Coca Cola's Buildalong thread

[Coca Cola]

Finally got some linen, going to fabric store is not my favorite thing to do .
Backed it with some light tan linen. This time I used even more glue then my last one. It looks good. I have lots of cleanup to do though.





I also floor tillered and got the limbs bending on it. I might add some hickory nock overlays to practice on for next bow. I dont know if I will though.

[Coca Cola]

Forgot to mention. On my way to crew practice I noticed a flooring place. I convinced my sis to pull over and check it out. I talked to the guy there and he said he might be able to get me some Ipe. It will be half an inch thick and 6 feet long if he gets an order ( said he would set a couple of boards aside for me). He said that he would probably get a couple orders in summer. With Ipe I think .5 inch is plenty to get the job done for my poundage goals. So I may have found somebody who carries it.

[Coca Cola]

I went out and shot my first bow today. Boy was it a thrill!. I actually shot my bow better then the 70's era AMF curve . At 15-18 yards I was shooting coffee can sized groups. Not to mention I forgot to put a nock on!. I totally forgot. Fourtunately there was a white mark on the string I could use as reference.

As for performance, it slapped my wrist super bad. But that can be atributed to my 4.75 inch brace :0. I measured its set right before I shot. 1.125 inches. After being strung for an hour and about 45 shots. 1.5 inches of set. Which I am more then thrilled about. There was some handshock but I dont know what to gauge it to having shot very few traditional bows.

The only bad news is I got a scale from my neighbor. A good one. That actually measures more acurately then my 1892 one. Well the reason it really slings arrows is that its 54# . ow, 10 pounds off target weight. I guess it would have helped to have a real scale.

[smj]

Well alright! Sounds like it flings sticks just fine. Are you going to consider a hunt with it some time? You should, even if all you go after is rabbits!

Just curious, what does your dad say to all of this?

The flat design of your bow will carry with it some hand shock. Period. Once you go to the R/D design you will find that the hand shock will clear up a lot.

If you elect to try to drop the draw weight 10 pounds, take the wood from the stiff section of your limb, leave the tips alone! Try to get your limbs to store energy better - if you do anything at all! Sounds like it works to me...

Yes, the brace height is what is allowing your string to nibble at your wrist. Twist the string up some to bring up the brace height, or get a better arm guard! The lower brace height will give you a bit more energy and is also a lot less stress on the limbs. You could see a little more follow by tightening the string and increasing the brace. How much did the bow relax after sitting for a couple hours? Did the increase in follow stay, or did the wood relax back? Once shot in, so long as you don't increase the draw length, you shouldn't see any increase in follow that does not relax back out once done shooting. Make sense?

[Coca Cola]

I went after a squirrel today. There is a bounty on them now that they invaded wood duck box. The one I was after was a black phase squirrel. It has green eyes. Though it wood be cool to save the pelt.

My dad really doesnt approve. Mainly because a quick recovery of animal is very important to him. I had a hard time getting him to even bowhunt. I am not sure he would like it if I hunted deer with these. Although he wouldnt stop me he just doesnt like the idea. He also doesnt like the little wood shavings around the house. He is kinda glad I am doing something productive though. Many people my age just sit around and play video games. Well, parents banned video games in our house lol. If any of you have young kids I suggest you do the same. I didnt like it at first but I look at my neighbors who dont do anything all day.

I am going to let the bow be. Kinda special, I dont want it to break. Maybe something I can look back at and laugh. I am not sure if I am going to use it anymore. The one I am working on is looking pretty good right


The wood did relax to just above where it started ( 1.125) maybe 1.2 now. Its almost too little to measure. So yes it relaxed.

[smj]

Your bow sounds like a lot of fun and a great first bow!

How do you think that making a bow has added to your understanding of archery? Or has it added anything at all? Just curious!

Your dad sounds great! Thanks for sharing a little about him with us. As for the wood dust, I know how he feels and can only suggest that you keep that shop vac going!

[Coca Cola]

It has definately contributed to my understanding of archery. Learning how you can get a 1x2x6 to sling arrows is one of the coolest feelings ever. So besides it made my knowledge and understanding of archery better it also felt great doing it. It gives you an amazing sense of accomplishment.


Just thought I would let you know, I am passing on bowmaking to another person. My only friend who bowhunts saw my bow and said he would like to learn how. So maybe in a couple weeks you will see his bow.

[smj]

Good for you! Bring your pal on-board here at The Archers Edge, too!

Helping someone build a bow will increase your understanding of the process a lot as well. There tends to be a lot of great questions!

[BT]

Very nice C.C.

Seems to me that the Traditional equipment is easier to have fun with and easier to introduce someone to.
Have any of your other friends ever tried slinging a few arrows with your stick bows?

If not then get one in their hands and let them give it a try.
Combined with the fact that they know you are hunting with this stick , it may well give them the urge to try it for them selfs

[Coca Cola]

Oops, Thats the first thing I said when I looked at these pictures.

I made my nock overlays today. Thinking oh well since you cut the nock 1 inch from end I will make them an inch long. Right? Nope stupid me wasnt thinking. Now I am afraid its too late to change.
I had to cut them with a hand saw which wasnt exactly easy.

Pics anyways. Do you think it can be salvaged? Can I cut nocks .5 inch from end?






BT I only know 1 person my age who hunts ( the person who is going to attempt to make a bow) . My other friends show interest but I am not sure would actually follow through.

Sad thing is alot of my non hunter friends have been corrupted by peta types. Or would rather sit inside an play world of warcraft for 12 hours a day