Hello Everyone!
Another lurker who has finally decided to introduce myself! I wasn't really sure where to do that before.
I actually posted a thread in the "Bows" forum awhile back about a red oak board build I was working on, which exploded shortly after posting. It broke exactly where everyone said it would and I felt pretty embarrassed about it. I haven't really posted since, but I'm addicted to the Bows forum and to the fine examples of art and skill you post daily and spend a lot of time examining them. Since breaking my, I recovered, bought the Traditional Bowyer's Bible Volumes 1-2 and have created two functional bows since. Both of them from boards - a red oak, and one from a piece of black locust I found in my Grandfather's barn attic.
They are far from perfect, but they shoot well, and I learned a lot about choosing wood and proper tillering. I've also learned to be more patient and to have thicker skin when taking advice. A bow is or isn't going to break regardless of how it is brought to your attention, and the point is to learn from the flaw.
Thank you all for sharing your builds and opinions. I'm sure there are a lot of lurkers like me who are learning volumes about making their own gear by simply being here!
The BOM eye-candy alone is well worth the price of admission!
Thanks!
