the understanding that it might not work out.  If that's the case.... I am alright with that.  I have some billets that need some lovin.

[superkodiak]

Alright, I had a wonderful easter with my wife's family and I am back here at the college finally.  The students are coming back today from their break, so I should be pretty busy helping them all get settled and catchin up with them.  However, I had about 2 hours this morning to do some more shaving so I got right to it.  I decided to take the bow down to a better growth ring in this osage.  Should be good practice, and if the bow is too light in draw weight, my wife has been itching to come out and stump shoot with me.  She doesn't have any equipment, and I think this could be a nice gift if it turns out ok.  Here are some pictures of my progress.  The first one is chasing a new ring.

[superkodiak]

[superkodiak]

[superkodiak]

[superkodiak]

My baby is in the background.  This was the first recurve I got when I started shooting trad-equipment.  It's a bear superkodiak, and I was blessed to take a nice doe with that bow this past archery season here in Western, PA.  Needless to say, I am hooked.  The picture above is basically my mess in our small living room apartment.  =)  You guys that have garages and work areas don't know how good you got it!  Another reason why I decided to chase another ring on this stave as because of a couple checks that ran into the back of the bow.  After I removed a ring they were all gone. =)

[superkodiak]

pretty soon I am gonna have to heat her up and try and take some of the twist out of her.  I'll add a pic here in a moment to show what I am working with.  Now, I have read a whole deal about how to make the tips recurved, but not too much about this problem.  Let me know what you guys think, or if there is a link somewhere on this sight to explain how to get rid of this. =) Thanks much, guys!

[superkodiak]

[Luke Vander Vennen]

Looking very good, thanks for taking us along    

For taking out that twist just heat the twisted with a heatgun until it is to hot to hold. Once it's good and hot you can just twist it with your hands.

Good luck!

[Dale Hajas]

Where in Western Pa???? St Vincent?? St Francis??

[superkodiak]

Grove City, Pennsylvania =)

[Shaun]

SuperK, you are doing a great job with this bow. No backing needed!

To straighten, use heat gun and some blocks of wood and clamps. Set the blocks up so that clamping will pull the stave into shape. Slowly heat and test with hand pressure till it gives. Then clamp and let cool. To take out twist, use a pipe or cresent wrench to get twisting leverage and do the same heat until it wants to give. Twist and clamp or hold till it cools. Use leather or other pads to keep from maring the wood with your clamps.

Looks to me like you have the feel for working with wood and following a natural and flowing shape. Keep it up and keep us posted.

[George Tsoukalas]

Outstanding efforet. Stave looks great. I'm sorry. I must have missed what problem you are trying to fix as itloks great to me.  In one of the apartments where my wife and me lived I used to do my woodworking in a spare bedroom. Keep up the good work. Jawge