Looking to start first glass bow

[Lee Lobbestael]

Hi guys. I am looking to build my first glass bow. I have built self bows and backed bows for about 10 years but have never built a glass bow. I want to do a R/D longbow 64" tip to tip and 50# @28". I don't have the money to drop all at once on a first time builders kit from Bingham's and I'm a little intimidated by the fire hose form build. I would like to make my form using the dowel rod and rubber tubing method. I was hoping to just draw out the design I want and make a template to trace onto my form. After my form was made I was hoping I could just call Binghams and give them my dimensions and intended draw weight and they could point me toward a stack to order. I was also hoping to buy a pre cut handle from 3rivers because the fade outs look a little tricky. I know these handles are flat so I would have to make my form flat for the 17" where the handle will be. I also hope to do this as a build-along here on tradgang because I will have a lot of questions.
Does this all seem feasible to you guys?

[LittleBen]

If you want my opinion having never built a glass bow then .... It's feasible but it's not gonna be the smoothest road.

My advice is build a kennyM R/D longbow. The plans are out there, and the stack information is also published. Don't try and use a premade riser block that is meant for a hill style longbow. It's going to look cobbled together. Also if you make you're own design 2 things are likely to happen.
1. It's likely it won't perform the way you want.  
2. It's guaranteed than no one will be able to tell you the stack to use. It will all be guesses, and if you ask 10 people you will get 8 answers.

Build the KennyM bow. It's considered by many to be a very good RD design, the stack info is published. Kenny M can also hook you up with the glass and lams you'll need.

Regarding the riser ... the fades are tricky, but the whole idea of building your own bow is to learn. Just take it slow and you will be fine. If you mess up, just get another block of wood and try again. No sweat.

And yes the peg and inner tube forms work fine. I would definately recommend using a pressure strip also though just to help give even pressure.

[Lee Lobbestael]

Ok that all makes sense to me. Where can I find Kenny's plans? I suppose I should contact him huh?

[Bvas]

You'll find the plans here.
  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=011684#000010

And Kenny is a super guy for putting these out and more than likely will answer any questions you have.
Not only that, he can supply you with top notch material at a very fair price!

I built my first glass bow off a slightly modified kennym form. And I couldn't be happier.

[kennym]

I think Ben is right, with much reflex , a straight riser is gonna look out of place.

I don't know what you have for tools, but a router is great for making a square face to side form...

I have templates or can cut some off my CAD laser waterjetted steel form... LOL

Let me know if I can help you put one together!

[Lee Lobbestael]

Thanks Kenny I would appreciate some help getting started. I'll send you a PM. Its all a little overwhelming unless I take it one step at a time. I guess the first step is to get those plans printed. How do I print those plans out full size? Could I use just the bottom of those plans and use the inner tube method?

[Bvas]

Originally posted by Lee Lobbestael:
Could I use just the bottom of those plans and use the inner tube method?

Sure can. That's what I did.

[LittleBen]

Originally posted by Lee Lobbestael:
How do I print those plans out full size?

Download them onto a USB flash drive and take them to your local print/ship/fax place, they will print the, out full size on a big printer. They should be like 42" x24" or something like that. Maybe someone knows the exact size, I can't recall. Usually Fed-Ex, UPS, and if you have a small local shipping place should have a big enough printer. It costs maybe $10. Call ahead, they may have you e-mail them and print ahead of time.

[Lee Lobbestael]

Ok does anyone know the exact size so I can tell them what size to print? Also can I use a flat 2x10 or 12 instead of plywood for my form?

[LittleBen]

The size should be coded into the .pdf file so it should just print out correctly

[Lee Lobbestael]

ok great!

[Lee Lobbestael]

Ok I have the plans printed out. I'm planning to buy 1/4" and 3/4" plywood on my way home from work today for my forms and template. I'm hoping to turn this into a build-along although I'm sure it will be the slowest one ever.