First ET build 56"

Well guys here is the first of 3 guns I am building for this year. Plan is to have a decent reef gun with 2 stiff bands, 5/16 shaft with Tin mans handle. Its a 57" overall length blank with 2 vertical teak laminates and 2 vertical cumaru strips with one strip of cumaru on the bottom, laminated using west system epoxy, dimensions are 1.58" wide 1.680" height .The other strips pictured are for a identical gun to this and a 67" Jatoba blank. Any constructive criticism is welcome

After squaring the blank up I routed a 1/2"x1/2" channel to pour a epoxy track, I used blue tint since my west system 423 graphite has been taking FOREVER to come in so I will do a side by side comparison on a graphite track vs. non graphite with the next build. As usual what can go wrong will, so Mr. Murphy decided to show up while routing the track for the epoxy and the blank skipped off the table cutting a piece off the edge, which leaves me with a VERY VERY VERY annoying defect which may cause to paint this gun.

After letting it sit for a day I ran the blank through the planer to clean up the top, then ran a 1/4" bit followed by Neptonics 5/16" ball cutter.



Then routed the pocket for Neptonics tuna mech in and tested fit with a smaller 9/32 riffe shaft I had laying around.

Next to do:
Pin mech and route line release.
Order Tin mans handle and fit.
Band holes
Ballast (if needed)
Figure what Im doing with the finish.

Quote from Dan

Where's the defect, the blue dome next to the track?

Yes, it catches my eye every time I look at it, almost tossed the blank when it happened:blowup:
Once I finish the gun I may just paint the gun came blue or something

Quote from ddonnell

Where do you live? I have some 423 graphite you can pick up or I can send you some. It doesn't take much so I can send it in a padded envelope if you want..

Very generous of you, I should have the graphite by next week which gives me time to finish this gun, I am in south Florida, really appreciate the offer :thumbsup2:

Dan I considered that also, Ill have some drinks and sleep over that thought

Quote from cancunspearo

very nice build! why cumaru? i heard its a dense wood and will damage tools faster
dont know if its true

does it epoxies good with teak?
keep us posted!!

Bonded well with the teak, it does take its toll on tools and splinters. I used it to make the gun more rigid and offset the Buoyancy~`of the teak.

Got some work done since fishing has been slow, pinned mech in place, routed line release, shaped muzzle and radius ed the corners. Switched plans on handle and going with behslayers composite handle. This will end up being a true 110cm band stretch gun and OAL will be 55"

Work has slowed down, flooded with work, shitty weather and persistent cold/fever. Mortised the ulusub handle and line anchor

Had some time to finish the gun which was supposed to be killing fish today second coat of west system, first coat was blocked down, after the 3 coat ill wet sand and spray some polyurethane automotive clear.

pretty much done, just have to epoxy a butt on it. 57" wong 5/16 shaft, pursuit rubber and polished the trigger mech now to kill