Question for the bowyers here............

[Kevin L.]

I have a longbow that I dearly love and would like to have a copy built of it. The bowyer that made it is long since out of business, near as I can find out, so I wouldn't think there's any infringement issues.

Basically, what I'm wondering is, could you look at a bow and trace the profile, then make a clone of it? I realize most would prefer to sell "their" design, but could it be done and get the same feel as the original? In rodmaking, we can use a micrometer and get the taper, but I know just enough about making bows to be dangerous.

TIA

[ethan]

Kevin,  there probaly isn't much being done with bows that hasn't already been done atleast several dozen times.  You can trace a profile and make a form no problem.  The trick to getting the same "feel" I think will come in getting the tapers, fade-outs, dimensions, etc... the same.  That's the fun part about building bows.  Experimenting and seeing what you'll discover.  Good luck.

[Kevin L.]

I guess I should have been a bit more specific. I'm wondering if an accomplished bowyer could and would make the bow.

I realize it would be fun to try my hand at it, but this is rodmaking season for me. Then fishing season starts, then hunting season, ya get the picture.

I'm hesitant to start making bows, since I'll probably like it too much. I get little enough time to hunt and fish by myself, as it is.

[PrarrieDog]

Someone is probably already making that bow. Start searching and find out who that rascal is.
Prarrie Dog

[Kevin L.]

Thanks! Elk Ninja, got your PM, your box is full, so I'll reply later. I'd like to talk it over with ya.