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Syringa character bow (updated)
Ryano:
Is this thing gona make it Keenan?
Keenan:
Yep Ryan, she's still holding together. Had to set it down for a little bit to figure out direction to go with finish and so forth. I've decide to go ahead and put some sturgeon skins on it. I am using the lighter underisdes that I had left over from another bow. I'll try to get this done and updated soon. Haven't done much since the last except to shoot it some and see if she's going to stay together. I am right handed and this is a lefty so I'm learning to shoot left handed.... Good thing I have a good backstop.. ;D I'm begining to agree with JJ ,,,this is one ugly bow,,,, :D Keenan
Keenan:
Sorry for the delays on this one. I seem to be very ADD and I got excited about a couple other projects that I just couldn't put down.
The sturgeon skins I'm going to use are the lower side and are light colored and almost transparent. So I'm going to use Gordons method of black dye on the wood to try to enhance the color of the skin. I chose sturgeon because it will add some protection as a backing and I've never used the lighter underside of the skin and want to experiment on this one.
I used the rit leather dye straight out of the bottle. Wiped it on with a piece of rag then let it dry a for a day. Keenan
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Keenan:
Next is finishing the tips befor the skins go on. I will give this one, deer horn tips to match the bone flake in the skins. I often use sheds that I find that are weathered or have been chewed on by the squirels. I like deer and elk horn because it is fairly lightweight and adds some protection and character to the tips. It can also be sanded and shaped to match the bow.
First I sand the tips at an angle to give a good platform for the horn. Then holding the horn behind the bow tip I try to match the flow of the back of the bow to mark the angle of the cut on the tip. I use a bandsaw to cut the horn but any saw will work. Just be carefull with powersaws as the horn is tough and can pull in towards the blade very fast.
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Keenan:
After cutting the tips I will sand the on the belt sander till I get a good match up and the right angle. I try for more of a line up with the back of the bow. Keeping in mind the excess on the belly side can sand off. Also you will notice that the bow platform is generally wider then the base of the tip unless you tip is already very narrow. This also will sand off after the tip is set.
If the angle dosen't match, just sand more on the toe or the heal of the tip. If the toe of the horn tip is to long you can also sand on the top side of the horn tip to shorten the toe.
You can see the progression of the angle change from the first pic to the last. Notive the flow of the back of the limb to the tip.
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