From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I’ve decided instead of trying to do a selfbow tutorial beginning to end. I will do several threads at different stages.
This is meant to give the basics in a hopefully more in depth individualized way.
I decided to skip the harvesting the stave and skip right to a stave I received from LWer Wolf.
This is going to be a bunch of kinda boring pictures, but hopefully I can get them to help tell the story.
First you have to look the stave over. Figure out which side of stave even is the back. Sometimes when fresh split and know draw knife work done yet this can be a little trickier than you might think.
The end grain will always show you if you can see it.
For
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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With the top of that picture being the back of bow. Now you need to determine which end to start from and what ring you would like to use.
Looking at the other end it looks like extra rings on right side of stave. The ring that runs along the left side seems to go from one end to the other and is the first one to do so. I think I will try for it.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Looking at the back I can see the extra partial rings that need to be removed. The large majority of them are on that end. I will start about a foot maybe a little more from that end.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I clamp stave back side up in my vice. About three feet from the end.
I start removing the extra rings pulling the draw knife towards me and toward the end of the stave. You can actually practice by chasing these extra rings if you like.
I’m going to start here.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I will work off rings as I make my way down to the one I want. I will try to get across the width of the bow here in this spot and chase the ring above the one I want.
This picture you can see that the ring I want is the one that still has the varnish on. All the way over to the left. Then I exposed ring above. Then as you move to the right you pick up a couple more.
I will try to get down to that one above the entire width here next.
Bjrogg
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From: Bassman
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Your pics, and narrating are informative,and should help folk who are interested in making self bows the right way from the very start. I wasn't schooled enough the first year,and had failure after failure. Good on you.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Here I have it chased to the one above almost across the width. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Thanks Bassman this is difficult to explain and demonstrate.
One thing I have found. For me it’s easier to chase rings on dry wood. The early soft wood makes a crunchy sound with the draw knife.
The late wood is harder . You can leave some of the early wood above the ring you are chasing with draw knife. Then come back with cabinet scrapper and scrape off early wood. Scraper will take it off pretty easy but won’t violate the harder late wood.
Here is some crunchy early wood left to clean up with the scraper.
Warning don’t jump around from one place to another. That’s why it’s call chasing a ring not a tail.
I started in this spot and I will follow this ring cleaning of the early wood as I go. A few inches at a time. Making sure I don’t get lost and switch rings as I go. Bjrogg
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From: D.Lewis aka tonto59
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I will be following this thread. Thanks for doing this.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Here’s what it looks like after scrapping off the early wood. I scrape it off till I can clearly see the change in growth rings
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Here’s where I start with draw knife again. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I continue to follow the ring to the end of the stave like repeating this method alway making sure not to get lost. Always cleaning up the entire width and making my way a few inches at a time toward the end.
Once I reach the end I turn the stave around in the vice. Now I pick up where I started and go the other way.
Again you can remove the extra rings and practice if you like. Here I will quick remove a few as I work my way down.
Bjrogg
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From: HARRY CARRY
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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One of the best threads I need to follow! THANK YOU, Bjrogg! Standing by....
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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When I get to the ring I want I use the same method as before working my way to the end . Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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This picture shows just the ring above left.
To the top I have already chased ring I want to other end.
To the right you can see the ring I want with varnish still on.
Left of that what I still have to remove.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I continue to the end. When I get there a some spot on the edge that is down one more ring. Sometimes this means you have to chase a ring lower all the way across again. In this case I have extra length and at least for now I’m going to call this the back of the bow.
Here’s the spot one ring lower
Bjrogg
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From: Draven
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Great topic. May I ask how sharp is the draw knife?
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I don’t care how dry you think your stave is. As soon as you are done or even if you aren’t done but done for the night. Put some type of sealer on any exposed wood on the back . Otherwise you may get drying cracks. They aren’t a death nil but they can get deep and long.
Here it is ring chase and a coat of sealer
Bjrogg
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From: Keith
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Maybe it's just me, but I use an incandescent light bulb for lighting rather than florescent lights when chasing rings. I can see the rings better.
