First Bow Build

[camoman]

Any tips on how to give it a less shiny look would be appreciated.

[Osagetree]

Looking real good, accents and all!

Makes me think twice about a glass bow!

[camoman]

Thanks. I hope to get it finished up so I can try it out tomorrow.

[Trux Turning]

Looks good. Blending that style of overlay into the limb is a little bit of a pain- but you have the skills. Your bow will be as shiny as the finish you use on it.

[camoman]

Any tips on blending it?

[hova]

i dont do glass , but i would imagine using some sandpaper , masking off the limb so you dont scratch it , and just press your thumb on the overlay , then pull the sandpaper . i cut long strips of sandpaper into about 1" wide x 12" long , and sort of do a primate belt sander...


you should wait for advice from a glasser , they might tell you im completely wrong...and i may be...


i love the accents and limbs. we are dying to see it all bolted together im sure.

-hov

[Trux Turning]

It looks like you beveled the overlay where it goes into the glass- which is a good thing. Tape off the glass and you can use either use a file or sand paper and blend them in- you'll want to get them thinned down at the ends some so they will flex with the limb and not pop up. Look up Marty's build along on doing tips-that one is very helpful.

[camoman]

I did bevel them, good eye, I cant even see that in the picture. I was wondering if I need to thin them out, I kinda thought they might pop up too.

The wife just called and said I have to watch the babies tonight. Looks like it will be pretty late before I can get out there and do some work, unless I can convince them to help me. hahaha. Good think I took off the next two days. I will put some of this advice to work tonight and post up some pics when I make some more progress.

[camoman]

Oh, I did make some "Rookie" mistakes so far,

Didn't put anything on the pressure strip when I glued the first limb and had to pry it off when it came out. Fixed that on the next limb by putting plastic wrap between the limb and strip and waxing the strip.

When I glued the tips on, like an idiot I put a piece of wood on each side so my C clamp wouldnt dent up the tip. Well of course they were glued to the limb when it came out. hahaha. I had to sand them off.

I also missed a few minor spots on the riser when final sanding. You cant see it in the pics and can barely see it in person, but I'm pretty picky and I know they are there. Definately be patient and methodical when sanding.

[camoman]

Here is the finished Bow, just needs a string and I will be out shooting it tomorrow.
 
 
 

[Bradford]

Looks really good bro.. great job.  Guess the kit was a great way to get yer feet wet.

Now you need to be dreamin' up designs and types of woods that look good together... hehehe.

Bet you can't build just one!

Great job

[camoman]

Yeah, I'm pretty much hooked. I learned alot. The limbs came out a little darker than I expected but over all it turned out good. I'm dreaming up my next creation. I think I will sell the next one. I like the design I came up with on this one. I will probably stick with it for a while and then I already have an idea of another design for later. Thanks for all the help!

[DVSHUNTER]

Nice looking bow. I haven't tried a glass bow yet. Maybe someday...

[camoman]

Ok, here is one with the string. Last one will be shooting it. Hope everyone liked the pics. Who's building one next?
 

[KellyG]

Camoman,
If you build a few of these and give them to friends and relitive as chirstmas and B-gifts it will be like the field of dreams. If you build it they will come.
Plus you get all that practice in and with practice come perfection.
Looks good I may have to try them glass ones someday, after I learn how to make a wood one,
Kelly

[camoman]

It was definately a new experience for me. I will be making more, I don't know about giving them away, I can't afford another hobby that costs me money. Hahaha. With the right tools, some patience and imagination it makes for a fun project but I will have to sell a few if I plan on making more, no money tree in my backyard if you know what I mean. If you decide to make one be sure to post pics. I only put a few this time since it was my first one and I was trying to stay focused on what I was doing. Next time I will take more pics and try some different things.

[camoman]

Oh, Kelley, I have a hard enough time trying to keep all the family and friends away from my house, I don't want to draw them in! Hahaha. Take care over there, I'm sure I'll be going again soon.

[Bone lake]

Great job, like that riser.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I think you know more than your letting on? I think you are no stranger to working with wood.   :rolleyes:  

If not, then you sure got your head on straight and everything looks great to me! Nice shop and even nicer shop tools.......I'm so envious!   :D  

I'll be watching this one for sure. I'm anxious to see how she shoots!

When I refinish gun stocks and the owner wants a satin finish, I use 0000 steel wool in between coats then hit it lightly on the final finish coat and then wax it with Pledge furniture polish. Makes an eye popping beautiful Satin finish without the glossy shine.
You probably already know that since you know how to work with wood?
My dad builds furniture so that's how I know about that little trick.

[camoman]

Ive been tinkering with wood for many years, never been very good at applying finishes, I do better spraying or wiping than I do with brushing. Hahaha. The shop was kind of a twist of fate. I was burglarized a few years ago and they stole alot of my stuff including 4 wheelers, when I got the insurance money I put it all into woodworking tools. Worked out good but insurance didn't cover everything I lost. I hate thieves. I plan on making plenty of bows in the futures, I built this one for myself to get some practice.