For those who make glass bows

[Tyler2045]

For those of you who make laminated glass bows. How did you get started in making glass bows. I am wanting to first start with kids bows and young adult bows. I am a youth pastor and wanting to teach them about trad archery. But I am wanting to make there gear for them. But I am wanting to know how do I get started in bow making. I am just wanting some info, and try to figure out how I want to start making bows.  Thanks in advance for all the information.                  Tyler

[walkabout]

i dont build glass bows but i can tell you that kids bows can be made really easily from 1/4" x 2"x48" red oak strips from lowes, just cut them tapered from the width they are to 1/2" tips and theyre already tillered cus of the pyramid principle. youll get about 15#@25" out of them. glue on a section of 1x2 and shape a handle and youre good to go. i can make a few of these in a day if i use shellac as a finish. usually back with brown craft paper. glass is intensive because you need forms, heat box, etc, plus you need a consistent formula to get the exact lb rating you want. even some of the best glass builders i know still have trouble getting this exact. good luck and hope you find some info that helps.

[T Folts]

I got started using binghams plans as did alot of bowyers here.
I already had experience making all wood bows  before the laminated bug bit me.
Its not to difficult just jump in.

[eman614]

this website is the biggest help that i have found. look at the build alongs whenever they come up they are packed full of tips and little "secrets" that will help you out a bunch. also ask questions. most folks on here are more than willing to help.

good luck, eric

[Robertfishes]

The Binghams plans are nice and the DVDs are good too. I got started building their 58inch one piece recurve. Their straight limb longbow would be their eaisest form to build..I made a template and used a router to cut my 2 forms..Find the KennyM thread on form building and look it over, I used a router table and a 2inch bottom bearing bit to cut my forms. If you dont have a router then maybe someone at your Church or High School shop class will have one and can help you out with the form. Use a good quality plywood for your form, it sounds like you are going to build a dozen or so bows in the next year. Good luck with your project.

[Robertfishes]

walkabout is right, a red oak board bow can be made for very little investment..check our Sams site I think its named poorfolksbows ????

[jess stuart]

Binghams along with this site are probably the best places to start.  I don't know much about building wood bows, so I can't help there.

If you would like to build a youth longbow and save some money, here is an idea.  Take two inch wide glass and lams split them in half and make a one inch wide longbow. I have made them up to about 35 lbs or so.  They shoot fine,  and only one half the materials cost.  Feel free to contact me if you think you would be interested, I would be more than happy to try and help.

[limbcracker]

You can make a bunch of kids bows in no time, just to get started, by using pvc pipe, cut slots in the ends and string with strong cord or kevlar fishing line. To make wood bows get a copy of The bent stick, by comstock, or the first bowyers bible, Oak is a good starter wood, available everywhere.  You can back it with fiberglass cloth and epoxy very inexpensively,instead of boying expensive bowyers glass, this stuff doesn't increase speed much, but makes it almost impossible to break the bow,only put cloth on the back of the bow, the side away from you when you shoot, doesn't work on inside.  YOu can buy good and inexpensive epoxy and fiberglass cloth from jgreer.com, look in the boat building section. Good luck!

[Sam Harper]

I'd make hickory, pecan, or oak bows if I were you.  It's much cheaper, and the kids are going to outgrow them anyway.

But I learned to make glass bows on the internet.  Here\\'s  how I do it.