how to get started doing laminates?

[briarjumper12]

Wise Folks,
I have done a few successful selfbows now and although intend to keep making them I am looking for a new challenge.
I have looked at the Binghams kit and it looks interesting but I am really wanting to some bows of the scythian design.  My questions are this...

What list of essential tools do I need for doing laminate bows?  I would like to be able to do everything in house.
How large of investment is it?
How difficult is the Scythian design over a regular recurve?  I want to build short, fast bows.
I know a got a lot to learn on this endeavor but that is most of the fun.  Thanks Folks, John

[Dick in Seattle]

I started up a couple years back.    As far as tools go, you can go high end or low end and make out well either way.   I documented how I work, plus how I made my forms, oven, etc.   I try to do everything.  I hunt out my own wood and make my lams and risers.    Check out "Archery Activities" at  www.dickwightman.com

[briarjumper12]

Wow!  Dick, that is some detailed stuff you put up there.  I thank you very much  for the link and will study it thoroughly as time allows.  I may try to contact you some time to pick your brain.  I know it will take me a while to get started but it is something I've set my mind on doing.  I am in the research stage right now.
I have a drill press and borrowed and table saw right now.  Hope to add a good table saw, drum and belt sanders to the workshop by next spring.  I have a hot box but I am getting about 100 degrees out of it...need to reduce its volume I think.  Again thanks.

[IdahoCurt]

One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.

[briarjumper12]

Originally posted by IdahoCurt:
One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.

I have been thinking about that.  Those things are expensive though but better than having hickory lung I guess LOL.

[IdahoCurt]

Originally posted by briarjumper12:
 

Originally posted by IdahoCurt:
One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.

I have been thinking about that.  Those things are expensive though but better than having hickory lung I guess LOL. [/b]

I wound up getting a dust collector(jet dust dog), jet air filter(hangs off ceiling) and I wear a respirator while doing any sanding or finishing.Some may think it's overkill but better to be safe than sorry with this hobby.

[White Oak]

Watch Craig's List for your dust collecter. They come up in my area quite often. You have to be selective about what you buy. Make sure you get a 5 micron bag max. 1 micron would be better yet. These bags are kind of pricie if you buy them as replacements.Mine came with a 30 micron which was only good for cathing chips. The 5 micron cost me around $50.Got a good enough price on the unit to still make it a good deal.
Ed

[JamesV]

I hook a shop vac to my equipment, not perfect but helps a lot and is cheap

[briarjumper12]

Originally posted by JamesV:
I hook a shop vac to my equipment, not perfect but helps a lot and is cheap

I do have a shop vac...something to think about.