laser cut bowform templates?

[Johan van Niekerk]

Did any of you make laser cut templates to create your bowforms? I'm planning a new bowform and want to make a laser cut template. I just have no idea what the PC version of such a template should look like. Do I simply make a page the size of the template I want and then draw on it? Any examples would be much appreciated.
My plan is to make a 60" reflex-deflex that is VERY close to being a recurve.

[Mad Max]

if you can draw it on a PC  they can cut it

KennyM has plans on this forum page 2 down about 6 or 8
it said long bow but it is D/R

[beachbowhunter]

You need to draw it to scale in an illustration program (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or similar vector based). If you save it to PDF most shops can work with it.   I use Illustrator.

I have Kenny's plans  but they are PDFs of a scan and wouldn't work for laser cutting.

[Kauz]

Hello,
I had a limb template laser cut from stainless steel, cost me about 60 Euros.
Used CorelDraw to design it at actual size, the "Cutter" could even use the cdr-format.
For a one-of-a-kind thing the question is if it pays. Another option were to have the form itself cut with a cnc-router (I had this done once for about 130 Euros), you'd get a true, right-angle form and won't have any further work to do save gluing mica or glass to the surface and varnishing. On mine, I had even holes for dowels (for rubber bands) and  clamps drilled.
Just a suggestion
Markus

[Gundog68]

I uses  laser  cut templates a lot. This is because such a company is near by. I draw the templates with a CAD System. I have access to several in my company but you can use software like draftsight. It is free.
   Draftsight  
Illustrator or Corel would work to. I always create a DXF-File (for AutoCAD 12). This works out fine on all laser-cutting machines.

[canopyboy]

I agree with .dxf files from any CAD package. CAD packages are also often better for drawing good splines so that you know your curve(s) are fair before you have it cut.

I haven't tried laser, but have access to a waterjet machine where I cut a half template out of aluminum, and then use that with the router to create a good, square form.