First Attempt - Maple Self Bow

[Ray]

Got to about the 98th percent done phase today. Will post pics later this evening. in a nutshell i took off too much on the upper limb. The bow shoots well but it might not be destined to live for more than a few years due to that. At some point it was pulling around 63-64 lbs at full draw. It should be lighter than that when it's complete. Just not sure how light.

I worked out a handle, sanded it down, Jay helped me glue on some horned tips, etc. Just need to apply leather handle and put some tru oil on it.

[Pathfinder101]

Can't wait to see it.  I've got this "thrill running up my leg" just hearing about it...

[Ray]

I have some polishing to do on the ends where the overlays are. I am going to start putting some tru oil on it tomorrow night after working it over with some steel wool.

This is pretty close to done. Primitive bow...

[Pathfinder101]

Nice!  I dig the bone tips.   Did that on my son's bow too.

[Ray]

Let's see your son's bow. 

[boneaddict]

Its fun to watch it all come together.  Thanks for keeping us posted with pics. 

[lazydrifter]

what kind of epoxy did you use for the bone tips?  Would gorilla glue work for this?  Looks really nice.

[fc2038]

lookin good!!!

[Ray]

lazydrifter,

I can't remember what we used for gluing on the tips. I'll ask. It certainly was not gorilla glue. Since I have never built a bow before I cannot comment if gorilla glue would be adequate.

[bow4elk]

lazydrifter,

I can't remember what we used for gluing on the tips. I'll ask. It certainly was not gorilla glue. Since I have never built a bow before I cannot comment if gorilla glue would be adequate.

No, gorilla glue is not recommended.  Bowgrip 100 epoxy is good stuff.

[Pathfinder101]

Let's see your son's bow. 

I have been meaning to take some pics of it.  I'll try to remember when I get home tonight.

[bucklucky]

Getting closer!!!! Nice!

[robb92]

Very cool, thanks for posting the pics!!!!!

[PacificNWhunter]

Way cool, thanks for all the pic's and updates

[tlbradford]

What a great project.  It is looking awesome.  When you removed too much material on the upper limb, can you take off material from the lower limb and just have a lower draw weight?  Or is it in an area that needs a minimum amount of wood, I am guessing closer to the riser?

Looking forward to seeing the final results.  Thanks for the updates and pictures.