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From: Bentstick54
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Very neat that you are taking the time to do this Bjrogg. There are many that will appreciate the time you are spending to help get them started.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I gotta get in the house now. Time for supper. I will try to get back in a bit for questions.
I like a sharp draw knife. Some people like a little duller one for chasing a ring though.
Yes good lighting whatever it is. Very essential
Bjrogg
See you in a bit my dog is saying hello
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I gotta get in the house now. Time for supper. I will try to get back in a bit for questions.
I like a sharp draw knife. Some people like a little duller one for chasing a ring though.
Yes good lighting whatever it is. Very essential
Bjrogg
See you in a bit my dog is saying hello
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From: B arthur
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Yes, thank you Brian. I am eating this up.
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From: Bassman
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Good on you Brian. Showing how to do it right from the beginning, and showing the progressions of making a good wooden bow. I learned hard knocks, and had failure after failure in the first year of making them. This will help many on here that want to get started. They should be pretty well schooled when you are done with the thread.I'll be watching you through the whole process. Nice to know the do's and don'ts right from the beginning.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Well there rubbed my dogs belly and filled mine. Actually she’s my daughters dog , but sometimes I think she misses me more than anyone else in the family does. She’s alway waiting by the door saying hello.
She has me trained pretty good.
I hope this helps some of you. This was actually a pretty easy stave to chase. The rings were thin, which can make it more difficult, but it didn’t have a lot of knots or limbs.
Sometimes you have to work your way around the knots in a wide circle following the ring around. Then you can carefully work towards the knot. Chase the ring without cutting through it or taring it out. This can take a little extra time and attention. Bjrogg
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From: RonG
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Wow! just in time for my osage billets.
Thanks again BJROGG
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Your all very welcome. It’s my pleasure.
I very much suggest you have a few things before you start .
#1 as already stated. A good well lighted place. With a good solid vice. You really don’t want to attempt this in a dark or shadowy area. I have done it without a vice, but its a lot nicer with one.
#2 I like a nice sharp draw knife . Some people like a slightly dull one. But a good draw knife #3 cabinet scrapers. I like the French Cabinet scrapers with the different shapes. They can be used to get into depression and odd places.
#4 don’t forget to have some sealer . I usually use shellac but there are lots of others. I have already come back the next morning to find drying checks in what I thought were seasoned dry staves.
Bjrogg
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From: BowAholic
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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great job... "ya done good". :)
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From: bodymanbowyer
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Nice, I'm to chicken to try a Selfbow. I need to broaden my horizons. JF
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Thanks again everyone
Jeff I’ve seen the wooden “stone points” you make. I’m pretty sure you can learn how to make a selfbow. Maybe take a try or two, but I’m sure you can do it. Bjrogg
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From: D.Lewis aka tonto59
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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My guess would be some people like to use a duller less sharp draw knife because it would be less likely to cut or violate the ring. Where as a slip with a very sharp draw knife will probably cut through and violate the ring.
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From: D.Lewis aka tonto59
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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My guess would be some people like to use a duller less sharp draw knife because it would be less likely to cut or violate the ring. Where as a slip with a very sharp draw knife will probably cut through and violate the ring.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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I’m very comfortable with a draw knife. It’s a very nice tool once you get really comfortable with it. I find nice dry Osage my knife likes to almost split the ring off when it finds the crunchy early wood. Try to leave some early wood. Use the scraper to clean it up and keep you on the ring. Bjrogg
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From: wooddamon1
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Excellent post, BJ. Thanks for doing this!
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From: Kwikdraw
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Very good BJ, nice to see it done as explained by many here, but the pics do wonders for my old feeble brain! I learned the hard way, but w/ the help of Jawge, and a couple others here, I got'er done! It is very gratifying to build a selfbow and arrows to go w/ it! Thanks again, you're a dedicated guy to help us novices! I'm currently workin on a take down, mesquite riser and osage limbs. Should be a challenge.
