Bowyers needed for build along FINISHED thanks all

[Jason Scott]

Before you trace the cut line just make sure both limbs are symmetrical by spot checking measurements to the chalk line on both limbs. You can manipulate the glass.

[Joshua Lee]

excellent
Thanks Jason

[Jason Scott]

Take a look at some of Apex Predators build alongs. I think it is very crutial to use the method he does for pressure strips when doing the rubber band method. Notice the rounded strip of wood he uses on top of the top metal pressure strip. That is very important to get good and clear layups especially for clear glass.

[Joshua Lee]

Uh OH
First, don't get me wrong this bow is beautiful,, however, I was noticing how bright yellow the osage is on the belly, and I'm afraid that my bow with osage on the back is going to look similar.  On the belly I don't mind so much but I would like to be a bit more covert when shooting at an animal.  Any suggestions, can I change the color of the osage, or will it not be so yellow with glue on it. Also, my laminations do not look quite as yellow as this bow.


 

Thanks
Josh

[Joshua Lee]

Also I could rearrange the order of my laminations, would that effect the bow?  Would I be able to put the laminations in this order: amber action boo, then osage, then amber action boo, and on the belly osage?
Currently, the plan is Osage, actboo,actboo,osage.
Thanks
Josh

[juneauhunt]

As you are about to hear from other helpful friends, one of the beautiful things about osage is its tendency to darken over time when exposed to light. My Mahaska longbow was fairly bright upon arrival, but mellowed to a fantastic smoky, caramel color. Really beautiful. Good luck with everything.

[Joshua Lee]

Thanks juneau
I'm done panicking.. I'm gonna go with the original plan.  Might have a yellow bow this season, but from what I've seen since my panic, its worth the wait for the brown color. Thanks for the help.  After I made my comment I looked below my post and saw the osage staining post (dough)
Josh

[Joshua Lee]

Here goes,
Starting my glue press today.  I have built in a 1/2" reflex. Put down an aluminum strip covered by 1/8" rubber and have washers pinned to the sides.  One last trip to Home depot, and the bike shop for more tubes and its on.  I will post some pics once its cooking.  Any last second tips?  I will check the forum before I mix the glue.
Thanks, wish me luck
Josh

[eman614]

good luck! hope you know what your getting into, this stuff is addicting.

[Joshua Lee]

I don't know what your talking about.. I could quit any time I wanted. I don't need this...yeah right.  
Well, here comes some pics.
We have lights
   
Picture of wiring
 
Finished Riser
 
Gluing on the aluminum and Rubber strips
 
Joining the osage laminations with an angle,, sorry not the best pic
 
Preventing lamination slip with the washers
 
Dry Run
 

[Joshua Lee]

I traced the riser onto a board and made pieces to clamp down. There is also an 1/8 inch strip of rubber in between. Hope it works.
 
Well, No wet run today will have to wait for tomm.  The heat box took a little longer to get to 180 than I thought.  First thing tomorrow I will have the gloves on.  If anyone sees any potential hangups advice is appreciated.
Thanks
Josh

[Joshua Lee]

Man.. I'm exhausted.  Just finished putting the bow in the oven.  It was chilly in the garage so.. the glue was hardening fast.  I actually set my glue cup in some warm water to keep it soft.  What a sticky mess.  I went through three pairs of gloves.  The tubes were terribly hard to tie with glue on them and my hands.  My riser kept shifting lengthwise so I had to undue the tubes until they were pulling perfectly center.  So note to self, next time I will tie the tubes ahead of time.  Everything else went smooth,  I decided not to use the wood I cut to put pressure on the fades, the tubes gave a more even squeeze than the wood. Thanks for all the help with this project.  Here are a couple pictures.
  Here is the setup from left to right Glass, Osage, Action boo, action boo, Osage, Glass.
 
Time to cook
 

[Stagmitis]

Dang Joshua you look like a pro Bowyer! Good job man!!!!!

[Joshua Lee]

The bow is out of the oven. Here's some pics.
 

 

[chowhound]

So far so good.  I'll be watchin'.  Keep up the good work.

[Joshua Lee]

Thanks chowhound (aka the narrows slayer)

[rbdover]

Lookin good Josh, wish I could help but I'd say you've already benifitted big time from this string of posts and your own research. The closest I ever got to building a bow was hanging out with Mike Fedora. He makes it real easy.
Looking forward to your additional progress.
(Bill D.)

[eman614]

it sure looks good to me. i can't tell where your fades end, and that is always good. did you end up using the pieces to clamp down the riser? if so how well did it work?

[Joshua Lee]

The pieces I cut out to clamp down the riser did not make the team on monday.  I think the idea is good but I do not have good enough equipment to get a perfect match.  When I used just the bike tubes to clamp down the the riser I actually got a better (more consistant) line.  But with a little work the pieces make get in the next game.
Josh

[SoNevada Archer]

Can't wait to see the finished bow!