Longbow build along (it's done)

[Shaun]

This is a great build along. Love the inovation.

[Eric Krewson]

My drying box wouldn't get above 90 degrees with 3 lights. I put cheap foam insulation on the box and can get 100 degrees with my lights barely burning(have a rheostat).

You could cover your box with a heavy comforter and get the temp up. I use one when I glue up a BBO in cold weather.

 

[chrisg]

you can also staple discarded underfelt offcuts to the inside of the box and lid or use reflective foil, cooking or roof insulation. Cheap rules!
chrisg

[RGK]

In order to evaluate the bow form, I built a mock up. I bought a pine, 2 x 6 and cut it into strips that were .065 thick.

 


Before gluing the strips together, I protected the form with two layers of tape. It will be easier to remove and replace the tape then it will be to try and chip away any excess glue from the form.

 


Next, I covered the surfaces of the form with plastic wrap to keep it clean.

 


I used yellow wood glue for the mock up. It did not require the oven box. Once all the layers were covered in glue, I used clamps and strips of rubber inner tube to compress the layers.

 


In the center section (where the riser will be) I added a few extra strips.

 

[RGK]

After 24 hours, I removed the clamps and the plastic wrap. There was no "Spring back" or relaxing of the wood strips. I then took the mock up and reversed it on the form to see if it was symmetrical and it fit the form equally in either orientation.

 


I checked for twists in the limbs and found none.

 

 


I then placed the riser against my chest and grabbed both limb tips and began to flex the bow. Since I did not have any fade outs and the ridged glue does not like to flex (and the pine had many knots) both limbs broke

 


This allowed me to nest the limbs and look for any twists or differences between the two. Everything looked good.

 


I think all is ready to assemble Josh's bow. Now I just need to find the time to actually do it. Since I will want to baby sit the oven box for the 8 hours that it will cook, It's going to have to wait until I have a free weekend and those are hard to come by.

[bow loving man]

Ron, keep this one coming...I am very intriqued with bow building right now...Just fearful to take the first step for fear of screwing it up and wasting my precious money....BLM

[onemississipp]

This is a great build, I like the mock up and testing phase.

[razorsharptokill]

Onward! Great build along.

[wislnwings]

This has been great to follow along and learn the process.  I never thought to do a mock up, but it makes perfect sense.

[Osagetree]

Thanks for doing the build here on Tradgang!!!!

Good Job, keep it coming!

[Longbow rookie]

This is great!  Looking forward to seeing what's next.  Keep it up!!

[Wednesday Caste]

I'm hoping that our urging you on will move this project up your priority list! GREAT STUFF!

[Over&Under]

I am learning a ton!!

Thansk alot!!  Am looking forward to the rest!!

[SteveD]

Great Build thanks

[**DONOTDELETE**]

wow this is a great thread... keep it up.

[RGK]

I took the advice of some folks and insulated the inside of the oven box. I bought a roll of insulation that is made from a double layer of bubble wrap with heavy duty foil on both faces. It is just under a 1/4 inch thick and lightweight.

 


I used a staple gun to attach it to the inside walls of the box and to the under side of the box cover.

 


I then added two additional light bulb bases to the boards that I had made up earlier. I used 100 watt bulbs in the center two bases so now I have (4) 150 watt bulbs and (2) 100 watt bulbs.

 


After one hour, the temp had risen to my goal temp of 160F. I felt the outside of the box in several locations and could not feel any heat escaping through the walls or lid.

 


After 2 hours, the temp had risen above my goal but I consider this a good thing since I will now be able to crack the lid a bit or perhaps unscrew one bulb to control the temp.

 


The oven box is finished and ready for the big day.

  [/quote]


I have already had someone approach me and ask that when I finish my son's bow, if I would glue up a bow for them and send it to them right off the form. They want to take it from there and complete the shaping, tillering, finishing, etc. I think it will be neat to see someone else finish a bow that comes off this form.

[monterey]

I sure like your ideas on the form and the oven.  Never thought of a floorless oven.  Tempeted to tear the bottom out of mine!    

My oven was lined with that foam with the foil on one side that is used in home building.  It runs on four 200 watt bulbs and usisng the thermostat from Binghams it cycles on and off during the bake.

Next cook off I'm going to place a low volume battry operated fan inside to keep the temp even throughout the oven.  Thinking to use one of those little portable fans that go inside an RV refrigerator.

Keep us posted.  This is a great thread!  

[ChristopherO]

Excellent.  Dual purpose, bow hot box, jerky oven.  Mine smells great every time I open it.
Pretty bow design, btw.

[RGK]

I didn't have much time to work on the bow today but I did get the strips of fiberglass cleaned with alcohol and then I put a layer of tape over the shiny surface to protect it from scratches and epoxy during the build up. The one on the left is yet to be taped.

 


On the back side of the bow (towards the archer) I need two pieces of fiberglass so I cut one of the long strips in half after I taped it

 


Then I beveled the wood laminations so that the glue seam would not be so obvious.

 

 


Then I glued the bevels together to make one long piece.

 

At this point, I am ready to glue up the bow. I hope to be able to do it next week.

[Beepy]

You had better do it sooner than that, I'm not sure we can wait that long!!!!  No-Doze man, No-Doze!!