Can you guys help... first glass bow

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Hey guys-
   I want to start a glass bow. I have been attempting to make one on my own but think that I am going to do a build a long so that I can get your input before I screw anything else up.

   I have made my form and hot box so far. My material is in and I screwed up two riser blocks so far trying to add an accent through the handle. Instead of attempting another riser with an accent through the handle I will attempt a solid riser instead. I am ordering another riser from Kenny and then going to start posting pictures. I would like a 64 inch R/D design that I got from Kenny earlier in the year.
 
   If you guys will help me along the way it will be greatly appreciated. I will get some pictures up of my material and get your opinions on what I am doing and what needs to be done next. I hope to have the bow blank all glued up by next week but we shall see how I do.

Thanks guys... Hope you all can lead me down the right path!!

Respectfully,
Justin

[Millhimes]

Justin,look up the "marty 300 build along" by pennsyltucky pete.Great step by step for a recurve.It will help you with the steps,and i am sure everyone else will also-Joe

[Roy from Pa]

This one is out of my league, Justin. But I'll be watching the build, best of luck.

[scottm]

You came to the rite place Justin.Dont fee like the lone ranger on the riser mishap.I can show you a couple in my scrap box that did not go as planned(as well as many other projects that flopped) and im sure the'll be more in the future.But once one works out its worth it.Scott

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

I will do a search for that build right now Joe... thanks scott for the vote of confidence. Its really frustrating to start a whole new chapter in building. I have had a couple successful BBO builds but now want to try a few new projects.

[Al Dean]

I would say one thing is Go slow, Go slow, Go slow.

[jess stuart]

Al Dean, gave great advice make haste very slowly. Think things through in advance.  Seems almost all of my screw ups were made when I tried to hurry or take a shortcut.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

I have learned to go slow... It's just hard to not make less mistakes without a teacher...that's where you all come in lol.

[Crooked Stic]

Your accents straight or curved? Straight are much easier. If you are going with a one piece they are not as needed as a takedown as long as you use a strong wood.
Before you mix any glue be sure to do a dry run to make sure things fit up good. Use some washers on the sides of your form to keep the lams from slipping around. Keep the first one simple and you will be fine.
This pic shows how I keep my lams from moving. Big washers will work as well.
   

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Nice form... I have a few washers that alternate sides but after tryin a dry run I will add a few more.

[rockkiller]

I'm just finishing my first glass longbow,so Im  no help on the right way to do things.But I'm a expert on screw ups.I even invented new ways to screw up   :bigsmyl:The one thing I can say is like Al said,go slow,then go slower.And these guys are the best at getting you on the right track.

[Robertfishes]

I have 2 forms with washers and one with these wood sliders..I think the sliders are better than the washers..  

[JJB]

You'll get plenty of help here Justin.  As was mentioned before take things slow and enjoy the process.  It' very fun and rewarding to shoot one of your own making.
-Jay

[Robertfishes]

I copied this "swing jig" 3 years ago. I use it when I want to cut an arc in a riser.. A trick kennym shared was to drill holes thru the pieces and use tooth picks to hold pieces together for glue up..I used tooth picks once and broke most of them fumbling arround...I now use bamboo skewers (shish ka bob type) from the grocery store, they are thicker and stronger than tooth picks      

[Bodork]

One of the best things I did when I started building bows was make a clamp as shown in this picture. It's just 2 pieces of 1" strap with holes drilled, 2 long bolts and 2 wing nuts. After you have your lams glued up and the riser in place clamp the pieces together. This will hold all those pieces in place while you do the belly lams. Believe me, nothing wants to stay put with epoxy all over it. Just make sure that the wingnuts don't hit your air hose. Good luck, Mike


   

[Echatham]

I'm watching Justin, and can't wait to see how it goes. I am going to attempt my first glass bow this year too. make sure you show us your tools, I like to see what people use for what... so i know what i need to buy, and what i can get by without.... you have seen every tool i have in my BBI build haha... actually thats not true... i have cabinet scrapers now.... don't have to use my deer skinnin knife anymore.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Ok Echatham... once my new riser block arrives I will start in on the build. I will post as many pictures as I can along the way and ask all the questions I can for the glass guru's here.

Check back hopefully around next week for the first posts.