First timer questions

[Greg Owen]

I have looked around and not found answers to a few questions.  I want to build a bow and am gathering information at this time.  I have seen some plans.  I downloaded plans for a 52" one piece recurve.  I don't remember where I downloaded it. Anyway, it is in metric measurements.  The limb width at the riser is 3.2cm (1.25"). This seems too narrow for a recurve?  Also, if making a takedown, are the limbs identical (requiring only one form) for a longbow? What about a recurve?  It seems it would be easier to make and store a takedown form if so. I will keep looking for answers but thought I'd ask too. Thanks for any replies and info.

[KenH]

A limb width of 1.25" at the riser is not "too narrow" for a recurve.  Width depends on a number of factors.  A wider limb gives the bowyer a better shot at getting a nicely aligned bow when finished.  I build 48" Scythian-style extreme recurve/reflex/deflex bows that are about that wide when finished.

I don't build bolt-together bows (I'm a traditionalist) but from what I've seen both limbs are identical, but may be mounted such that the overall finished bow is slightly asymmetric (upper limb longer).

[cunruhshoot]

Greg - a great place to start your bow building adventure is with Binghamprojects.com - you can purchase all that is needed for longbow or recurve building needs. I have built their hybrid longbow and their three piece take-down longbow and love them both.

With their package you get the plans and material along with a nice dvd build along.

Good luck and enjoy.

To answer the question regarding the take-down longbow limb - the answer is yes you build both limbs with the same form so the limbs are the same. So it does save space as it relates to the form if that is important for you. However the hot box (bow oven) is what takes up some space if you build a full size oven.

[Greg Owen]

Thanks for the replies guys. They are much appreciated.  One more question: If the bow I build has 1.25" limbs at the riser, how wide should the form be? Should it be 1.25" or something slightly wider, say 1.5"? Thanks again for the help.

[Robertfishes]

For an adult recurve bow 1.25" wide at the fades sounds too narrow to me..unless your building a light weight short draw bow. What draw weight and draw length are you shooting for?  Standard widths for fiberglass and wood tapers are 1.50", 1.75" and 2.00" wide.

[Greg Owen]

45# @ 28" is what I want. I draw 28".  I thought it seemed narrow but that is what the plans called for. Thanks for the response

[KenH]

The form should be the same width as the limbs.

Option 2:  Your Glass and laminations are going to come 1.5" wide.  Build the bow 1.5" wide, then reduce it to 1.25" with a sander as the first step of the finishing process.

You do not NEED a 'bow oven'.  As long as the place where you're gluing up stays above 75F for 12 hours while the glue dries thoroughly.

[jess stuart]

I would that 1.25" is a bit narrow for most recurve designs.  The extra width will allow more margin for limb alignment and a little more stability.

[Greg Owen]

Thanks for all the help and info guys. I appreciate it greatly.

[Robertfishes]

Greg, a lot of us started our bow building hobbies with the plans from Binghams Projects. Their 58" or 60" Recurve 1.75" wide is a nice shooting bow that is not to hard to build..

[Mark Smeltzer]

For take down bows I prefer the two piece carbon fiber and fiberglass sleeve. I don't like the looks of the bolt on limbs as well.
Just my opinion.

Mark

[Pago]

Greg,

Did you by chance download plans from swissbow?

I have built two from their plans and can offer some assistance. You will want to build it 1.5" wide, I have used stabil-kore in both of mine with no stability issues. I can also give you a close estimate on stack.

[Greg Owen]

Thanks Pago. I believe that is where I got the plans.  I like the looks of his mountain camo finish. I just might have to ask some questions as I go along. It will be a slow process. I am one that researches way too much and accomplishes way too little in a time frame.