No power tools

[IronJohn]

How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?

[KenH]

Not quite.  All I do have a powered hand-held belt sander and finish sander.

[C. Johnson]

Originally posted by IronJohn:
How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?

Not since the mid 90's, but it can be done.  A guy will need a good bench vise, hacksaw, rasps, files, and lots of sand paper.

I did my very first one this way.  68" longbow in the form of a kit from Bingham's.  I was a young guy living in an apartment then.  My balcony was my workshop.

[styksnstryngs]

If it's a one piece, or even two piece, it'll be very doable.

[IronJohn]

What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help!

[Wolftrail]

"What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help! "

Electric drill and belt sander.  I dont have a drill press, bandsaw nor spindle sander.


I saw somewhere this guy built a takedown in his apartment using a hand saw and other basic hand tools.  The bow was absolutely incredible.  Albeit  wood though.