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From: Pa Steve
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Date: 04-Dec-20 |
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Very good explanation along with the pictures BJ. You're definitely giving very informative directions on the proper way to start the process of building an osage selfbow. I'll be following your threads. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
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From: Rhonocerous
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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WOW! This is awesome to see and even though I may never find the time to make a selfbow I'll be following. I don't recall seeing it above, is the stave the osage that Pa Steve mentions? How long is the stave and do you know how long of a bow it will turn into? How long did the stave dry? I see 3-16 marked is that a month- year? Thanks! And the dog will need to sneak into some pictures.
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Bjrogg, Where is the best source for cabinet scrapers. I made some bows last winter improvising with ULU knives and other thin steel. I’m about to start up again with 3 staves I have. And should probably get the proper tools.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Thanks again everyone. It is my pleasure. If it helps one person chase a ring it’s all worth it to me.
I do wish I could edit as I see a couple typos. Thought I’d prof read everything before I pushed the submit button.
If any of you bowyers out there see anything I said that would confuse or misdirect a beginner please feel free to point it out.
The stave was marked 3-16 March of 2016. I’m pretty sure it originally came from the outlaw. It was given to me by another LW member at Elm Hall this year. He’s Here in the shadows. He doesn’t post a lot but he comes here a lot.
He goes by the handle Wolf. I meet him at the PA meet in Marshall. He wanted learn how to build a selfbow. As I’m sure many of you know that goal can be one difficult to find the time to accomplish. He decided he would like to see me have it. I’m hoping he is watching and maybe we can build a bow together right here.
Thanks Wolf
I got my cabinet scrapers at PA meet in a Marshall from Andy. He is a PA member and he, his wife and son own fur -n- feathers I believe it’s called. They are really nice people and camped right next to my wife and I. I did a trade for mine but I think they were marked something like $25? I think I have seen them in 3 rivers catalog. I used homemade scrapers for a couple years to. These are nicer though and I’m glad I made the trade.
I’ll see what I can do about a picture of Zoey. She’s sleeping with her master. She’s a good protector for her and has helped her in ways I never dreamed possible. That little dog sure has been a blessing. She is definitely a important part of this family.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Oh the stave is 70” right now. I don’t really know what it will become yet. I think I have a idea though.
For right now I will leave it as it is. I will try to get at it again soon but no promises. Christmas is coming and although I love the big birthday party. It sometimes gets a bit hectic.
Bjrogg
I am finding a bit more play time now though
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Thanks. I’m over in the Thumb close to Lake Huron. And will start up again at the end of December.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Jay I’m thinking we need to get together. I’m in the thumb to. I live about nine miles south of Harbor Beach. Just a mile from the big lake.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Not sure if this picture will post but I’ll try. Here’s Zoey. She really likes helping me cut up deer. Bjrogg
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From: RonG
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Bodymanbowyer.....Jeff I thought the same for many years, just start on one and follow Brian's teachings and pictures and if you have any problems or questions I am sure Brian or someone will give you support.
My first was a board bow and was doing well until I got close to finishing and I got so excited I rushed the tillering and broke it.
I learned my lesson and had a different problem with my second one, (hickory) but was able to make a working bow and my third (HHB) isn't finished due to health problems, but I am a lot better and anxious to finish it. I figure a couple good days to get a working bow.
You are more than skilled enough to do one.
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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I get my ash logs hauled down from Harbor Beach.
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From: Jeff Durnell
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Good for you starting this thread, Brian. It's nice to see.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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You need anymore ash logs? I have some left yet. I have a friend who sawed some for me on his mill. I used them on the walls of my man cave.
They look great but sure wish they were still standing proud and tall yet. Man that bore sure did a number on the woods around here.
Bjrogg
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From: Bassman
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Here too Brian. I have a friend who has a bunch of Ash trees still standing, but dead as a nail. What a waste. I like Zoey.
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From: Jon Stewart
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Cabinet scrapers can be bought at Woodcrafters. At least that is where I picked mine up.
