Designing a bow is tough

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

So I have been working for some time now on coming up with my own takedown from a limb plan that Kenny graciously gave to me.

I have finally started to shape the riser. It's coming along nicely but I have learned that I hate my handle design. It looks great and feels really nice in the hand but I am just not a fan of the "recurve" style riser for a longbow.

I think I am going to go back to scratch and come up with a more neutral design for the riser. More like the ones I am building as a one piece.

Anyhow... Thought I would get your guys thoughts on this bow I am building now. It still needs more work but it's coming along...
 

 

 

 

I need to come up with what I am going to do with the area under the limbs. This bow is extremely heavy compared to my one pieces, though I could have selected some lighter wood as well.

This bow is gaboon ebony, cocobolo, white glass and Macassar ebony accents. Cocobolo limbs with African black wood overlays.

[Roy from Pa]

Looks nice, Justin.  But it does appear to be on the bulky side. Maybe just thin it down a bit?

[EwokArcher]

I think it looks pretty sick personally. I think I'm so attracted to it cause it is unusual, and I'm a big fan of the nontypical.

[kennym]

I've never made a TD longbow riser I was happy with the look of. I think Pronghorns look about a slick as any. Smooth and no frilly look. Just me, and I never seem to be able to do it.

You have a great start on a great looking bow Justin. For me, I'd just keep smoothing the corners off and slim it a little more. (My gosh, I just agreed with Roy!!!!)  

Maybe just do a few mock-ups out of a 2x4 and see how you like them... Or look at what some of the other bowyers are doing and find something you like and do your own version...

[BenBow]

Looks to me you have a lot of wood from the grip to the end and the window to the end that could be removed. That would slim it down a lot. I've been dealing with the a same issue and this is what I've come up with so far.
     
   

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Well the bow went on a diet today and I was able to shave off a bunch of wood. Still got a ton of shaping to do but it's coming along. Im still not happy with the bow personally but it will still be a shooter at the end.

I don't think I'll be making many of takedowns because I just don't like the weight.

 

[BenBow]

Regardless you do good work

[Roy from Pa]

I dunno know, Ben.

I guess he does..  

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Thanks Ben... I still need to thin out the lower end of the riser. I didn't touch that as of yet except grind off the point that was there.

[Crittergetter]

Originally posted by Shredd:
Maybe just do a few mock-ups out of a 2x4 and see how you like them... Or look at what some of the other bowyers are doing and find something you like and do your own version...

This is what I've been doing. Still not completely happy with mine, but then I never am! Lol

[Pago]

Looks good to me!

[BrushWolf]

Well you better just hurry up and get that thing out of your site. I think I can bury it in my backyard for ya. Just send it to me and I will take care of it.      
Looks awesome dude.

[Wagstaff]

Looks good...  I like where you're going with it.

You sure picked a gorgeous combination of woods..  I cant wait to see this one with a finish on it!

[beachbowhunter]

I think the diet is really working. I went through the same thing in designing my current handle. I prefer a recurve style grip for shooting, but the looks with a LB are a challenge.

The TD LB riser style that always catches my eye is the Thunderhorn. I think it is beautiful. I just might try to steal the shape!

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

I agree with ya Beach... i thought I would be more of a fan of the recurve styling on a longbow but to me it's not working. Probably during the winter I will go back to the drawing board and attempt something of a Thunderhorn style. Someone mentioned that to me on another site and I love the looks of it... But this one will be a true wall hanger anyhow and maybe it will grow on me towards the end.

[jsweka]

Originally posted by kennym:
 I think Pronghorns look about a slick as any. Smooth and no frilly look.  

I agree with Kenny.  As far as 3-piece longbows go, Pronghorns have my ideal riser design.

That being said Justin, I still to like your modification where you rounded of the riser ends more.  Excellent craftsmanship!  Give it a chance, maybe it will grow on you.  A 3-piece certainly has its advantages for travel.

[monterey]

Is it the pic or my eyeballs or????..

Do you have it shaped to place the arrow shelf dead center?

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Nope arrow shelf is 1.25 inches higher than center

[monterey]

Must be my eyes.