First Glass Bow...

[rmorris]

When ya get a chance show us some pictures.

[Ice Mike]

Ok here is a few pics..

At rest, you can tell one limbs has a little bit more reflex than the other..

   


At full brace, the tiller is positive about a 1/4"…
 
   


At full draw, it doesn't look quite so bad, but still stiffer…

   


I shortened it to 61.5" ntn and it's pulling 48 lbs at 28" now, which is good enough. I'm just a little worried about the stiff limb..Any ideas?

[Ice Mike]

Here's a trick that Roy used on a pic of my last tri-lam. If I'm doing this correctly, the drawing shows it to be positive as well.

   

[Ice Mike]

I did some cleaning up on it and added an accent (pecan and afromosia) on the back of the handle section. I added tip overlays (pecan and cocobola)and filed in the nocks adjusting a little for the stiffer limb. The tiller is still positive between an 1/8" and 1/4". I decided to cut in a shelf and carve just enough of the handle section to make it not dig into my hand while I put a few arrows through it..I'm thoroughly impressed!! This thing shoots hard and fast!! Straight consistent arrow flight and it doesn't seem as though the positive tiller hurts it a bit. As a matter of fact, I think that because I shoot 3 under it may have even helped a little..Anyway..

It's not as pretty as some I've seen here, but it's a respectable first attempt at glass work..

I cut a handle extension and got it sitting in the oven now. When I get back from out of town I will finish carving the handle section and get it ready for finish.

   

   

[rmorris]

Looking good! Have ya put any arrows down range?

[Ice Mike]

Yessir! Fired about 25-30 shots. Shot like a dream! Hard. Fast, and super quiet. I couldn't believe how quiet it was even without a silencer in the string. No twang. Just a whisper!!

[cunruhshoot]

Great Job! Isn't that amazing to be able to build a bow and have it spit out an arrow! Thanks for taking the time to share the experience with all the photos.

[Ice Mike]

Thanks shoot! I'll post a final set of pics when I get back home and finish shaping the handle section and put a few clear coats on it.

[Roy from Pa]

I guess it's Ok..  

[Ice Mike]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
I guess it's Ok..    

LOL!!!

From you Roy, I'll take that as a HUGE compliment!!

[BigJim]

Mike, if you want to fix the tiller, a little sanding on the bell side of the bottom limb will correct that and won't hurt a thing.

it is common for things to get out a little as there are no perfect materials. A little discrepancy here..a little there and it all adds up.

Sand evenly from riser to tip (no need in sanding over nock groove) Check frequently and stop between 0 and +1/8" at top.

Don't worry, as it won't hurt a thing but it will cost you a lb or maybe 2. Every bowyer does it as necessary.
good job!
bigjim

[Ice Mike]

Awesome!  Thank for the advice BigJim. I really appreciate it!

I have a question if you don't mind. When I shot the bow as is the other day, I noticed very little hand shock..zero noise, and near perfect arrow flight. Do you think it would hurt more than it would help trying to get it to a perfect oval, or do you think leaving it as is would shorten the life of the bow? Thanks in advance.

[Ice Mike]

I think I'm just about done on this one. This is by far the best shooting, and best looking bow I have made to date.I know it still has an "amateur" quality to it..but I'm proud of it nonetheless..

I finished the handle section and sanded it out. I shot it for an hour or so and had a blast.

   

   

     


After I had my fun I went ahead and put 3 coats or clear gloss poly on it. When it dries good, I'll sand it again and put 3 coats of satin on it and call it done!

   

   

   

   

[Ice Mike]

Here a quick video of a couple test shots.


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEdYSfeYT6w&feature=youtu.be

[takefive]

Good looking bow and a good shooter, too.  Nice work    

[Ice Mike]

Thanks takefive!

[Roy from Pa]

It's ok I guess..  

[Ice Mike]

Lol!! Thanks Mr Roy!

Hey at least I used clear glass on both sides so it at least LOOKS like an all wood bow! Lmao!!

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Looks great! Its always fun to have your first one in the bag. Watch out though because this addiction can get pretty expensive. I don't even want to guess what my material bill will be for my next bow.

[breazyears]

Guess it was a scratch... nice bow.