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Yeah unfortunately I burn it in my outdoor boiler. What a waste
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Yeah unfortunately I burn it in my outdoor boiler. What a waste
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Yes Bassman it is sad. It’s even sadder when they all fall down every which direction and knock down a bunch of good trees. You can’t even walk through your woods anymore.
If they are still standing they might make good lumber. I have a friend with a mill. We made a trade. He kept half the sawed lumber. I finished the walls of my man cave with it. It was very solid yet. I had to drill a hole for every nail. It is very hard. It turned out beautiful. See if I can post a picture of it. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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I was just talking to my friend this morning. He told me he sawed a bunch for hardwood floors. Put it in his bedroom and loves it. Bjrogg
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From: RonG
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Brian, I love that bow rack.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Thanks Ron. It’s cedar saplings I debarked with red osier pegs. I use it when I go to presentations. It took me and one of my buddies a lot of hours, but it looks great. I do want to make a few minor modifications to it though. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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See if I can find a better picture of it
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Well you might have to turn your head, but this is in my shop when we first finished it. Can hang bows from red osier pegs on both sides. I want to make some hanging shelves inside the tripods to put my flint Knapping stuff on.
Bjrogg
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Oooo! I like those knotty Osage bows
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Come on by Jay. They look much better in person
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Most of these bows are special to me. Some are mine. Most are my kids and grandkids. They leave them here and shoot them when they come here. Some are from my bowyer friends. Think I counted 30 of them.
Bjrogg
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Are you around tomorrow? maybe I’ll take an hour drive
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From: TrapperKayak
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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maybe I missed this part but is that osage orange?
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Jay I think tomorrow might work. Not sure . My kids are here today. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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TK yes. Osage Orange. It’s actually it’s usually pretty yellow when first exposed to air and light. We call it a yellow wood. Like mulberry. It has a white sapwood and a yellow heartwood. We usually use the heartwood for our bows but you can use sapwood. Most prefer heartwood. That’s why we chase a ring.
It literally gets a suntan in time and turns a dark brown.
White wood When the sap is flowing during growing season it can be cut and then bark and cambium can be pealed off leaving the first ring for a pristine back.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Shoot me a text tomorrow morning. I think that should work. I’ll know better in the morning though.
Bjrogg
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From: Chas
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Thanks Brian for this build along. I to need visuals so the pics along with your directions are great. I reached out to you quite a while back about a selfbow class you should do..wink, wink. I know you're a very busy man and this virus thing doesn't help. Will be following along. Thanks again. Chuck
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Chuck I’m really terrible with names. I think I remember you. I might even have your number. I m good with face but it take awhile before I remember names.
Browns Town?
I have talked to several interested in doing a class. I have been collecting extra tools and wood for students. After Christmas would be good time for me to try. This virus does really complicate things.
I lost the pm after 30 days. I would still like to try it sometime.
Until then I will try a virtual lesson here and there.
Bjrogg
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From: Arvin
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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BJ I’m excited about the tiller time. Will stay tuned in. Arvin
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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It’ll be nice to have some extra eye Arvin. Bjrogg PS my tillering might be a little strange for some. I’ve tried to describe it before, but never with pictures. Hopefully that will help.
I call it vice tillering instead of floor tillering.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Really the way I make bows altogether some might find a little unusual. Hopefully I can get back at it soon. Bjrogg
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From: Chas
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Great memory Brian, that was me. Will be watching closely, thanks for taking the time and effort for this.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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I’ve been thinking of you Chuck just couldn’t remember your handle. Bjrogg
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From: Stoner
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Date: 05-Dec-20 |
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Brian, are you really going to keep posting this useless info on this thread?
JUS' KIDDIN'
This is great. You even taught an ol' dog a new trick. Sealing the back after the final ring is chased. I like it, well done sir. John
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Yup Stoner. I just can’t help myself.lol thanks for watching buddy. I probably fought myself something to. I usually do. Might not remember what it was though.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Tyler I really like Clay Hayes. When I was first learning and watching YouTube I watched a lot of Clay . I really still should be. He has some awesome hunting videos to. Really like the guys a attitude.
