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Rookie Ash Bow Build

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AndrewH:
I've poured over these forums in search of information but there's not substitute for trial and error I believe so here we go....

First off, I got a recurve to shoot. I figured it would be more difficult to figure out how to actually build a bow if I didn't re-train myself on it and be in tune with the nuances and whatnot. I had a compound a few years back but this is different to say the least.

I'm sorta following the board bow build along posted by Bubby.

Two huge ash trees in from of my late grandmother's house on some property we have died and needed to be cut down so I grabbed some of the wood but none of it was cut to any decent length. In fact, I've got tons of different wood scattered out back but none of it is more than 48" or so...all cut to work with in my wood turning.

But, seeing as how I've got something to shoot and how psyched up my 2 daughters were about the whole business, I decided my first attempts would be aimed at them.

So, this is the ash milled with the chain saw and cut down with a band saw. Both pieces were supposed to be 40" but cracking on one end of the smaller one meant it had to be cut down. The grain is tight but not really aligned correctly for what I have seen. Eh, trial and error. And that knot in the top piece is going to be an issue. I need the practice working with the tools.







From here, I've got glue ups going overnight....chunks of mesquite for the handle. Now I'm going to go out and start hacking away, drawing out the tapers and whatnot.

AndrewH:
Got a little more done......heh, this is going to be a disaster but you gotta fail a few times in order to succeed...I keep telling myself that at least.






And playing with my new recurve...PSE Talon. cheap


 

AndrewH:
Lots of grinding down the handle with a file. So far, its just been basic woodworking. Now it gets into the actual bow making part.




That would be my 8 yr old daughter's hand.

richardzane:
Andrew,
next time you might just try split the wood for staves , don't mill it.... and see which works better.

AndrewH:
Ok, I'll do that. I'm sorta making it up as I go so any suggestions are welcome.

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