A few experiments

[longbow steve]

I havent made a bow in close to a year and need to get back into the swing of things so thought I would freestyle a few things I have wanted to try and utilise the BEAR PAW glass that is available via John Macdonald (AMSO 128).
The bow was laid up as core and glass with a handle added later. This gave me the freedom to sculp a retro recurve style shape aswell as made it easier to layout the shape of the bow which can be a challenge on the curvy recurves and Deflex Reflex bows.

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[longbow steve]

The bow still requires finish sanding and oiling but that can be a lengthy process and I am impatient , I shot the bow today at the club to see what needed adjustment etc.

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[longbow steve]

I am pretty satisfied with the Bear Paw glass, The weight was as predicted, tiller even, the clarity is not as good as Gordons glass but is about a third of the price so i forgive it that .

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[longbowinfected]

I saw the bow and it looks pretty good.

Bearpaw seem to make pretty good products. The only one so far that could use improvement is their serving jig. The serving gets caught at the side. Whan that getsfixed it will be superb. The obvious effort and thought they seem to put into their work helps you to forgive the odd development problem.

Kev

[longbow steve]

From what i know Bear Paw dont make the glass, they just mark up the price and pass it on. The glass is from Sweden I believe and is used for some sort of edge banding application as it is available in 100meter rolls.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

That bow looks really good. Congratulations!

[Stickbow Hunter]

Looks like you have done a nice job on that bow as you usally do.

the clarity is not as good as Gordons glass but is about a third of the price so i forgive it that .

When you say that what do you mean exactly; not as clear, more white marks in the glass or what, thanks?

Jeff

[longbow steve]

Jeff, long streaks and a little more opaque. The streaks are hardly noticable on the pale section of veneer but shows up against the dark background.
Graeme K was using this glass and it looked ok and works especially well with light timbers like bamboo. I think it is a good alternative for the budget conscious or beginner and considering the variable quality of some of the Gordons Glass.

[Stickbow Hunter]

Thanks for that Steve; it sounds like it is a very good alternative to Bo-Tuff.

Jeff

[kimall]

NIce work mate..
Cheers KIM

[Mububban]

I emailed John from AMSO and he handballed me back to you Steve I've got zero experience with glass backing so hope you don't mind some questions. It appeals to me as I'm definitely budget conscious, AND a beginner

Do you use something like Techniglue to apply the glass to the bow?

Does it cut easily with a knife or do you need a specific glass cutter?

Does it add power or just protection to the bow?

How much does it cost per length?

I'm currently stuck with bamboof looring as my core material, so you think it should go well with these light bows?

Thanks

Kev

[Gringa Bows]

Looking good Steve,

[longbow steve]

I emailed John from AMSO and he handballed me back to you Steve I've got zero experience with glass backing so hope you don't mind some questions. It appeals to me as I'm definitely budget conscious, AND a beginner

Do you use something like Techniglue to apply the glass to the bow?

Does it cut easily with a knife or do you need a specific glass cutter?

Does it add power or just protection to the bow?

How much does it cost per length?

I'm currently stuck with bamboof looring as my core material, so you think it should go well with these light bows?

Thanks

Kev

Hi Kevin, Glass backing can work but like bamboo it tends to overpower the belly leading to Chrysalling. Considering the Boo Flooring doesnt appear to chrysall it may work. I have backed spotted gum with glass and it worked.
When you say the backing adds power I assume you mean it will add poundage? Yes it will.
The glass is 1.5" wide so I dont know that you will get 2 bows out of it but if you need to cut it tin snips work or once it is on the bow a TCT blade on a circular saw or a bi metal hacksaw.
I dont know what John's prices are officially but around $6 per meter and can be mailed in a coil.
Glue needs to be Techniglue or the like.
Steve

[Jeffro]

Looking good Steve,what poundage did it come out at?
how does she shoot?

[longbow steve]

Hi Jeff, I got the weight down to 57# so I didn't have to get new arrows . It seems very consistent, was shooting at a tennis ball at 25 meters and either hitting or touching it, I gave a club member a shot and he did the same so it wasn't new bow syndrome .

[Gringa Bows]

Steve ,do you expect to have any dramas in the future with the handle popping,have you done this style of bow before.?

[littlejohn]

Nice looking bow...Well done
pete

[longbow steve]

Hi Rod, I dont think it will, I have a power lam extending the normal handle size which is 18" and the handle is 14" with an extra strip of glass between the riser and the rest of the bow that is 16" long.
The new ACS one piece bows are constructed this way so to are many others not to mention the all wood bow makers constructing this way.

[Gringa Bows]

ok thanks Steve.

[longbow steve]

I was wondering when someone would notice my pet bunny.

[rickw]

G'day Steve,real nice job on the bow mate.steve,would you mind telling us what type of finish you use how well it holds up.I'm currently using white knight satin which looks good when new but marks easily.
Thanks Rick

[longbow steve]

Hi Rick, I have moved from Tru Oil to Minwax wipe on Poly satin. It is very abrasion resistant and easy to use however it does take alot to build the finish to an acceptable level. This bow here has not been finished yet. steve

[Guy Layton]

Hi Steve,

The bow is looking great mate...!

Will we be seeing it down at the Wisemans shoot mate..??

Cheers Guy..

[longbow steve]

Thanks Guy, I will bring it to Wiseman's yes . I am spending a week in the bush with it at the end of September and cant wait . Steve

[Guy Layton]

Will we be shooting it at the shoot or will you be sticking to old faithful...?

What species will you be hunting in September...?

Guy

[greybeard]

Hi Steve,

If the bow shoots as good as it looks you are on a winner.

Hi Rick, I have moved from Tru Oil to Minwax wipe on Poly satin. It is very abrasion resistant and easy to use however it does take alot to build the finish to an acceptable level. This bow here has not been finished yet. steve

With regards to the Minwax how many coats do you think need to be applied to get a good finish.

Daryl.

[longbow steve]

Will we be shooting it at the shoot or will you be sticking to old faithful...?

What species will you be hunting in September...?

Guy

Hi Guy, booking into a forest that we frequent,trout, pigs ,rabbit, fox, cat, apparently deer and dogs. The challenge is to eat what we catch and we will spend a day with the primitive bows too.
Old faithful is only 11 months old .

Hi Steve,

If the bow shoots as good as it looks you are on a winner.



With regards to the Minwax how many coats do you think need to be applied to get a good finish.

Daryl.

Hi Daryl, the Minwax takes as much work as Tru oil but is more durable. Cough 50 coats on Wenge.
Use a filler and it is better. It is also cheaper.
I dont know whether it would spray but it is thin enough.
This is the first Deflex Reflex that I have shortened the lower limb and the shot feels much better. Steve

[woodie]

Nice bow Steve, I did see your bunny we have 1 like take, I keep telling the kids he is going in the pot. I always get in trouble for saying that.
woodie

[Guy Layton]

Steve,

So the challenge is to eat what you catch....

Gee I hope you guys nail a dog, cat or fox..... I would love to hear how they taste...!!!

Cheers Guy

[longbow steve]

Hi Woodie, I am pretty sure Kev serves up Jessie's pets often . I couldn't do it.

Hi Guy, nothing a bit of Canton cant fix , I am sure we will be eating with long teeth if it is a dog or a cat .
Steve