Here's my current state of progress:
That's my homemade tillering tree (very high-tech) I built following online instructions. I would say the bow is 85-90% complete. It's showing a nice even bend, and the limbs are very consistent in measurement from handle to tip. (I had to buy a caliper)
Using my scientifically-accurate (Walmart 4.98) fishing scale, the bow is presently pulling 45 pounds about two inches from full draw of 29". That's right in the ballpark.
I still have to do some final finishing, work down the handle a bit more, and do final sanding, staining, and sealing. I plan to use a leather-wrapped grip, and a conventional "shelf" arrow rest.
In doing research, I found that the premium bow woods are very, very expensive. An Osage Orange blank (essentially, a board) is about 200.00 for one picked for bowbuilding. Likewise premium Yew.
As I'm considering this project a version 1.0, I've been looking around at alternatives. One fellow who sells on eBay puts out cut-out (ready for tillering) blanks of various nice hardwoods for 70.00; this may be an attractive deal.
I plan to visit a couple of local hardwood stores to see what they have in the way of Hickory.
Soon- Arrows.
That's my homemade tillering tree (very high-tech) I built following online instructions. I would say the bow is 85-90% complete. It's showing a nice even bend, and the limbs are very consistent in measurement from handle to tip. (I had to buy a caliper)
Using my scientifically-accurate (Walmart 4.98) fishing scale, the bow is presently pulling 45 pounds about two inches from full draw of 29". That's right in the ballpark.
I still have to do some final finishing, work down the handle a bit more, and do final sanding, staining, and sealing. I plan to use a leather-wrapped grip, and a conventional "shelf" arrow rest.
In doing research, I found that the premium bow woods are very, very expensive. An Osage Orange blank (essentially, a board) is about 200.00 for one picked for bowbuilding. Likewise premium Yew.
As I'm considering this project a version 1.0, I've been looking around at alternatives. One fellow who sells on eBay puts out cut-out (ready for tillering) blanks of various nice hardwoods for 70.00; this may be an attractive deal.
I plan to visit a couple of local hardwood stores to see what they have in the way of Hickory.
Soon- Arrows.