Peter Fiduccia - Do-It-Yourself Projects for Bowhunters

Do-It-Yourself
Projects
for
Bowhunters

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my wife Beth for understanding the time commitment needed to build these projects, to write them up, and the time away from home, as many of these projects were built at our farm. As with my first book, 25 Projects for Outdoorsmen, she benefited from a few projects which are used in our present home. Ill love her forever.

To my sons Matthew and Michael, both successful and trouble-free children, who afforded me the time to spend away from the family. I am also grateful that they both have shown an interest in hunting, a sport that we can enjoy together and treasure for a lifetime. To my cousin Peter, for another chance and whose confidence allowed me to coauthor a second book. As with our first, we were able to share our passion of the outdoors while building these useful and practical projects to use at our family farm, deer cabin, and homes. To Jay for sponsoring the book to be shared by the youth involved in the world of archery.

Leo Somma, August 2012

To my wife Kate for her unwavering support in any undertaking I venture to do. Without her strength, love, and professional skills I would not be where I am today. And to my son Cody, who makes me more proud of his many achievements with each passing day. I love you both more than words can describe. And to Leo for all the skills and knowledge you brought to this bookwithout you it could never have been achieved.

Peter Fiduccia, August 2012

Copyright 2013 by Peter Fiduccia and Leo Somma

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

ISBN: 978-1-61608-816-3
Printed in the United States of America

NOTICE TO READERS

This book provides useful instructions, but we cannot anticipate all of your working conditions or the characteristics of your materials and tools. For safety, you should use good judgment, caution, and care when following procedures outlined in this book. Consider your own skill level and the instructions and safety precautions associated with the various tools and materials shown. Neither the publisher nor authors can assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY

I n all the projects in this book, especially the tree stands, the designs and methods have been reviewed for safety. We cannot overstate the importance of keeping safety uppermost in your mind when doing the actual work. Safety is the number one priority and should be treated as such. Use the safest construction methods when building any project. Below are what some might consider basic dos and donts, but even so they are worth mentioning. These are meant to be safety reminders, but remember that nothing mentioned below replaces good old common sense when it comes to safety.

The one crucial point to remember when using tools is that accidents happen without warning and most important, without much time to react. Your reflexes will not prevent an injury from happening, so stay alert!

Read the manufacturers instructions before using any tool, especially if it is your first time at it. Follow all the warnings and cautions. Never force a tool to do anything it was not designed to do.

When using power tools, always use the safety guards installed on your equipmentthey are there for your protection.

When working in your shop, consider the use of a dust vacuum system to reduce your exposure to airborne sawdust.

Take your time! Dont rush when undertaking any of the projects in this book. Be cautious, always wear ear, hands, foot, and eye protection. Follow procedures as described in this book and other referenced material and use good judgment.

When using electrical power tools and extension cords, make sure the plugs are intact and the wire is not frayed. Dont overload circuits, and always use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets or cords equipped with GFCI protection. Dont work in wet or damp locations with electrical tools.

When creating dust from sawing or sanding, wear a disposable face mask.

Always keep your hands away from blades, cutters, bits, and saw teeth.

When you are tired, take a break or quit for the day. Completing the project can always wait until tomorrow. Dont work when taking certain medications that might impair your motor skills or judgment.

Light up your work area, whether it is outside or indoors.

When help is needed, ask for it. Some of these projects need extra sets of hands.

To prevent getting caught in rotating equipment or tools, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. Keep long hair tied. Never wear loose clothing when using power tools.

Keep the blades and edges of your tools sharp. Avoid using dull tools, since injuries are more likely to occur, and you will also be less satisfied with your results.

Neither the authors nor Woods N Water Press assumes any responsibility for accidents, injuries, damages, or other possible losses incurred as a direct result of information provided in this book.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

TOOLS

This book takes you through the logistics of creating various archery projects for your lodge, camp, or home, made from wood, plastics, and various other materials. Most of the projects you will be able to build on your own; others will require help from your buddy. When you do need help, dont hesitate to ask for itpushing yourself and trying to do it all on your own is not safe. The tree stands are clearly projects that you will need help with. You will find each project in every chapter useful, practical, and in many cases fun as well.

It is important to keep in mind the old adage tools make the job easier when building any project in this book. Well, Im not sure that is an old adage, but it is certainly a true one! By using the right tools, you will save yourself time, money, and most of all aggravation. Using quality tools will also help to make each project you build one that you will be proud of. Before you spend a single cent on buying wood to build a project, save your money and make sure you purchase the right tools to do the jobs included in this book. Use old wood, scraps of wood, or wood lying around in the barn before using old and damaged tools. Remember some other things when it comes to tools: Use decent quality tools; use them for what they were intended for; take proper care and maintain them, and these tools will last you a lifetime. My problem is that I cant resist buying the new tools, since the manufacturers are always making improvements and creating more ergonomic tools. I wind up selling my older tools to the newcomers in the trade. Creating the projects in this book can require using a lot of tools, or just a few.