I haven’t seen it, but I got a email from him saying he was going to do a selfbow video with more in depth problem solving tips. I think it would probably be a good video. I’m not sure if he ever finished it. I really don’t watch much YouTube right now. Or tv
Bjrogg
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From: Pa Steve
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Clay's dvd set on building selfbows is excellent. Anyone wanting to build a selfbow would benefit greatly by viewing it. So, BJ you are correct it is a very good video.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Thanks Steve. I talked to him on the phone a couple times. It’s been a few years now. He seems like a very down to earth guy and really passionate about promoting traditional and selfbow hunting.
He had some very helpful shooting tips to
His videos I have watched were very well done. Good explanations and excellent camera work.
Bjrogg
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I’m happy to say Brian has invited me up to his shop today. to help me line out and start a tricky Snakey stave.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Glad to have you come over Jay. Maybe we can get some pictures and bring some more people along.
Looking forward to seeing your snaky stave to.
Bjrogg
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From: BowAholic
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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looking forward to the pictures...great thread. :) I would invite myself to come watch you two, but I hate to leave a balmy 28° here in Arkansas. LOL Have fun and please share pictures...
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Maybe we can work on your project also
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I have an Osage stave to give you Brian. It’s a little to challenging for me.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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It’s been hanging around that 33 and rain mixed with snow stuff here by the lake Bob. I hate this temp. Cold wet and damp. My arthritis doesn’t like it at all and neither do I. I don’t mind winter so much, but I prefer 25 sunny and no wind. I can take that really good.
We got the GEO set at 60 in the shop. Just right for working. We’ll pull a chair up for you.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Thanks for the gift of Osage Jay. The gift that keeps on giving. I go through a lot of wood.
I remember the first year I started harvesting staves. I thought to myself. There that should be enough to last me a lifetime. By the end of the second year it was half gone. Never would have dreamed I would go through so much wood.
Bjrogg
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From: altitude sick
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Well I met Brian this afternoon. He showed me his man cave and all of his bows and obsidian tools. Then we went to the workshop and he helped me get my snakey stave down to the back. We ran into a few issues one being worm holes and then the sides of the stave are going to be a challenge. Thanks again Brian for being so generous showing me some of the tricks of the trade this afternoon I really appreciate it.
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From: Lowcountry
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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This is a really cool thread - Thanks!
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Thank You lowcountry.
We’ll have to do it again Jay. See what we can get out of that stick.
Thanks for the stave and the draw knife. I cleaned up the draw knife a little after you left. Looks like it’s in pretty nice shape.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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After you left I pulled out the stave I chased this ring on.
I looked it over and got ready to reduce it closer to bow dimensions.
One end is twisted and kinda narrow. We have a few snaky curves and the tips don’t appear to line up with the handle.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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The other end is wider and has a nice amount of caricature. It will need some narrowing up. I will do it with my draw knife.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Next I look at the back. I want to follow the grain as much as I can laying out the bow.
One of the first things I have to do is get to dependable wood. I’m thinking 68” bow right now but that still could change. I mark the center 34” from the wide end. Looking from the center towards what will be the tips of the wide end I see two splits one on each edge.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I mark a line using my finger as a guide along the edge. The edge had been slit so it follows the grain. I don’t necessarily they to follow this pencil mark exactly, but it gives me a guide. I will let my draw knife draw the final line.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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You have to be a little careful the grain doesn’t tare out but your knife will want to follow the grain. If it tears out the grain to much you might have to use ferries rasp to finish edge up. I work both edges narrower straying at the splits on each edge.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Looking with tape measure edge you can see how tips don’t pass through center of handle. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I can cheat this side over for sure so I mark and narrow it up this much for now. Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I have it to good dependable wood from end to end along each edge now and the wide end narrowed just a little.
Before I do anymore narrowing I think I’d like to reduce the belly. Before I reduce the belly I decided I want to take the back down one more ring. It has that tip with a spot that has ring violated and one ring down. I really don’t think it would be part of the bow in the end , but if I remove the belly wood and decided later I need to chase another ring I could end up to thin.
