First Bow!!

[Stank]

Well I just finished my first bow, and I must say I'm hooked, even got my wheelie bow up for sale!  :D    After lots of researching on here and at Primitive Archer, I set out to do it. Bought Volume 1 of TBB, learned enough to know I got alot to learn,   :eek:  but I learn best by doing, and learned alot during this build.  Pulls 50lbs at 28".  It's a red oak board bow, I didnt back it because I liked the look of the grain, but I'll most likely back it down the road.  Couple weeks from now I'll be in the Georgia deer woods!      Thanks for all the tutorials and knowledge, it was a huge help.  Already looking forward to my next one!

[Stank]

LOL, trying to figure out how to post pics, wait one...

[Stank]

 

 

 

 

[Nezwin]

Good job on a first bow mate! I like how you've got a real classic look to the riser, and your finishing is great for a first attempt.

Those Red Oak Board Bows are so quick to pop out, they're addictive. Sounds like you've already got the bug though    :D

[takefive]

That's a fine looking bow.  Nice grain on it and you sure have the string tracking straight through the handle.  I wouldn't worry about backing it.  Excellent work!

[Roy from Pa]

Very nice bow. Congrats. Could you post a full draw picture?

[Stank]

Full draw.

 

[fujimo]

holy Toledo---that is literally a "long bow"

but the tiller really looks sweet  

[PEARL DRUMS]

Very nice tiller for sure. I would suggest, if you don't mind, that you blend in and radius in your fades much better next time. You see that abrupt line in the belly pic? That can cause your handle to pop off, or make the inner parts of the limb start to work too hard in time and take more set. Just food for thought on your next go round.

[Pat B]

Well done!!!

[Roy from Pa]

Very nice tiller, plus what Pearly said about your riser ends.

[takefive]

That's really nice tiller, especially for your first bow.
Bet you'll be making more of them.  

[Pago]

Great tiller, nice bow.

[Stank]

Thanks Pearl, I'll have to watch that next time, didn't really think about that.  And Fujimo, that was the plan, lol, figured I'd start long as it can accept tillering mistakes better, then as I get better continue going shorter with each bow.  There will be more!

[DDawg]

Looks Great! I'm building the same for my first bow, what finish did you use?

[Stank]

After sanding really smooth, I used Varathane Stain, Kona real quick just to get the grain nice and dark, then American Walnut and let it penatrate real good, then the next day Varathane satin spray poly with a rub down with steel wool.  Still came out a little more shiny than I wanted, but overall I'm happy with it.

[Pat B]

A quick spray of satin poly over the bow will cut the shine nicely.
 Starting long to learn tillering is the smart way to go. Like you said, longer bows are more tolerant than short ones while tillering and learning.

[Medic85]

That looks really good.  I'm drying out hickory right now to try my first bow in a few months.  I may have to get an oak board in the meantime.

[LittleBen]

One of the better first bows I've ever seen for sure. Keep up the good work!

[passion for knowledge]

If you are looking for an awesome stain for red oak, try iron stain - turns the wood almost black.
Take one ball of steel wool.
Place in a 1/2 pint kinda size jar.
Cover with a mixture about 80/20 water to white vinegar.
Leave for about a week - don't put a tight lid on it.
Strain through a coffee filter.
Apply liberally to red oak and be amazed at the colour change.
Let dry - finish to taste.
Can't beat that for cheap, either!
Only works on woods with a lot of tannins.