Buck,
Good buildalong and nice bows!      

Then cut it out

Now to cut in the shelf, word of caution make sure you mark the top or bottom limb, I have cut the shelf on the wrong side already, you either have a lefty or you have to go back and retiller it to switch the limbs from top to bottom. I measure 2" up from center for my shelf, Then I go 3/8"deep and taper up 3" for the sight window.

After the shelf is cut out I will measure down 1/4" and draw a line across the handle and then draw a radius on it. Then I will mark the handle. and cut it out.

Now for the fun part shaping the handle. Everybody has there own way and shape they like. My dad does a lot of bird carvings and two dremel like tools that run on a cable. one is set up for taking the bulk of the wood off and have the other set up with a sanding drum. It takes me a bout 15 min to cut the radius on the shelf and to shape the handle.

Time to shape the nock. first I brace it at 6 1/2" and then draw a pencil line along the string on each side. That gives me my marks to file for my string grooves then. After I file them in I will lay out my tips to the shape I want. Always experimenting with tip shapes.

All thats left is a final sanding and to dress her up with a little stain and leather grip. That will be this weekends project along with finishing up two more bows. Here is a full draw pic and a braced pic. Shot about 20 arrows out of it and it shoots really sweet.

What tool do you use to shape the nocks?  I am getting ready to put some overlays on an osage bow, and never shaped nocks.  Just use a rasp and file and then sand?

I use a dremel with a 60grit sanding drum.

Very nice guys. Thanks for shareing. Dean

That's a beauty!
What will you use for a finish? Satin...
Poly?