A take down recurve for Dad.. lite build a long

[Bradford]

Okay.. so part of this was in the Christmas 5 bow build a long.. but moved it here.

I actually started the handle in the Spring, and then it just sat.. you know, other stuff to do.  At the time, it was just something to do, but now that my Dad's birthday is in a few weeks, figure... why not!

So gathered the materials..

 

When I went down to Woodcraft, picked up a few sticks for making goodies.  Yellow Heart, Paduk, Purple Heart and some Bocate.  On this bow will be using the Yellow Heart, Paduk and Maple.

Cutting up my lams..

 

Grinding the lams to thickness...

 

Getting the handle woods cut up..

 

Gluing up side one..

 

Gluing up side two..

 

[Bradford]

Got the handle cut up into shape and somewhat sanded..

 

 

Then got my wedges cut up and sanded..

 

Got the limb lams all set up..

 

Glued up the limbs on my form..

 

Here is the two limbs sitting next to the riser..

 

 

[Bradford]

Then today.. center lined it and sanded the limbs down to shape.

 

 

Next thing to do today is to work on the handle some more.. it is way to bulky.. and get the other accent pieces and tip pieces together for glue up.

[Diamondback59]

looking good   like the color choice for ur handel brock

[fish n chicks]

I like how you used your padauk. It's a pretty tough wood to work with as a veneer. You're going to love that yellow heart when it finishes. It's a great wood to work with when you don't burn it.

Looking forward to the finals. Nice work man.

[ChristopherO]

You've got this bow building down pat.  Good looking work to this point. Waiting for the final product and the full draw picture.

[KellyG]

Ooooh another one. You keep this up and all of callie will be armed with bows.

[Bradford]

I find I have not burned the yellow heart as much as I burn purple heart?  Maybe just not as dense?

Well, that would work for me.. lot's of people in Cali.. I could make this a full time job =)

So, did not get as far as I wanted yesterday.. but did a lot of work on the riser.  Would cut and sand some... then take in the house and hold it.. stare at it... and go back out and do some more.

 

 

A little more to go on it, then I can final sand it.  I will try to get the tips glues up tonight.

I did a temp string up.. it pulls 45# at 28" right now.  So by the time I am done, should pull around 43# or so.  Which should be good for Dad.

[hova]

i just got a semi...that is a gorgeous TD


-hov

[Bradford]

Cool.. finally got a little more done.

I got some tip material cut up and glued on last night.  Tried something a little ornamental..

 

I will get that all trimmed up tonight and sanded.  Should look really cool next to the black glass.

And did some more work to the riser.  I trimmed up the back of the window some.  The riser was very heavy, now it is starting to lighten up.

 

Just about there.  Will probably stain the maple with a light wood stain.  Just something to darken it a hair and to bring out the grain.  Originally was going to do a black, but I like the grain in the maple and don't want to loose it.

Thanks everyone for the compliments.  This one is turning out really nice.  Will almost be hard to let it go!  LOL

[KellyG]

It is look great so far. at least your father will have it so you can always go shoot it.
Kelly

[Bradford]

LOL... That's true Kelly!  "Hey Dad, bring up your bow... now give it to me!".  I like it.

Can't wait to get the sanding done and some stain on it.. love the finishing part of bow building.

[lt-m-grow]

You make it look easy Bradford.  

Thanks for sharing.

When I read your threads, I keep getting one step closer to diving in.

[BenBow]

I foresee a surprised & happy dad!

[Bradford]

Okay.. got the tips roughed in.

 

Just got to finish sand them up.

Took the tape off the limbs and started doing some sanding.  Starting to look good.

 

 

If nothing pops up this weekend, should have it done.  Need to do a bit more sanding on the riser, then do the final sand.  Throw a little stain on the maple and clear coat!

Cant wait to shoot this one.  I still have a couple of weeks before his birthday, so I can 'break it in' real good  

[KellyG]

I bet you can. It is looking real good.

[Moen]

Cool bow, Bradford:) I also like your lamsander. Works great?

[Bradford]

Moen.. my main man from Norway!  Glad you found this site like I did after the other quite on us.

Yes.. the lam sander works good.  I am looking into building a drum thickness sander.  Since the cheapest one to buy seems to be around 500 bucks (us dollars).. I might try to make one.

I still have those riser desings you emailed me back about 2 years ago when I first got into this bow making!  Thanks for that!  you got me on my way.

[Moen]

Your welcome. Fun to see your progress, Brad. I have a year off bowbuilding, but now i`m hungry for more fun. I have sold my old shop, so i must start from zero. pm u tomorrow.

-Moen

[Bradford]

Got the riser final sanded down today.  Then taped it up for stain.  This question came up on my last build along so here is a pic..

 

I just use 1" blue masking tape and tape off the accent and the other wood.  Then I stained this one.

 

 

Kind of a different look.. almost old skool.  I think my dad will like it.  The color of the stain reminds me of some bows from the 70's.  So the stain will dry over night and tomorrow I can start the tung oil.

Also got the limbs ready to go.  Here is another question I have seen pop up on here.  Yes, you can sand your fiberglass and it will still come out glossy when done.

 

Bow will be close to finished tomorrow!