2017 Bow Swap

[Trenton G.]

I hope that these continue. Before I even joined TradGang, the bow swap threads were my favorites. I loved reading through and seeing all the WIP pictures and the finished products. Would be a shame to see it end.

[Pat B]

Unfortunately there is always at least one(usually more) that doesn't follow through or bugs out all together. In most cases others pitch in to be sure everyone gets a bow. Also, many folks wait til the last minute to get started and being that they are unfamiliar with the process they either don't complete in time or just drop out.
 The cool thing about these bow trades is most are willing to help anyone that posts pics and presents problems they are having. This helps the newbie builder get his bow built and learn as he goes.
 It's been a few years since I've been involved in a bow trade here or on PA. I just don't build as many bows as I used to.
 Also, there is a lot of work and time involved heading up one of these trades. It's like hearding cats trying to keep everyone working on their bows so they can get it out on time. You would think 3 to 6 months would be enough time but life sometimes gets in the way.
 I think Kelly has done a great job in the past but I can understand his frustration. I first got to know Kelly when he was in Iraq, trying to build a selfbow from found wood, using the exhaust from a big generator as a heat source for bending and straightening. When Kelly got back from his tour he killed a very respectable buck in his home, Kansas with a selfbow he built in Iraq.

[monterey]

Maybe there could be some system of assigning a mentor with experience to the new bowyers.  Mentoring online here on the Bench is good but a behind the scenes mentor would be on top of the problems before they arise.

Maybe we should establish a volunteer mentoring program here that has nothing to do with a swap?

Just thinking out loud and typing as I go.

[SportHunter]

I think we should try and get this one finished so we have a clear slate for next year. Also I would like to suggest a few things that may improve the swap.

Hard deadlines. This would eliminate dragging it out too long. Maybe a target due date, one month last chance extended date then its over.

More people involved to assist with management, better communication on both sides should keep things on track better.

Require updates, frankly this has been a very boring thread with minimal pictures or updates. Hard to tell whats being done with no comments or picture posts.

Thats my 2c. I think we can do better.

[John Malone]

What's the average cost of shipping a bow, inside the 48 any way?

[Pat B]

$20 to $30 depending on how far. You can calculate the cost on USPS web site. I always ship USPS Priority Mail and don't add extra insurance. It comes with $50 insurance but they've never lost anything I've shipped with them over many years.

[John Malone]

Thanks, that's not bad at all. Maybe I can get in on the 2019 swap.

[KellyG]

I still need 3 bows is the update from my last count.
Any bowyers willing to help out  shoot me a PM.

[KellyG]

Sorry to those who did not get a bow yet and for not jumping on here more. I have contacted all the bowyer who were supposed to finish out and they have not responded back. So I will need help.

Roy you up for making a bow?

[Roy from Pa]

Sure Kelly, I'll volunteer the time it takes me to make a bow to help ya out. That would be between 30 to 40 hours time. If you or someone else volunteers the materials and shipping costs to cover my expenses to build a bow for a swap I was not entered in. That would amount to about $100.00.

I didn't enter this swap for a few reasons. One which is already being discussed in this thread. Another is, I have many bows I need to make already to meet my commitments to clubs and other guys I have agreed to make bows for. I'm not like the guys who backed out of this swap, I accept my  responsibilities.

So sure Kelly, I will make a bow for the swap, if others pitch in to cover the materials and shipping, however it will be many months till I could do that. I still have 4 other bows to build yet.

[Bert Frelink]

Kelly, message send.
Bert

[KellyG]

Ok 1 down 2 to go.  Thanks roy I may contact you if I don't get another to volunteer.

[Roy from Pa]

That's fine, Kelly.

[Crittergetter]

If Roy ends up building one I'll cover the materials.

[Roy from Pa]

Randy, you are a good dude. ^5 bud.

[canopyboy]

So back in October, there were 4 people on Kelly's list still waiting to receive:
Ink
John Scifres
mwosborn
talkingcabbage

Now we're down to three, I must have missed who got a bow. And more importantly who are the three AWOL bowyers?

[inksoup]

i did not receive one yet but that's ok for my perspective.

to ease the pain i have an offer: (well actually we kind of like this pain, right?)

1. i can accept the raw materials
2. i can be the last one
3. if it becomes real problem, i can pass this year, which is really no problem to me.
4. i can accept used one. (which is more spiritual to me)

well Kelly, your choice mate...

best.

[Pat B]

You could talk to Terry about banning anyone from TG that has not shipped the bow they promised.

[inksoup]

well my intension was NOT to ban someone. just trying to be helpful here...

[Pat B]

Beyaz, In every bow trade I've been in(many over the years), here and on PA there is at least one person that gets a bow but never reciprocates. IMO, these trades are to share with others and to help new bow builders build confidence in themselves and their ability to to build bows for others. I don't like the idea banning folks either. If someone in other sales or trades here doesn't come through there are repercussions. I'm just saying that there should be repercussions, whatever that may be...or just live with it.