First time builder interested in a Hill-style build

[mt1761]

Hello, I am interested in building my first bow.  I built self bows as a youngster, but that is my only experience in bowmaking.
   I admire the simple, clean lines of the Hill style.  I followed a post by "Jsweka" about a Hill-style build, and I'd like to take a shot at building a similar bow.
   Any links out there to building the form, setting up the airhose, and building a hot box?  
   Any good DVDs or books out there that I should look at?

Thanks very much in advance guys.

[jsweka]

Here's some hot box ideas

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=012497#000008  

As far as the air hose, Binghams and Big Jim sell the components.  Just tighten down the hose clamps on the end plugs and you're good to goo.  You should  test it first by inflating and then dunking both ends into a bucket of water to make sure you dont' have and air leaks.

What length of a bow and poundage are you looking to build?  I can probably help you out with your stack thickness.

[kennym]

Listen to John, he makes a fine Hill bow!

Only thing I might add is run your hose a cycle in the hot box and retighten the clamps.

[mt1761]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I am thinking of a bow around 68" in the 55 lb range.  Not sure about draw- I'm 6'2" with long arms.  
    Big Jim's page was a great tip- thanks again.

[jsweka]

Here's a recipe for a 68" bow that was 56# at 28" of draw.  

Riser = 16" from fade out to fade out
Limb width = 1 1/8" wide at the fade outs and maintain that length for 18" out from the center of the bow and then narrow to 1/2" at the string grooves.

back glass - 0.050
Tapered lamination - 0.002 taper, 0.100 butt thickness
Parallel lamination - 0.110
Tapered lamination - 0.001 taper, 0.110 butt thickness
Tablered lamination - 0.002 taper, 0.100 butt thickness
belly glass - 0.050

Total stack thickness = 0.520

Figure on adding about 3# per inch of draw over 28".

You can decrease the weight by decreasing the thickness of the laminations.  Here's some suggestions for total stack thickness for greater draw lengths.

29" draw: total stack = 0.510
30" draw: total stack = 0.500

If it comes out a little heavier than you want, you can decrease the weight some by either trapping the limbs (making the cross section a trapezoid.  I like to trap towards the back) or by simply narrowing limbs, or by rounding the corners of the limbs over more.

These straight limbed, glass laminated longbows are really the easiest bow you can build.

Good luck!

[mt1761]

Thanks very much John, great help!

[cmh]

Wow!!!!! You almost have me convinced a pipefitter could build a good bow