limb templates

[Full Draw Too]

Hi Guys. Just wondering what you use for limb templates? do you use formica? I'm looking for 1 3/4 and 1 1/2" wide strips. or do you use something else?


John 14:6    javascript:void(0)

[jsweka]

I'm probably different than most guys in that I don't use a limb template.

I draw my centerline, and then measure equal distance on each side of that centerline for a given width a given distance down the limbs.  Make a mark with a fine sharpie and then connect the dots with a straight edge.

So, you don't necessarily need a limb template.

[monterey]

I rarely make two bows with the same limb profile.  I do them on a cad program and print them full size then glue them to the limbs.

Formica would seem a good choice but there will Probably be other suggestions made.

[mikkekeswick]

Clear Perspex works well and i've used woven glass sheet.

[Robertfishes]

I have used clear lexan.

[Full Draw Too]

Thanks guys for your input. I'm a full time taxidermist and I love Traditional Archery. I told/asked LOL my wife that I want to dedicate 1 day a week this year to making bows, A guy gets so busy with mounting animals I find i need the joy and therapy of Bow building to change up the scene a little bit this year! there's truly something special about building a bow! i completed 1 so far and I just need to keep with it and this winter will be a perfect time for that. We just got a foot of snow dumped on us here in Wisconsin and time in the shop not mounting animals at least 1 day a week will keep me focused and energized with this new love I found...thanks so much Guys again for your input...Your BROW-THER...Pat T.
john 14:6

[Robertfishes]

I have nice straight bow forms with side blocks to keep laminations centered in the forms..What works for me is to mark a center line onto the glass,make a grid mark every 1 inch from center, number each mark from center to end of glass, draw taper lines with a straight edge.. then after glue up check center line with a string, if center mark is still good grind the edges to the lines I drew before glue up..then I check the widths every 2 inches with a 6 inch sliding ruler to make sure they are even then sand as needed with a 120 grit belt on my edge sander or a sanding block..I have had good success doing it this way with no limb twists or tiller problems. I have made several templates but never use them anymore..              

[mikkekeswick]

Forgot to say if you are only doing a few bows it's not really worth making templates.
If you intend to make plenty off the same form then find somewhere with a CNC laser cutter. Drawing things by hand leads to errors in your templates, you cannot beat CNC cut stuff for accuracy.

[Full Draw Too]

Thanks so much for the insight and help. I really appreciate all the information.  Pat

john 14:6

[JamesV]

Pat.................

If you have a commercial cabinet shop in your area, they will have left over formica and they will in most cases cut you any width you need for free.

Ps.......take one of your bows along, those guys enjoy seeing that kind of stuff

James

[Full Draw Too]

Thanks James, I will....Pat

John 14:6