Time to cut out the sight window. I used the white tape again so that the layout lines were easy to see. The last longbow I built I cut the window 1/8" before center. This time, and using the strong laminated riser, I decided to cut the window to center.

 

Over to the band saw and the sight window and riser are ready for sanding. I might add that my 3/8" band saw blade is screaming at me by now after the limb, antler, and riser cuts. I figure 1 blade per bow.

I can't get 12" out of a bandsaw blade!  What kind of blades are you using?

Looking good!! Cant  wait to see the results!

Window cut looks a little deep, maybe just the angle of the picture.  What did you cut it to?

Looking good, keep it coming.

Tim

OK, tonight I add a little elk antler to the front of the riser. Get the grip shaped up and sanded down and ready to finish. I had a picture while shaping the riser on my Shopsmith but it didn't turn out well enough to copy here. The Shopsmith allows me to mount my drum sanders horizontal which is nice for shaping the riser.

Apex, it was a 3/8" Peerless blade with 7 teeth/inch. I had a whole bunch of these from years past. This was the last one. When you say 12" do you mean you only get into the limb for 12 inches or so and it's toast??

Tim, it's cut to center. With the laminated riser and extra phenolic I put in it I think it will be fine. I'm not interested in shooting any IBO sanctioned rounds with it.

 

After all the sanding is done we're ready for the finish. Here's my makeshift spray booth. I'm using Helmsman Gloss Spray Urethane. I applied 2 coats and let it sit for 3 days. Used 125 grit paper, sanded it down, and sprayed a 3rd coat. Let it sit 2 days, used 0000 steel wool and applied a coat of satin wipe on poly. Let that dry, used the steel wool again and put on a final coat of satin finish.

Looks Great! One of the nicest/cleanest shops I have seen maybe one day I'll build me a shop like that  

Now getting to the end. A strike plate, rest, a little leather, and a little lace.

Finished!!!

I have several pictures I wanted to show but I'm having trouble uploading them to Photobucket. Oh well.. Here's two.

 

And a close up of the riser.



Time to do some huntin!!!

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Man, this was one cool thread. Thanks for sharing!  

Great job...  

WELL DONE !!      

Sweet lookin bow!

Awesome...thanks for bringing us along.    

Awesome! That's one stunning bow! Well done! Thanks for sharing!    

Thanks for the nice comments. I was hoping to show the first time or novice builder a basic sequence they could use to give it a try. It can be a bit dusty (need good dust collection process)and frustrating in the beginning, especially building a good form. The bow form should probably be a thread of it's own, but very rewarding at the same time.

I'm goin to do some 3D with it this morning (can't hunt in Maryland on Sunday) to see how it's going to perform. I want to build some confidence so I can hunt with it later this week.

That's a bow anyone would be proud to own! A job well done! How's she shoot?

thats incredible great job!

very nice