Here is the continue of my attempt (from page 22):
The stick was tillered, sanded and put in the fuming pipe for five days. I tried again to get a faded coloring and this time it went much better than in my recurve project (Nr. 70). I always let the stick damp out at least so long as it was in the pipe. In the meantime I worked on the handle. I didn't like the straight geometric lines of the handle and did several glued on pieces of leather for a mor sculpural look. But it all came out very bulky, so I decided for a extra thin salmon leather and some pieces leather laces to work out some finger grooves. The leather is more or less white, you can see the first layer of yellow color. Later more colors were applied to make it matching with the tips.The handle leather is soaked for 20 min and simple glued on. No stitching to remain as slim as possible. I use steel clamps from the bureau, these are wonderful tools – I use them often.
After the dampening out days the first finish layers are applied. Here are 4 on, another 4 will follow but will not change the look.
No F/D pic, this is reserved for the new owner. In this case I dunno want to shot in this bow, will also be reserved for Mr. X. So I will send out this bow as a virgin, I hope this is the right decision. We will see.
Here you can see the faded out coloring and the finished handle stain.
Some details from sleeves and handle. The arrow pass is black dyed stingray leather, the bone pearls are filed down a bit to get that look
This is how the leather looked like with the first groung yellow and finished with several stains:
Two matching loadstones are mounted at the connection cuts to achieve a gentle click when put together.
One part of the notes on the lower limb
Some pics from the sister stave limbs
And some details from the tips. If you watch closely, you can see three rings are the kinda natural grown overlay. This allows cutting through the back and making the tips very slim. The notches ae highlighted in dark red, the only color on the wood.
Now I hold the fingers crossed and really hope I've nailed what my recipient likes …...
So, this was the story. All I have to do is another 4 layers of finish.
I do a short notice when I send the baby out.
Specs:
58” ntn
45-50#/ 28” (not shot in, yet)
1¼” max width
510 grams mass wood + 190 grams sleeves, total 700 grams
