NEWBIE needs help!

[buckster]

:confused:    I have contacted Binghams and ordered my first bow, it will be a 58" one-piece recurve.   Buginga handle, red phenolic stipe, waterfall maple limbs.

I ordered the entire kit, but I am hoping that someone can give me some advise on buying the necessry tools I'll need???  BTW, I want to try to avoid buying the "CADILLAC" tools, so I'm open to Harbor Freigt or Grizzly type tool suggestions if they are recommended by ya'll!

I have a drill and a small orbital sander, but I'll need just about everything else to get myself ready.  Sander, rasps, files, etc.

Thanks in advance everyone!  I hope I don't screw this deal up.  

[milehi101]

You should of ordered the video and when you watch it you will see what you need.  They cover the  detail and process very well.  Follow their instructions and you will not have a problem

[jess stuart]

A Lot depends on how much work you are willing to do.  The first bow I built the only power tool I had was a sabre saw.  It took a whole bunch of blades to get everything sawed out.  On the next one I went to a local cabinet shop, they made the more difficult cuts for me, don't think they even charged me.  Did all the rough shaping with a rasp.  It is time consuming and requires allot of effort but it is doable.  The video is probably a great idea, unless you know an experienced someone to give you a helping hand.  That would be even more beneficial than the video. Most everyone loves to pass the sickness (I mean fun) along.  I know getting other started in building bows gave me a great deal of satisfaction.

[IdahoCurt]

Belt sander,files and a lot of patience.A bandsaw with a metal blade would speed some parts.
What tools will you use to build the form?

[buckster]

Thanks. There are suppose to be plans for building the forms & hotbox & I'm assuming they will cover what tools I need, but I dont know.

I was really hoping to "drill down" (punh intended) on choices & recommendations on major purchases... Stuff like sanders and the like.

[IdahoCurt]

Bandsaw,oscillating bench sander,belt sander,drill press,table saw,Chop saw,files and sandpaper.
That's all you need.To build forms,hot box and bows.

[Blue EagleBum]

I'm in the process of making my form and heat box for a Bingham 58" TD Recurve. One suggestion I would have is versus laminating 1/2" plywood together. Go to a local lumber yard and see if they have any Laminated Veneer Lumber (2" X 12") and however long you need it. My laminated plywood expedition ended it it bowing on me. The LVL is straight as an arrow. Also access to a drill press with a drum type sander attachment for your form would be great. I don't have one but a neighbor friend of mine does and he let me use it. Besides that, a bandsaw ( I have a Craftsman 12" ), and a belt sander, four way rasp, a chain saw file, or a dremel tool. And definitely as mentioned above, get the video. It is well worth it. Watched mine several time thus far, and will watch it again. Hope this helps and good luck.
Wes

[buckster]

Awesome, thanks again

[Mt. Clemens Bowyer]

As Blue Eaglebum mentioned, LVL would be a better way to go when building a bow form. One thing I would add though, is the use of a router with a 2" straight bit that has a cam roller on the bottom of it. They are available from the woodcraft stores.  What you do is to cut out the bow pattern that you want to use on a band saw, using 1/2" plywood. After you have both ends even, and smooth, mount this to your LVL, inboard about 1/2" or so from your drawn lines that was cut out on the LVL. Use 1" wood screws to hold it in place. If done carefully, you will have a surface that is cut 90 degrees from the side of the LVL.  ( Use caution when using a router, or any other power tool.) Be sure the LVL is mounted securely.     Also I purchased my 1/2" drive router from   "Harbor Freight" Stores at a decent price.   Good luck.      John

[kennym]

Here is a bit on the router method...

  http://kennyscustomarchery.com/Bow_forms.html  

Good luck and have fun!

I will also say, take a good flexible piece, like .050 glass or a steel yardstick and bend it around the curves in your template. This will show dips and flat spots.

When satisfied with the template , rout yourself a sweet form!! Much easier to sand a thin pc of plywood than a thick form!