Southwest side of Houston (Sugar Land area)

[Chester Thompson]

Any bowyers out there in the Sugar Land Texas area that might be willing to help me try and build a bow without having to buy/make all of the stuff required? I know it is a long shot.

[Trad Dad]

I'm in Baytown. Wouldn't call myself a bowyer yet but I'm working on it. Made a few red oak board bows. Started my hotbox but got side tracked with other projects. Sureform rasp, small 4-way rasp, and small rat-tail file are my current tools. And a table saw.

[Chester Thompson]

Thanks, I am hoping that somebody could help me with starting a laminate bow.

[Chester Thompson]

ttt

[Mike Most]

Chester, I am in Adkins SE of San Antonio, about 3 hours west of you. Willing to help if you think its doable.  

[Chester Thompson]

Mike, I have never built a bow, so I am not sure how much time it would actually take, could it be possible to do everything but the glueing up in a day? Also what would the approx material cost be?

[Mike Most]

Chester
Based on the level of experience, the first one takes longer than all the rest as the which is understandable. For me RD Longbows (one piece) are easier than say a 60" recurve (unless you have an extra set of hands (2nd person)available.    

Getting the riser portion glued up and shaped (ie grinding the fades) is one part that needs to be done prior to actual bow layup.

Then once the riser is shaped, depending upon how you acquire laminations (make your own)(or buy a set Kenny M or Binghams) you can lay the bow up on the bow form. (This assumes you like the forms available). Using smooth-on epoxy and a hot box, 4 hours later the rough bow comes out of the oven.    

The rest depending on speed and talent is art work. Limb tips, actual riser shaping, height of the shelf, making a string and insuring proper tiller are all parts of shaping prior to final sanding and finish. Depending on where you read, this is where most of us look to see the talent of any particular boywer. Planning would be the key time wise Cost wise I like to use $150 approx for one bow (I have bought most of my laminations)    This is the experience I have and I am sure there are many variations (price-wise)across this great nation.