What does it take to build recurves?

[bdgerfn20]

What kind of skill does it take to make a nice quality recurve? Can any average joe put a little bit of time researching how to build them? How did you guys get started? How much money goes into building them? and finally how long does it take most to make a nice recurve? I am absolutly amazed by some of the work that is done on here and i think it would be sweet to get into bow building later on in the future

[Pat B]

Check out Bingham Projects. They have all the info and materials you will need to make a quality bow. The rest is up to you. Once you get a few under your belt there are other sources here on TG that have the more exotic woods, etc to make a fancy bow.
  If it is a selfbow recurve you want to build, get a good stave and come ask questions and post pics of what you have and what you want.

[md126]

i second the binghams route. they are very helpful and have everything you need. money wise it's up to you as far as how much you want to invest. depending on what tools you already have you could build a bow pretty cheap w/ basic tools. the real investment is TIME. if you like bows but don't enjoy woodworking you'd be better off just buying a custom bow.

as far as building a nice recurve.. i think you'd be surprised at how well you could build a bow but at the same time realize how much talent the professional bowyers have. i've made 3 t/d longbows and a t/d recurve w/ the binghams plans and they shoot real well (took a deer w/ the t/d LB). they are pretty nice i suppose but definitely not on par w/ a professional custom craftsmanship wise. however i made them myself and wouldn't sell any of them. i gave one to a friend and he shoots it alot and said he wouldn't trade it for ANY bow. he shot my silvertip a few times and said it was a nice bow but he'd rather shoot the bow that i made for him..  that's pretty much what it's all about for me

good luck!!  

p.s.  the people on TG are very helpful if you need help along the way

[bjansen]

I agree.  Regarding glass bows, it is a matter of time and a little money....... but to me worth every minute and dollar.   The first bow you will make may cost quite a bit considering $150 or so in glue, glass, lams, etc...plus the form and heat box, tape gloves, acetone, etc.  Now, there are some ways to save money in each of these steps and if you scan some of the previous posts and build alongs you will come up with some great inventions and ideas.  If you just want a nice bow, the sponsors on here offer some masterpieces at some good prices.  But, I think if you enjoy woodworking and building "things" in general, you will like building bows yourself and after your first it will be hard to stop.  And in no time at all you will be able to build about any bow you saw on here so far.   Good luck

[jess stuart]

I would also second Binghams.  I began years ago before they offered instructional DVDS, only a instructional booklet.  It takes a bit of time and determination, the first one I cut out with a hacksaw.  Bandsaws and the like make it faster and easier, you can sometime borrow or pay a cabinet shop to make a few cuts for you.  You really don't have to have all the power tools to get started.  

I would warn you that you will build more than one.  I began building because I though customs were to expensive, you know build your own and save.  I didn't save any money but the journey and enjoyment have been priceless.  Not buying a custom was a good choice as it turned out in the longrun.  Hope that helps.

[Pat B]

If you go the Bingham route get their video and instruction(blue print) manual before you buy the materials. Get the techniques down as best you can and then get what you need to build the bow. The folks there are very helpful and have personally built every bow they offer. Also start with the "regular" materials and save the fancy stuff when you have more confidence.

[AALLFAB]

Yep they said it all here to get you started. Jim

[Robertfishes]

I did what Pat said, got the DVD,blue print and form kit. watched the DVD 20 times and read every build-a-long on the internet..I sold about 5 nice bows and started buying saws,sanders and misc tools...Here is a pic of one of my first builds, 58" binghams recurve design.  

[razorsharptokill]

I went the Binghams route too. They have a DVD that is easy to follow.

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

I started with the Binghams too.  And a lot of help from this web site got it done.  My first bow is still going strong.

If I can do it anyone can.  Figure about $350 or so for the first one excluding tools.

 I will also second what Jess said about building more than one.  It is addictive!  Once you do it you say, "well I have everything and now it is just the cost of the materials, and I know I can do a better job, and I would really like to try a footed riser so..."

your hooked.

pete

[Jason Kendall]

I was going to just build a couple when I got my first Binghams kit, my wife bought it for me as a birthday gift when I turned 25. I will be 40 in about 6 weeks and I just cant seem to stop!