Bowyer's Tools?

[Prometheus]

Hey, Folks,

Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the tools necessary to build a glassed T/D recurve? Can it all be done with just hand tools?

I've read so many build-alongs of all sorts of different bows, and I'm still just not sure what I need. I've got my Bingham plans coming in the mail, but I was hoping to take advantage of some Memorial Day sales this weekend and get some tools, so I thought I'd ask you folks in case the DVD and instructions and blue prints don't arrive until sometime next week.

Thanks so much for the help!

[Gundog68]

Search for a build a long from "hera". (maybe too on POA). He does the whole build only with hand tools. I need belt sander, band saw, other machines too. Depends on what you want and what you want to get from bingham (or others) like lams,tapers.

[LittleBen]

This would be best directed to the Bowyers Bench. You'd get aot more response there.

The reality is you NEED very little and hand tools will work.

The truth is you'll WANT more, like a belt sander. Thats the one powertool thats almost a must.

I've built several takedown bows, made of all wood. They're laminated like glass bows but are all wood, no fiberglass. I;ve made them with only hand tools as well with the exception of a belt sander. It's not the easiest way, and it takes some patience but it's more than possible.

Heres a link ot Hera's build.
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=40;t=000116;p=1

Here's a bow I just finished using very similar approach and onyl belt sander. bottom of page.  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=009363;p=141


As for what tools you'll need. half round mill file, wood rasp, drill/drill bits, tap/tap handle, a decent saw (preferable a coping saw for contoured cuts, and whatever type of straight cut saw you like), lots of sandpaper, 5min epoxy for threaded limb bolt inserts, and smooth-on for laminating the limbs.

The biggest technical difficulty I think you'll have is drilling the limb bolt holes. This is best done with a drill press AND a drillign jig (binghams sells one for like $65). Hera's approach where he clamps the liomb to the riser is a good idea. Especially if you're hand drilling I think you'll need to do that.

As gundog suggested, if you wanna grind your own laminations/tapers you'll need alot more and that cannot be done with hand tools. Also for a glass bow you will need good quality laminations.
Troy D Breeding (sponsor on here) and
KennyM (also sponsor on here) sell good quality lams for very fair prices.

I'd recommend that route if you haven't ordered from binghams already.

[Prometheus]

Thanks so much for the information, fellas!

I'll be starting off fairly easily and buying my materials ready-to-go from Bingham. Perhaps I'll grind my own lams in the future.

If I can build a nice glassed T/D recurve by hand, that's what I'll do. I don't mind the extra time it might take. I'm really looking forward to the experience!

Once again, thanks a ton! I'll continue with my research, but any other advice is welcome!

Have a nice night!