I decided to chase another ring down. It goes pretty quick just cleaning off one ring.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I’m still thinking 68” or shorter so I cut it at 68” Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Then I put a coat of clear moly on the fresh chased ring. Next step reducing the belly.
I’m thinking that might be a new thread. We’ll see how it goes. If you see a reducing the belly 101 you might want to check it out.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Oh by the way any of you guys have any problems with these? I think they are ok? The red streaks. Wind checks? Bjrogg
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From: George Tsoukalas
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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No, I never had a problem with those. I had one osage save that had a lot of those. I sot it for 3 years so. No problem. Jawge
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From: Stoner
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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I agree that as long as the string bisects the handle. Gotta get rid of the straight as an arrow fiberglass mentality.... I apologize in advance to all the fiberglass guys out there. John
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From: D.Lewis aka tonto59
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Watching you use a draw knife. I can see it’s a very handy tool. I need to pick up one of those goose neck cabinet scrapers.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Thanks George, I’ve had them before to and didn’t have any problems. Just wondering if anyone else had.
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Yup Stoner that’s correct . My problem right now is this one doesn’t pass through so I’m probably going to have to do something about that in the future.
First though it has a twist. That in itself isn’t a huge problem but it will effect how braced bow has string pass through handle . I think I will try to remove the twist but before I do I’d like to reduce the belly closer to bow dimensions. That will make it easier to remove the twist. So far it looks like it might have a nice mild natural reflex. I like that kind. Don’t think I have a picture of side profile but I will eventually get one
Bjrogg
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Don I love a draw knife. I just really feel like they were made for bowyers. Once you get really comfortable with them you will be surprised how effective of a tool they can be and how fast you can reduce wood. I have a couple buddies that stop by and just watch me make shavings.
The scrapers have their very important job to.
Bjrogg
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From: Stoner
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Date: 06-Dec-20 |
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Depending on the centerline of the bow. I ran into this on this bow I'm working on now. It favors one side. So what I wanted as the bottom limb, now it's the top limb. I used 2" up & down on a 4" handle for the centerline. I don't want to heat the bow anymore. Started this after reading Ryan Gills book "building the snakey osage". John
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 07-Dec-20 |
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I’m not sure I’m understanding Stoner. If think you are saying that you used the non bending handle section to stager the limbs at the fades I have done this many times before and it works good. This stave doesn’t have a lot of extra width to play with. I could be wrong but I think I might have to use some heat. I’m not going to take out the snakiness. Just enough get string to pass through center of handle. I think I’m going to remove some twist first or quite possibly at the same time on my caul. I think removing the twist will help with my alignment in itself but probably not do it completely.
At any rate I’m thinking my next step will be reducing the belly closer to bow dimensions.
Bjrogg
PS if I’m miss understanding you I’m sorry and I would really like to understand what you are saying.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 07-Dec-20 |
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Sorry Stoner. I looked your picture over better now I think I understand what you did. I see the handle is marked out but not shaped yet. ( I usually shape my handle very late in the building process for this same reason) Also it gives me a good place to clamp in vice. I can see you have it marked Offset to one side. I have done that many times to. Even offset the limbs coming out each end of the handle and z handles. Lots of little tricks. I think I will need some heat adjustments to get it close enough to use some of those tricks.
Bjrogg
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From: BowAholic
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Date: 07-Dec-20 |
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thanks for the pictures and adventure...
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From: Arvin
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Still watching
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From: RonG
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Arvin.......Ditto here!
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From: RymanCat
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Wow incredible pretty snaky.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Had to go to the big city yesterday. Work today. I promise I will get back at this stave but can’t guarantee exactly when.
I’ll try to get back at it soon maybe tonight.
Thanks for the feedback
Bjrogg
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From: RonG
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Brian I am sure everyone will keep an eye on this build so not to worry, we understand how life gets in the way of projects.
As I said not to worry or rush, these works of art need time to complete.
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 08-Dec-20 |
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Ron I did get some more done
I started a new thread from here we go to thread titled
"Reucing Belly 101
time for our next class
Bjrogg
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