How do you decide

[Eastern fisher]

When ordering labs from places like 3 Rivers etc how do you decide what thickness is best.  Am I to assume that with the different thicknesses there are or will be different pull strenghts??  I want to build a 45-50 lbs  recurve. Anyidea as to what thickness I would use to get the 45-50lbs pull??????? I noticed they sold anything from .060 to .090.  HELP.  I am confused and more than normal this time!!

[kodiakkid]

Labs are good for duck hunting and also make great pets. Lams would be better suited for bow building.  

[Eastern fisher]

oh you are funny

[Pat B]

All of that is figured out in the engineering of the bow design. Talk to someone at Bingham and tell them what you want to build and use their suggestions. They have been making lam bows for many years and have alkl of that figured out for you.
  You could also ask one of the lam grinders here on TradGang.

[Dick in Seattle]

If you're ordering the lams listen to the specialist you're ordering from.  Binghams and Kenny M have the experience and will steer you straight.  Making them is where the real thrill of bow making is, though.  At least for me.  

Lams are endlessly fascinating... my favorite part of a bow project is planning them and making them.  I wish I could say that the end result is always another favorite part, but sometimes you miss!   Any change in the bow design changes all the calculations.  Each type of bow requires a different layup.

The most important thing is to keep a log book.  Record everything about every bow you build.  After a couple are behind you, you start to get a feel for it.  Concentrating on one style of bow is a huge help, too.   If you change styles, you have to essentially start over.  

I build only traditional longbows and I have posted all of my bow layups (and mistakes!) so anyone who is interested in that type of bow can refer to them.  Essentially, my logbook is on-line.    (  dickwightman.com   click "Archery Activities  "....  then "Gallery" )  Several guys have found at least a starting point there, but again, only for that type of bow.

Good luck!