The bad...
1) I've broken 3 ipe bows. 2 boo and 1 hickory backed
2) I'm now working on my 6th or 7th bow now, and only have one other shooter.
3) My lungs hurt
The good...
1) I can prep boo and work my bandsaw 200% better than I could when I started.
2) I FINALLY HAVE A BBI TILLERED TO DRAW AND WEIGHT...WITHIN 1 POUND OF TARGET!!!
3) The tiller isn't as perfect as you guys get...but I'm confident in saying it is the best I can at this point of my bow-building (my second successful bow).
4) I've learned from my mistakes. Carefully, carefully check the grain. No tillering on the best sander. Clamps very even on glue-up. Don't tiller the ends too much at first. Use the gizmo...dummy.
I would like to thank all those who've helped me. Although I won't make the due-date for the trade, I've gotten the hardest part behind me. Still ahead is cutting the shelf, shaping the handle, and final sanding and finishing. I'm jazzed. Like I said, tiller ain't perfect...but this is all I got at this point. I will continue to build more and keep getting better now that I got my mojo back! My goal is to make one of those treasures like was built for me. Heck...I might make another for the guy I'm trading to as I get better.
YEEHAW! My "bow for an ape" finally worked!!! Even pulled her 1" past draw length to make sure.
Take care...I will sleep well tonight.
Brad