Inaugural “junior” bow trade

[Zugul]

try to measure the physical weight of the bow and see if you're still loosing moisture, this should be the only thing that could increase the draw weight

[Muskyman]

Not saying it’s impossible but  I checked moisture on it before I started working on it and after and it was pretty low. Can’t say for sure but I’m thinking about 7 percent. It’s stayed inside ever since in a climate controlled environment. 2-3 months   Only time it goes outside is if I work on it or shoot it. I have scraped on it some, not much but have sanded on it a bunch, even with a palm sander. I might try working on it a little more but I’m definitely going to tread carefully.

Quick update. After the question about MC I decided to take the bow out and check it. First I checked my 1&2 year old Osage and it checked in the 7 plus range. Then I checked the bow and couldn’t even get my meter to read. I think it has to be under 5 percent before it won’t read it, so I don’t know. Strung it up and pulled it about 10 or so times and checked the weight 54 plus lbs.

[Aaron1726]

Crazy question, but have you checked your scale?  Or checked another known bow against it?  Does the bow feel any different?  Does it feel like it's gained draw? 

I'm an engineer, going down the 5 whys and root cause analysis hole here....

[Muskyman]

Definitely crossed my mind Aaron. It has been acting funny lately after being dropped a few times. I’ve been thinking about getting a new one. Might be the time to buy one.

[Muskyman]

Checked my scale today with a 25 lb free weight. Weighed it on my kitchen scale at 25lb 10 oz
On my bow scale it weighs 25lb 5 oz so I don’t know what’s up at this point. Doesn’t seem to be the scale, at least it’s not to far off.
I’m going to try to reduce it a little bit one more time then call it good.
Let you know what happens.

[Muskyman]

Went back to work on my bow today. Pulled it some and checked the weight. 54 plus pounds. Pulled it to full draw and marked it with my gizmo. Sanded it with 80 grit for a bit, then sanded with 220 to smooth it out some. Pulled it about 30 times then checked the weight 52 plus. Marked it with the gizmo again and sanded more and even took my card scraper to it a little bit then more sanding. Pulled it about 20 times and checked the weight a fuzz over 50 lbs sanded it pretty good and shot it about 30 times took it back in the shop check the weight 51.5. Sanded it a little more with some 220 grit then sanded down to 2000 grit and checked it again and it was 50 lbs plus almost 51. Decided that’s gonna have to be good. I’ll give it a few days then check it again. I’m thinking this is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve had it close to 50 lbs. if it’s 52 or under when I check it it gonna get a handle wrap and tru-oil put on it.

[Muskyman]

Checked it today almost 53lbs.  Sanded a little. Now about 52lbs and staying there.

[Aaron1726]

Got to say I admire your willingness to keep at it on this one.  Sounds like it's been pretty stubborn. 

[Aaron1726]

I'm calling it done on mine.  Ready to ship.

Made up a couple arrows to go with the bow too.  Sourwood shoot shafts.  One blunt with a 2 fletch and the other with a field point and 3 fletch. 

The paining on the bow is inspired by a Choctaw bow.  Didn't want to cover too much of the back, I really like how the grain looks on this one.  Here's a few picks of the bow, arrows, and a full draw shot.

[superdav95]

Very sharp looking bow!   Well done. 

[stuckinthemud]

Love it

[Muskyman]

Great looking bow Aaron. Love everything about it. I’m in a bit of a hold on mine but, really only need a day to finish it. Two tops. It jumped up in weight again but I’m done with all that.

[paulc]

Managed to hurt my right hand doing sheetrock...who the heck hurts their hand mudding sheet rock? Hoping next weekend I can get back on the scraper w my bow.  Paul

[Aaron1726]

Thanks guys.  I'm excited to see what the recipient thinks of it.  This was a couple firsts for me.  It's my 9th bow, first one I've done that didn't get backed with something, and by far the longest draw length I've ever tackled.  It was challenging but a lot of fun.

Paul, hope the hand heals up soon.

[Muskyman]

I can relate Paul. Just got done retaping all the joints in my garages ceiling. Didn’t hurt myself but have had my share of injuries doing construction work. Get healed up and back at it.