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New bow in the works

HuumanCreed said:
Another question. Did your dad treat or process the wood in anyway? I watched a lot of bow making videos. One of the thing everyone mention is using good wood, but Big Jim actually talked about the process of drying the wood and aging it?

Just for example, can I just order a piece of walnut and start working on it or do I need to to something to it first?
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For a laminated bow or a board bow / selfbow?
 
HuumanCreed said:
hmm....both I guess. Always better to learn more then less. I see Clay Hayes try to fire harden his bow with some good and bad success. Other time he straighten a stave with heat.
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Comparing the the 2 different types of builds is apples and oranges. I would encourage spending a little time researching the different builds and deciding which you want to pursue first. Both are wizard of oz type rabbit holes. Different tools and processes for both and trying to discuss them both in one thread will likely get way to convoluted to follow clearly.
 
BTaylor said:
Comparing the the 2 different types of builds is apples and oranges. I would encourage spending a little time researching the different builds and deciding which you want to pursue first. Both are wizard of oz type rabbit holes. Different tools and processes for both and trying to discuss them both in one thread will likely get way to convoluted to follow clearly.
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hmm you make sense. Ok I'll focus on laminated since this is what the OP dad made. Good suggestion.
 
HuumanCreed said:
hmm you make sense. Ok I'll focus on laminated since this is what the OP dad made. Good suggestion.
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Bow Building Supplies

binghamprojects.com binghamprojects.com
This is a good place to start for supplies and instructions on a basic bow build. If you want other options for riser wood and laminations, I bought from The Rosewood Shop. Lots of selection and quality products.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Another question. Did your dad treat or process the wood in anyway? I watched a lot of bow making videos. One of the thing everyone mention is using good wood, but Big Jim actually talked about the process of drying the wood and aging it?

Just for example, can I just order a piece of walnut and start working on it or do I need to to something to it first?
Click to expand...

Nope, he orders the materials from the same two places @BTaylor mentioned, Bingham's and Rosewood. He really likes dealing with Rosewood and they have a larger wood selection but, he has been getting more consistent laminations from Bingham's lately so he ends up ordering from both places a lot. The Mosaic accent strips in my bow came from South Cox at Stalker stick bows. They make them in house for their bows but, I called and he agreed to sell me a set. They were pricey but I think look good.
 
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As long as your tapers and parallels are true the only consideration is moisture content, especially in the riser woods and a light sanding and wiping down of the laminations prior to gluing to get rid of oxidation and oils.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Another question. Did your dad treat or process the wood in anyway? I watched a lot of bow making videos. One of the thing everyone mention is using good wood, but Big Jim actually talked about the process of drying the wood and aging it?

Just for example, can I just order a piece of walnut and start working on it or do I need to to something to it first?
Click to expand...
Most online retailers like Big Jims, Rosewood, and Kennym only sell wood for bowbuilding that is ready to go. To be on the safe side it doesn't hurt to have a moisture meter to test the moisture in the wood before you use it. It's best to always used wood that has reached dryness for your area. Before I use wood from an unknown source I always test the moisture content to make sure its ready to go. Generally from my experience the wood that will give you problems with moisture is turning squares that have been completely waxed sealed. They tend to always have higher moisture content.
 
I wonder how Troy Breeding is doing.
I got veneers, lams and wedges from him.
Very good quality.
I got lots from Kenny as well.
 
GCTerpfan said:
Nope, he orders the materials from the same two places @BTaylor mentioned, Bingham's and Rosewood. He really likes dealing with Rosewood and they have a larger wood selection but, he has been getting more consistent laminations from Bingham's lately so he ends up ordering from both places a lot. The Mosaic accent strips in my bow came from South Cox at Stalker stick bows. They make them in house for their bows but, I called and he agreed to sell me a set. They were pricey but I think look good.
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Ok total beginner question. Structural, is a solid piece riser just as strong as different blocks epoxy together? Say for someone first attempt. Can l simply use one wood block. And if so, what is a good beginner wood? Hickory, osage, walnut?
 
HuumanCreed said:
Ok total beginner question. Structural, is a solid piece riser just as strong as different blocks epoxy together? Say for someone first attempt. Can l simply use one wood block. And if so, what is a good beginner wood? Hickory, osage, walnut?
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for the solid riser blocks listed on the bingham site, I wold recommend either bubinga or shedua. Both are easy pretty easy woods to work with. The hard maple would work too but I personally prefer a little darker woods. Early on I would encourage staying away from woods like bacote or cocobolo because they are really oily and can be more of a pain to sand and finish.
 
BTaylor said:
for the solid riser blocks listed on the bingham site, I wold recommend either bubinga or shedua. Both are easy pretty easy woods to work with. The hard maple would work too but I personally prefer a little darker woods. Early on I would encourage staying away from woods like bacote or cocobolo because they are really oily and can be more of a pain to sand and finish.
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Also I want to add one additional thing here to what BTaylor said. When working with these woods make sure you are wearing a respirator. Some of these woods like Cocobolo and Bocote can cause some pretty severe reactions for some people. I know of several bowyers who won't touch Cocobolo because of having bad reactions to it.
 
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