Instuctions for making a reflex deflex glass longbow?

[huntsmanlance]

I am really interested in making a "modern" longbow. What are the best books out there that explain all of the different methods and how-to's?

and where is the best place to get the different slats and glass? I have seen the ones listed in 3 Rivers but dont know if that is the place to go.

Thanks!
Lance

[Dave Beeler]

Lance,
I would go to Binghams Projects, they have alot of how to stuff such as videos, as well as laminations, Fiberglass, and handle woods, their turnaround time is pretty quick also. hope this helps, wish you luck.
Dave B.

[Bow Nut]

Bingham is awsome and has been for a long time.

[Jason Lester]

something ike this. Frank Falotico (defiant) made this one.


 

 

[Bow Nut]

That one is a real looker (even though it's STILL upsidedown). LOL

[defiant]

Lance, like Bow Nut says, Bingham a good place to start.My advise right now is to get yourself a good respirator and wear it anytime you are working with glass.I have been building bows for many years and that was the first advise Frank San Marco (bowyer) gave me.If I can help with anything as you go along please feel free to PM me.There will be alot of trial and error,but it will all come together.Good luck Frank

[huntsmanlance]

Jason i really like your yard! At least you have plenty of room to shoot!

Dave and Frank, thank you! I looked at their site and of course because i am new to this some of the things didnt make allot of sence. I am sure i will learn as i go! but can you give me a short over all of the equipment i would need....especially about adding the glass....there is no sence for me to buy the instructions if i will need some expensive equipment.

Thanks for all the help guys!
Lance

[elk ninja]

huntsman, check out  http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/index.html  he has a great build along that explains quite a bit.  He builds his own lams/ "slats"... but here is the low down quick and dirty.
1. Decide on a shape and the type of form to be used
2. cut the form and shape it perfect
3. glue everything up... glass, lam, riser, lam, glass... might be more than two lams, might have more than just glass (core tuff, carbon, etc.)
4. let her cure
5. take her off the forem and cut her so she resembles a bow (I call it a stealth bow becasue she is very angular like the stealth)
6. sand
7. sand some more
8 apply the finish
9. shoot the prettiest bow you have ever seen.

enjoy, good luck, there are a couple build alongs in the build along section, or try the other stickbow site.

[mmgrode]

Hey Mike, thanks for the link you posted. Lots of good info there. Cheers, Matt

[Jason Lester]

Thanks Lance. I do have room for shooting thankfully. It needs mowed though. LOL Thats what the judos are for LOL. Good luck making your bow. I'd like to get into making laminated bows as well...one day i guess.

[R.W.]

As per Lance's original question, are there any books on building laminated bows available?

While I am considering getting into this hobby, I really would like more information than what is offered up by the Binghams DVD's.

Information on how to calculate lam thicknesses to come close to the weight one wishes to finish up at, etc. would be very useful.

Anyone out there know of any such publications?

[Bow Nut]

Lance, Maybe you might want to start by making a bow that has straight limbs which will eliminate the need for a lot of the expensive equipment and forms. This will make a more traditional shape of bow but will be much easier and less expensive. I believe there is an advantage to starting simple and working up to more sofisticated techniques as your skill level and experience developes. I would also encourage you to take advantage of Bingham's instructions right off the bat. I didn't and wish I had. I messed up on my first laminated bow because I didn't want to spend the extra money. The great part about their instructions is that it's a proven process to success. Or you could be hardheaded like me and do it right the second time (and investment) around. I have become addicted to selfbows which I can make anywhere with very basic tools. I made my first selfbow from a hickory stave that I got for making another guy some strings. I made it with nothing but a hatchet, machety, 1" wide wood chisle and chainsaw file. I just finished my first snakeskin backed osage bow and prefer it over all my others. It's not as fast as laminated bows (only 168-173 fps with a 450 grain arrow - 55# @ 27") but I enjoy shooting it as much as any bow I've ever shot. You might want to take a look at the Build-a-long section on this site. Everybody says they don't know what they're doing but they sure end up with some impressive results.

[BMN]

R.W.

If you are looking for a book I would suggest you check out Traditional Bowyer, More Unnecessary Fun by Jack Harrison. It's a little pricey at $90 but has tons of information and is well worth the money. You can find it at 3 rivers archery. Go here:
 http://www.3riversarchery.com/Product.asp?c=42&s=18&p=20&i=7825

[R.W.]

BMN,

Thanks

R.W.