So I found this piece or orange heart and thought it would be good as a TD riser. I've never run across this wood before but it's similar to yellow heart as far as the grain and how it is to work with. This bow will be a 63" recurve around 50#@28"s. The first thing I needed to do was turn it into a thick enough blank by glueing two pieces together. I have lots of clamps so I put them to work.

Here it is out of the clamps with the riser pattern drawn on

Now I need to add some strength and character so into the swing jig on the band saw to cut out an arc for and inlay of glass or phenolic.

Clamped up to see how the phenolic looks- the fit is good but it needs something different.

That's a nice lookin' piece of wood, but new to me. What is Orange Heart?

I decided to go with a mosaic since there isn't a lot of grain pattern in the riser. To make the mosaic I used bamboo and Brazilian ebony- I'll sandwich the mosaic between some glass when I'm done.

I had never seen or heard of it either but looking it up online this is what I found-

Orange Heart (caesalpinia platyloba) also known as Chakte Viga or Paela comes mostly from Central America and Mexico. It is a hardwood best known for its beautiful orange color and subtle grain pattern which is typically straight and interlocking. This exotic wood works fairly easy with both power and hand tools and can be finished nicely with oils and lacquers. Some uses of orange heart are wood turning, furniture making, inlays, flooring, and musical instruments as it is known to have good tonal qualities.

The beginnings of the mosaic

I sure like the color. Can't wait to see it polished up and some finish on it.

Again lots of clamps.

Ready for glue up into the riser- I went with some red and black glass on either side of the mosaic.

First mosaic done- one more to go...

I'm liking the colors too fdp- it seems to darken some after cutting and sanding. Time for some limb pads.

Some more clamps for another mosaic.

And here it is roughed out- now I'll be needing some limbs..

Interesting can't wait to see more. Gives me an idea how its done.

Here's the limb veneers- it laurel burl. The main core will be bamboo.

Here's one

Here's two

Make sure you post the finished pics.

Awesome build-a-long! got me thinkin' too! John

I didn't get many picture while shaping the riser but here is how it came out.

Can you pick up the pace a little? I'm getting impatient!!:-)

Here's the other side of the riser

All the overlays glued on and the limbs shaped

Strung up and testing the draw weight

It came out right at 51#s@ 28"

I didn't know what type of limb bolt to use but I had some antler burrs on hand so I made up a set to try out on this one.

Very nice----You got some skills

This is where things slow down now-I'm at the point where I need to spray the finish- if I get my other projects done today I may have time for that too.

Good looking bow. I like the Orange Heart, never heard of it much less saw it, but it looks great. You are a talented man.

Wow!!! What a talent! You're going to have a beautiful bow! Be sure to let us see the finished product.

Bernie

Awesome job Dave. Love the mosaic, it really set the riser off.

Beautiful Bow, great job.

Thanks all- I did get it sprayed this afternoon so in a day or two I'll add the shelf rest and get to shooting it.

That bow is nice! Thanks for the build along...

I'd love to build myself a bow like that! I'd be a hard Cat to clean after....:}

Really nice job, Trux.

Ok it's been awhile- it finished 51@28"... We will see if this works...

Bummer... I'll have to figure out the picture deal....

Sweet!!! Hurry and figure out the picture thing already!!!

I'm trying Mike..

Very nice bow Trux!

Thanks I'll try to get some finished pictures posted....

Ok let's try this again...

Beautiful bow.

A fine job on it.

Wow! Beautiful artistry.

You know? I own one of Trux bows and I love it but when ever he posts a pic of his wonderfull work first I'm in awe! second I say what a master,,,, then I wonder?,,,,, just what goes through his mind when he's at a stop light? great job JeffW

Hahaha that's funny Jeff- a guy at the local bow shop has shown great interest in this one- I may have to part with it and ponder another one.

I think you may have found your calling!

Beautiful bow!

Wow, very nice Trux... Those mosaic accents are really cool!

Dave

very nice !!!

I wish that I had talent like that, how many hours do you have in the build and how many bows have you built?

Very nice

Thanks for posting the pics! I really like this one. I have a 2"x8"x24" piece of orange heart, if its also the same as "Chakte Viga"??

Thanks all! Robert it does go by chakte viga- had to look it up to figure that one out. It's nice to work with and finishes well.

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