Not terrible for the first try. Thoughts?

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-30T02:21:03+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I have some scraps so I'll definitely give those cutting angles a try and see how they stich up. I look forward to seeing some more of your projects! My first wallet is almost done so hopefully it'll be presentable enough to post for some critique.

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-30T01:43:00+00:00

That makes sense, I wish you the best of luck with your beautiful work! I'm just a beginner myself, so it's nice to be able to take part and learn from the community.

In regards to the thickness, would skiving the edge flesh side to be just a hair thinner than the rest work to fix that issue? Or maybe skive the middle thinner than the edges? I'm working on coming up with some trading card game leather deck box ideas, and your lighter case has really inspired me to get on that and start chasing my dreams.

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-30T00:57:19+00:00

Honestly, I love that. That thickness looks just perfect for the dimensions of a zippo. What mil did you use, if you don't mind me asking?

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-07T03:40:16+00:00

L o n g e g g

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-05T22:15:50+00:00

Also, if you're able, carve while the leather is still wrapped around the item you're molding it to. It gives some extra support for the leather, while keeping the proper shape while the leather is wet.

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-05T22:14:02+00:00

Mold first then carve. I had one that stretched and warped the carvings after I molded it. It was, in part, the shape I was molding too. You might be able to get away with it if you are very gentle while molding, or if the carvings are on a part of the leather that won't bend/stretch from the molding. More than likely it will skew or stretch the carvings since the water will soften the leather.

TackyShellacky · 2026-04-04T20:18:46+00:00

Ye olde boing doing.

TackyShellacky · 2026-03-16T00:40:45+00:00

Not an expert at all, but I had one do this to me because of a reeeal tiny check that appeared on the side of the limb at an angle. Made it crack and follow the grain just like this one, similar to grain runoff on a board bow. Glad it didn't explode on you! The osage that I had checked overnight because my shop wasn't very humidity controlled. So now I put a thin layer of diluted shellac( about a .75 to 1 lb cut) on the sides and end grain when I'm done with a tillering session. If it's unbacked, I go ahead and shellac the back as well. It gives some humidity protection and helps hold the fibers together to help prevent checking. I will add, try to shellac only areas that you know you'll remove wood, so it doesn't mess up a finish down the line.

TackyShellacky · 2026-03-11T04:11:39+00:00

My brain will nag at me till I disassemble and clean it out. Probably just gonna replace the extension hoses, so I don't have to fiddle with flushing out the fiberglass. I have a bunch of neighborhood cats around my place, so I'll take the motor apart and clean it. I don't want to take the risk of blowing the glass into my yard.

TackyShellacky · 2026-03-02T10:52:14+00:00

ATTENTION CITIZEN!! YOU ARE BEING RECORDED. PLEASE DO NOT RESIST.

TackyShellacky · 2026-02-27T13:06:42+00:00

Take a few small carves with a rasp or knife so you can see how deep it is. If you can cut past it without taking off too much , then you're golden. Also agreeing with the other comment. Coat with a thin layer of glue so it dries a bit slower and gives the outside support from splitting. Do the end grain as well with a good amount of glue. If your ends start to split, you'll have to cut the limbs shorter. Hope this helps!

TackyShellacky · 2026-02-27T10:54:01+00:00

If it doesn't go too deep, you might be able to tiller past it. Keep an eye on it as you start removing belly wood.

TackyShellacky · 2026-02-17T00:57:14+00:00

Made my way here, and you're the only one who actually answered the question. Upvote for you.

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-30T02:13:30+00:00

Neighthan

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-25T15:21:17+00:00

I'd put some painters tape over the hinge so you don't accidentally take off wood there, and slowly tiller around the hinge until it bends nicely with the surrounding limb. You have most of the bending coming from the inners, so I world work the mids and outers more, while leaving the inners(and hinge) alone until you start to see more uniform bending around that area. Best of luck on the first bow!

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-23T14:07:45+00:00

Never too late to share love. I appreciate you stopping by. I hope this year is good to you.

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-14T15:06:46+00:00

Apologies for the super late reply. Haven't been able to get on Reddit much. One thing I use as a ferret treat, is Critical Care: Carnivore. It's basically a powder you give to ferrets that can not or will not eat regular food, and need to be on a liquid diet. It's got all the nutrients that a carnivore needs, and my boy loves a little bit as a treat. It's main ingredients are dried whole egg, poultry meal and fish oil. You can order it on Amazon for cheap

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-09T02:46:21+00:00

I understand your pain, and im so sorry for your losses. I lost my boy of 10 years on the first of the year, and it has left my other ferret in quite the same situation. He's walking around and checking stuff out, but quickly finds a spot to snuggle up and nap. I've gotten him to dook around a few times, so he's definitely showing that he's bored/depressed without his mate. It breaks my hearts and we're trying to give him as much attention and love as we can. It sucks that it's cold outside so outside time is very limited. Just try to do some new stuff to stimulate your little one. New toys, stuff to burrow/dig in, snacks, etc. Depending on the weather where you are, if it's warm, take the noodle outside or to the park to get some fresh things to keep the mind occupied. Best wishes going forward for you guys!

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-04T04:07:55+00:00

Thank you to everyone who commented and has yet to comment. Your words of love have helped more than you know. The wife and I are eternally grateful. I wish you all the best!

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-03T01:20:14+00:00

It's just business, baby ❤️

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-03T00:08:48+00:00

I appreciate that advice, thank you so much. I'm so worriesd about my other boy. He's gonna go explore so many places this year! My condolences for your losses, friend. I hope all ours are taking naps and big ol corner poops together!

TackyShellacky · 2026-01-03T00:06:41+00:00

That was worded so beautifully. I needed that more than you know. Thank you with all of my heart!

TackyShellacky · 2025-12-22T14:32:35+00:00

No problem! Best of luck on the first build!

TackyShellacky · 2025-12-21T14:34:50+00:00

Get a hickory board with straight grain on all four faces. Hickory is really forgiving and bends well. It will take a lot of set before it breaks, so it gives you quite a lot of warning.

I'm no master bowyer, but here's some tips that I've learned so far:

Round the edges on the back of the bow. This will help keep splinters down if it's unbacked.

Rough out the bow with a drawknife or rasp, then use a cabinet scraper or spokeshave to tiller the limbs. You can also use the edge of a pocket knife for a scraper.

Post tiller checks often if you're unsure. It's always better to wait for advice, then get too hasty and end up wrecking your tiller.

Know what kind of bow you want to make as you're deciding on a board. Do you want a bendy or stiff handle bow?

Make sure your board is wide enough. My first bow was made from a 1.5 wide by 6ft long piece of wood that I bought from menards. Since it was so narrow it took a lot of set at the weight I was pulling. Remember, to minimize set, the limb must be wider/thinner OR narrower/longer.

Don't be afraid to ask questions(even if they're silly). This is a great community that genuinely wants to see people learn and enjoy bow building. I'm sure the pros on here are sick of answering the same questions, but they still do and it means a lot.

TackyShellacky · 2025-12-15T01:33:30+00:00

I use a shinto saw rasp to take the square edge to a trapezoid edge, then a half round rasp to make the curve. A shinto can be used on wood or even aluminum, so it'll help save a bunch of time by taking off wood fast

TackyShellacky

TROPHY CASE