2018 Annual Bow Swap Progress Thread

[EvilDogBeast]

Turns out it was just my new gutter downpipe...

Just kidding!  Large post with pictures incoming!

[EvilDogBeast]

Matt,

Excellent job with your bow!  The finish job is amazing, whatever you put on the back to bring out the grain really makes it look sweet.  I also really like the way you did the nocks.  You sell yourself short my man, this is a fabulous bow that I couldn't build myself (believe me I've tried).  There is something to be said for the beauty of simplicity in craftsmanship, it pleases me greatly.

So on to the details!  I threw it up on the scale since yours came to an untimely end, and you were right on with your estimate.  Comes to 43# @ 28", and shoots hard and fast!  It really likes the carbons I use for my recurve and puts them right where I'm looking.  I actually shot the center out of my "target butt" within the first 10 minutes of shooting!  I can't wait to get out to the range and put this to work on the 3D course.  On top of all this, you were kind enough to send me a 3Rivers gift card.  I'm beside myself really, your craftsmanship and kindness are top-notch Matt.  Thank you for building this for me!

[BMorv]

Nice Job Matt.  Looks great. 

[BMorv]

I was able to get out and shoot my bow, and man was I impressed!

Travis, you did an amazing job on this bow!  The looks are stunning and it shoots just as good as it looks.  It's smooth and has zero hand shock.  It's actually smoother to draw and feels lighter than my 55 lb longbow.  I put in on the scale and it came right in a 60#'s, a perfect hunting weapon.  I almost wish it wasn't so nice, because I'm already thinking about how I will protect it when I bring it in the woods with me.  I'm gonna load this guy up with a heavy arrow and the hogs better watch out in a few months.

And this knife is awesome too!  Never had a custom knife before, but always wanted one.  This will be right along side me this hunting season. 

You really out did yourself Travis.  I can't say enough about how happy I am to have it.  You even got me rethinking that " I only build wooden bows" thing I have. 
Excellent job
-Ben

 

[canopyboy]

Wow! A couple more amazing bows. It’s getting fun now!

[YosemiteSam]

Chris, you're too kind.  Good of you to find a few redeeming qualities in it.  Looks like it shoots just fine in your hands.

Thanks for posting that you received it.  The tracking number didn't scan in so I had no idea where it was after I dropped it off.  Had me worried.

Hope you can get some fun out of it.

BMorv - Thank you.

[TradBowyer]

allow me expound a little more on the grim reaper lol. got a little too eager to get pictures up. she is 62" long pulling 53@27 on my scale. I purposely build my longbows about 10# overweight so I can trap the limbs which really improves performance. for extra speed I went with 3 lams of red elm one being a 0.002 taper. this is the max taper I like with my design as any more and the limbs get whippy. I'm a bowhunter first so all my bows are designed with stability first on the list. so my philosophy is I maximize speed to the point where my stability is not compromised. ok enough of that. the riser is solid charcoal diamondwood to give a little weight to help with pointing the bow and to aid in absorbing some vibration. I went with two layers of phenolic overlays to allow the use of any string material the recipient would want to use. overall im very pleased with it. its a good thing its a righty and not a lefty or it might not be leaving. its hard building a blind bow for someone because you can't find out their preferences. I didn't put a leather handle wrap on because I normally don't on my TD longbows. well that about wraps this up. I hope the recipient accepts it.

[EvilDogBeast]

Matt,

Yeah the military postal system is terrible with everything from tracking to delivering undamaged packages.  Most of the time once something hits Chicago you won't hear from it again until it gets picked up.  As far as the bow goes, I'm going to have a blast with it!  You should be proud of that bow Matt, it looks good and shoots well, but most of all I'm proud to be the one that gets to use it!

[Garman]

Matt,

Yeah the military postal system is terrible with everything from tracking to delivering undamaged packages.  Most of the time once something hits Chicago you won't hear from it again until it gets picked up.  As far as the bow goes, I'm going to have a blast with it!  You should be proud of that bow Matt, it looks good and shoots well, but most of all I'm proud to be the one that gets to use it!

Minneapolis is about the same way.

[YosemiteSam]

Matt,

Yeah the military postal system is terrible with everything from tracking to delivering undamaged packages.  Most of the time once something hits Chicago you won't hear from it again until it gets picked up.  As far as the bow goes, I'm going to have a blast with it!  You should be proud of that bow Matt, it looks good and shoots well, but most of all I'm proud to be the one that gets to use it!

In this case, it wasn't the military's fault.  I know for certain that it was my local carrier.  All the same, I'm relieved it made it.  I figured I could throw that pipe off my roof onto the asphalt and still have the bow in good condition

[EvilDogBeast]

I just wanted to take a second to thank all of you for helping me get my bow made.  You all had a hand in it through your pictures and designs posted here which enabled me to create my frankenbow.  Kenny, you had a heavy influence on my build as I'm sure you can see, and I tried to get your grip design in there because you said you like it.  Hope I came close at least.  Bvas, thank you for all the feedback over the course of this swap, I am about to start a second build and I will be putting it to use.  Ritchie, thanks for bouncing all those ideas back and forth with me.  Thank you all for your guidance, whether it was inadvertent or direct.  I am a better bowyer because of it and I look forward to next year!

[4 point]

Ben, Thanks for the positive review! Hope I built some pig MOJO into it for ya!

Some great looking bows showing up guys.

[EvilDogBeast]

So, how are we looking Dave?

[canopyboy]

I believe a couple more are planned to ship this week. Almost done.

[C. Johnson]

I believe a couple more are planned to ship this week. Almost done.

Yep, I'm like a little kid waiting for a mail order package to arrive! 

[monterey]

I have a good start on TGSB #2 and hopefully won't be too late shipping.

I have been shooting #1 quite a bit and it hasn't come apart...yet.  it's a good shooter.  Hope #2 shoots as well!

[canopyboy]

Sorry I've been a bit absent, and it'll get worse before it gets better. Life and work have been crazy the last few weeks and I leave tomorrow for Bear Quest. The last few bows are either on their way or in the final stages. With a little luck, we may not need much "grace" time this year. Oh carp, did I just say that? I better knock on wood. With my head.

My recipient's bow has been done including string for awhile now. Just needs the leather sideplate and packing. I'm really sorry to keep him waiting a little longer, but it just won't happen tonight with a 0430 wakeup call tomorrow. I don't do well without sleep.

Will probably do a better update from the road while Sweka drives. But after we leave civilization, you'll have to take any complaining or questions up with Deputy Roy until I get back.

-Dave

[monterey]

Good luck with the bears.

[John Scifres]

So I am the lucky recipient of Tradbowyer's beautiful bow.  Tim, you did an outstanding job on this bow.  I am so thrilled to be its caretaker.  I will get some live action photos of it soon but wanted to thank you for it as soon as possible. 

As for my bow, it is getting closer.  I will post a full update later but I think the recipient will be happy.

[SportHunter]

Nice looking bows guys, keep up the great work!