Weekend at the Buffalo and Thunderchild bows birth place (lots of pics)

[Frenchymanny]

Two weeks ago or so, after talking to Bigjim, a weekend was planned!
It was delayed because of the snow, the drive to BigJim's place was under torrential rain, I saw how strong the man is, discovered that Honda makes submarine, shot an amazing 3D course, the bowyer certainly can shoot, hunted pigs, had the royal tour of the bow company shop, saw how the bows are made and enjoyed Southern hospitality at its best!
       

Took lots of pictures and plan to share them with you

I'll post the best pictures  starting tonight

F-Manny

[pdk25]

Looking forward to it. Can' t wait til my number comes up for my thunderchild.

[Friend]

Please tell us more.........

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Can't wait for the pics!
I want a TC so bad I can't stand it, but have to wait and see how the money holds out.
Been thinking long and hard on a new bow and finally settled on one of Big Jim's Thunderchilds.

I envy you for getting to see how they are made.

[centaur]

Enquiring minds want to know more...

[BigJim]

I will let manny talk, but I will say that I ended up with web feet after the whole ordeal. Much fun was had.

Bigjim

[DannyBows]

This will be good for sure!

[Over&Under]

       

[sorefingers]

He can shoot too? How many skills should one man have  :confused:

[Frenchymanny]

Originally posted by sorefingers:
He can shoot too? How many skills should one man have   :confused:  

Wait you will be surprised!  

I can't do much right now (a man has to work sometimes) and will post tonight.

It started by a series of delayed flights because of a huge snow storm

 

You see the beautiful 'Dacks on the way to New York, then connection flight

[Frenchymanny]

Originally posted by SEMO_HUNTER:


I envy you for getting to see how they are made.

I know how lucky I am, but I promise I will share that experience with you

I took a lot of pics in the shop, just need to upload and resize.

What is amazing is the Southern hospitality        

You are right, I was lucky!
Back to work now!

F-Manny

[Green]

This oughta be really good....can't wait for the pics.

[dave19113]

I hear ya on nat being able to wait.... I just put the final touches on the order for a new buffalo bow.....It really is a bad addiction...

[doeslayer]

did you happen to see a bow with my name on it?

[sorefingers]

I have one of Jims Buffalo's and last night I had a nock explode on release, the string sliced a fletch off like a knife, the arrow ended up going to the left and barely sticking in the wall. So at my draw it's 95# you could say it sounded like a gun went off. After inspection and 10 shots I was convienced that the bow survived. I truly felt sick thinking at first the bow blew or something. I was shooting wood arrows and had just put sone mull nocks on. Looked at some others and they to had a crack off they came for sure. Must say Jim you build one bomb proof bow. If it would have blown I would have to also put in an order. Luv my Buff  

[Swinestalker]

This should be good. My other bows have been very lonely since the Buffalo showed up!

[Frenchymanny]

Alright, let's do a tour of BigJim's shop:

Entering, the glue ups awaiting to be worked on:

 

Notice on top a bow that was sent for a handle duplication

[Frenchymanny]

BigJim took a glue up and started working on her;

First the limbs are reduced close to final dimensions:
 

The machinery is top notch, but everything is shaped by hand

[Over&Under]

This is starting out great!!  

Keep it coming!!

[Frenchymanny]

Of course all these steps are repeated numerous time, with constant checking, by eye and caliper

Here BigJim started to shape the handle

 


You have to realize that I have a Buffalo 2 pieces on order for travel, so I was (and still am)pumped to have the privilege of seeing my bowyer working!