Ok guys, here it is. There seems to be a lot of interest in this, so we are going to have a friendly contest. Here are the rules:
1. You must build a shootable hunting weight bow EXCLUSIVELY from materials that start as other things. Examples would be fence posts, tables, shelves, trim boards, Dad's wooden leg, Etc. No saying "well these limb tips started as antlers, so they are OK." On the other hand, if you have an old pocket knife with antler handles, feel free to use them as overlays!
2. The string, glue, and finish DO NOT have to follow #1, but they are the only exceptions.
3. Photographs must be taken of the materials BEFORE they are dismantled to make your bow. We want to see the transformation from table (or whatever) to weapon. Obviously, we also need pics of the finished bow.
4. Entry is open until midnight CST 12/31/12. This means that if you decide you want to play on 12-30 and you can hack out a bow in a day, go for it.
5. To enter, simply post your name and a pic of your starting materials on our entry thread (THIS THREAD).Materials can be added throughout the process but must have accompanying pics. Any pics of the building/dismantling process should be posted in the "friendly competition" thread in the Bowyer's Bench.
6. There will be two classes for entry: one for laminated bows, and another for backed bows and self bows. For the purpose of this contest Laminated bows are bows that have 3 or more layers running the entire length of their limbs. Tip and Handle overlays don't count.
7. After the close of the contest, a panel of judges will narrow the field to a top 10 in each category. These ten will then be posted in the PowWow forum for the entire gang to vote on. Winner gets bragging rights.
8. It has been decided that you don't have to have pics of the furniture beforehand if, for example you salvaged an old table years ago and don't have it one piece any more...It's still OK to use.