Longbow build along (it's done)

[RGK]

Here is is strung but with a bow string that is too long so the brace height is only about 5 inches. I used the string from my longbow. It is the only string I have for that bow. (that is an important point that will be realized a bit later.

 

To check for limb twist, I wanted to look at more than just saw cuts at the ends of each limb so I took a carbon fiber shaft and taped it in place on each limb. I made sure they were at 90 degrees to the limb.

 

With the washers in the measured center of the limbs, there looks to be no twist in the limbs.

 

I marked the centerline of the bow along the entire length and used a strip of wood to mark a straight line for the limb taper toward the string nocks.

 

 

Just as I was marking the last line on the other limb, all hell broke loose, Something whacked me in the finger and the bow jumped up off the table. When I figured out what it was, I had to search high and low for both washers. The bow string (my only string for my bow) had broke. My guess is that I left too sharp an edge on the inside of the groove and it cut through the string. Now I have no string for either bow. Time to scramble and locate a 64 inch string for my bow and a 63 inch string for the new bow.

 

[theunluckyhunter]

man that sucks, that bow is looking GREAT though..........

[kennym]

Good job,I like your arrow limb alignment method!!

[RGK]

Today was a better day. If there is such a thing as a good time for a string to break, I guess I am lucky. I got the limbs marked right before the break.

Now, Thanks to Trad gang Member and all around great guy Atlatlzoom, the project can go on. He offered to make me two strings for this new bow and already has them made a ready to ship to my door. Thanks so much Atlatlzoom and to Trad Gang for being such a great place with such great members.


Today, I started by shaping the limbs. I used my belt sander with a 50 grit belt to grind down the limbs to the lines I scribed. My lovely bride got a picture of me at work.

 

 

Next, I marked the location of the string grooves in the ends of the limbs.

 

Using a chainsaw file I made the beginnings of the string grooves. This will help me locate the tip overlays. when they are installed, I can finish the grooves.

 

 

For the overlays, I want to use Bloodwood and antler. The Bloodwood will match the accent strip in the riser and the antler is just something I wanted to try. I had a section of antler left over from a knife handle I made. I will use the longest tine as it has no pithy core. It is solid all the way through.

 

Using the belt sander, I created a flat spot on the antler that will run against the rip fence of my table saw. I am using a carbide tipped finish blade so I get less chipping and a smooth cut.

 

 

[RGK]

I made the strips about an 1/8th of an inch thick.

 

In order to get the best adhesion with the epoxy, I needed to rough up the shiny surface of the clear glass. I used a hacksaw blade as a scraper. I did the same to the bloodwood and the antler.

 

I used the same epoxy, I used for the rest of the bow build.

 

 

I used only one bulb under each tip and some of the left over insulation from the hot box. Not much I can do except make the tillering tree.

 

[Shaun]

Note: do not try that table saw trick at home. Ripping thin small pieces against the fence can cause kick back and flying small pieces not to mention finger mutilation!

Nice build along otherwise. Please keep it coming and be safe!

[RGK]

Correct. Only trained professionals on a closed course. LOL I used two hands and then turned off the saw. When the blade stopped spinning, I took the picture.

[hera]

Very good build along,very nice bow.
Very particularly in building process.

I like TG and miss here.

[RGK]

Hera, I never understood what your avatar was until I saw the washers you used to string the bow the first time. Thank you for that bit of knowledge. It is a great tool.

[RGK]

With the antler and Bloodwood overlays glued in place. I began shaping the tips. I still have the very first fiberglass longbow I ever owned as a kid. It is a 25 pound bow and I wanted to make the tips of the new bow look something like my old bow.

 

 

I sanded all the edges flush and continued the string grooves I had already started.

 

The rest really needs no explanation.

 

 

 

 

 

[RGK]

 

 

 

The groove has to have enough room so the string does not kink at full draw. I used the good end of the broken string and approximated the string angle.

 

 

 

It's a slow process and I only finished one end tonight.

[hera]

lovely limb tip.  

[BMN]

Very nice work!

[Brian Halbleib]

GREAT build-a-long. VERY detailed. Nice work.

-Brian
 www.bowyersjournal.com

[Michael Peschek]

Great job, I love those limb tips!

[VTer]

Great pics. I'm learning a lot!

[RGK]

Thanks to Trad Gang member Atlatlzoom, I'm back in business. He sent not one but two handmade string that are beautiful. He used colors to match the riser. On top of that, he would not take a dime for all his efforts. Thanks so much for the Strings.

 

[ZaneD]

Glad they made it! they're nothing special, I just wanted to help you get on with the build
along!

             Zane

[RGK]

Zane, your work is great. Thanks again.

[mmgrode]

Good on you Zane!  Great build along Ron!  Looking forward to the rest! Matt