A Couple of Newbie Questions...

[CO_Redneck]

I'm really wanting to get into this bow building thing, but I have NO idea where to start looking for blocks of hardwoods to use.

Also, does anyone have a build-a-long or plans to build a hot box and/or form for a lam recurve they'd be willing to send me/sell me/point me to?
I'd like to build the form myself, if possible, but have NO idea where to start.

BTW - If Binghams is THE BEST place to start and get some of this stuff, that's ok to.


Thanks guys, you all are awesome!

[kennym]

Grant,
 Heres how I build forms,not too hard. Email me if I can answer any questions...

 http://www.kennyscustomarchery.com/

 I've got lams and riser material also,will have glass and glue in a week or two I hope!!

[kennym]

Oops,wrong page!

 http://www.kennyscustomarchery.com/Bow_forms.html

[Lonesome Wind]

Grant,
The best way to start is to find a bow that you like the way it shoots & copy it. Trying to start with your own design can be very expensive & frustrating, trust me I'm speaking from experience. Trying to start with your own design is like trying to re-invent the wheel, not much that hasn't been done. Bingham is an excellent choice for all of your supplies, I haven't tried Kenny out yet, but I sure will! The best advice I can give you is start simple & pay attention to the details. If you have a bowyer in your area see if he'll let you come watch him build a few bows. If you want to come to Nebraska I'd gladly let you sit in when I'm building, but I'm definitely no expert, just a duffer who loves to build bows.

[B M A]

CO_Redneck - Check out Kenny's site.  The build-a-long on the form is great.  Also his laminations are very top quality.
 
As far as a plan for a heat box check out this link   http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/hotbox.htm

[CO_Redneck]

Originally posted by Lonesome Wind:
Grant,
The best way to start is to find a bow that you like the way it shoots & copy it. Trying to start with your own design can be very expensive & frustrating, trust me I'm speaking from experience. Trying to start with your own design is like trying to re-invent the wheel, not much that hasn't been done. Bingham is an excellent choice for all of your supplies, I haven't tried Kenny out yet, but I sure will! The best advice I can give you is start simple & pay attention to the details. If you have a bowyer in your area see if he'll let you come watch him build a few bows. If you want to come to Nebraska I'd gladly let you sit in when I'm building, but I'm definitely no expert, just a duffer who loves to build bows.

Thanks for the offer! I don't know of any bowyers around here. Honestly, I really like the way my Bear recurve shoots. Is it too big of a hassle to take a one piece and turn it into a takedown?

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it.  

[Lonesome Wind]

Depends on how you want to do it. You can draw the limbs separately & keep the same set back on your fade outs & try it as a 3 piece. The other option is a two piece but I don't recall ever seeing that done on a recurve. I've only done laminated longbows & selfbows so maybe someone with more recurve experience could chime in & let us know if the 2 piece is a viable option.
If you wana come chase turkeys or whitetails some time we could mix a little huntin with some bow buildin!