Second Tn Classic, Second self bow attempt SUCCESS

[gothmog]

Last year I attended my firts Tn Classic, and tried to make my first bow.  That poor little piece of hickory didn't know what hit it.  Came in WAY under weight, and still had hinges and stiff spots.  I was determined to learn how to make bows, however, and bought and read all 4 volumes of The Traditional Bowyers Bible.  At this years Classic, I felt I was prepared to listen to the Twin Oaks guys suggestions and LEARN this art from their lessons.  I got a piece of Osage Orange and got to work.  With the guidance of a few very helpfull Twin Oaks members, I shaped and tillered.  I learned 2 different methods of making a Flemish Twist string, and made 1 for this bow.  I got the snake skins on there, and finished it all here at home with 10 coats of tru oil.  Ended up with a weapon I cannot wait to take my first traditional harvest with this year.  Bow came in at exactly my target weight of 60# @ 28".  70" tip to tip, 68" NTN.  Western Diamondback skins, beaver silencers, shelf is of built up leather.  Handle is a scrap of leather I had laying around, and the overlays are elk antler.  I love the snake-y-ness of the wood with the skins, and the knot hole in the upper limb was fun to work with.  Makes a great "peep Sight", huh?

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[gothmog]

few more

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[gothmog]

few more

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[gothmog]

Sorry so many pics, just excited about this.  Shoots sweet, very little handshock, and very fast.  When unstrung it holds a little reflex.

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[Josh]

Dang Josh that turned out nice.  I really like the looks of those Diamondbacks.  

[gothmog]

Thanks Josh.  That was quick, I JUST finished posting.  Was hoping to hear from you.  I love it, and thanks for the lesson!  I have a string jig very similar to yours now, too.

[Josh]

Hey, you are welcome "Josh O"     glad I could help, and glad to see you are making your own strings now.  It is sooooo much cheaper/more rewarding/convienient than buying them isn't it?   

[George Tsoukalas]

Well done! Congratulations! Jawge

[sailordad]

dang boy,thats your second bow   
you definatly learned since that first piece of hick
very nicely done
congrats,now on to #3   

[Hillbilly]

Good job! That one turned out to be a mighty fine-looking weapon. Good work on the details, too. Looks like a good hunting companion to me.

[HatchA]

Beautiful looking bow!  Both braced and unbraced.  Is that seriously your first attempt since last year's Classic Hickory Massacre?

[gothmog]

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement boys.  Yep, seriously my very next attempt.  Just was ready to listen and learn after reading the bibles, and did not rush this time.  Learned to take my time on that first one.  The first trip I REALLY wanted to shoot the courses, and rushed.  This year I didn't even see the courses.  The only shots I took all week were to test this, about 9-12 shots total into a practice block after final tillering.  JoshA, after handling your copperhead bow, I was just hoping it would come out a fraction as nice.

[Diligence]

THAT my friend is spectacular!  Well done and I really like the effort you put into finishing it!

J

[El Destructo]

Well Josh...this Years Classic was good for You....that Bow looks great....wish My Second looked that Well......

[mullet]

 That is a very nice looking bow. It's amazing how much of the learning curve can be whittled away at the Classic. There is so much experiance and advice from the Twin Oaks crew.