simple ASL form and lam stack questions(first time)

[Puckaway]

Id like to start building my first laminated bow. I'd like to do a ASL about 66" and have it come in around 45-50# @ 26". I am going to build a form since I don't have one. Should I use LVL or 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood. I guess I'd like to use the rubber band method. Can anyone point me to some good directions of the process? Bike tubes? I have access to an oven and a few tools. I think I'd like to do 4 lams of bamboo with back and belly glass. What thicknesses should I buy and where should I get them? I just want to keep this simple at first. Any advice would be great! Thanks

[monterey]

What will be the width at the fades?  I'm guessing 1.5" given the two pieces of 3/4"?  What will be the length of the riser?  Reflexed?  Flat?  String follow?

[Puckaway]

string follow, maybe a little over an inch at the fades. I'm small handed, and would do a straight or dished grip. 3 lams might be better?

[KenH]

Rubber band method won't work in a bow oven.  You don't really need an oven anyway.  Not with the heat factors out there this week!

Here's my setup for Scythian recurves.  Same idea for flat bows.  I use 1" wide rings of bike innertube (the large diameter ones), free from a repair shop.

The small dowels are 5/16", set 1" down from the edge.  The large dowels are 1/2" set about 1.5" down.  Small pegs use single rings of tube; larger dowels use a pair of rings "figure eighted" together.


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[monterey]

Little over an inch is sounding like a Hill style.

I'm going to suggest that you look up the Bingham Projects web site and choose a design from their catalog and Go with it. Most of the questions you have asked are answered on their site.

Like kenh says, you don't need an oven if you use Smooth On EA40 as long as you maintain room temperature.  It just takes a little longer.  I have done them by putting the form in the car on a sunny day.

I have also done rubber band lay ups in the bow oven with no problems.

 

Most 3/4" plywood is 1/32" short so you will want a spacer between the two pieces.  I use roofing felt but only because I have a bunch of it. You want your form and materials to match perfectly.

If you decide to go ahead and decend into this madness, do your research and get the materials together and check back with us.