Hobby Bowyers, Bow Form: Hose, Clamps, or Rubber Bands?

[Curtis Haden]

So I'm getting ready to think about starting to consider building my first laminated bow...    

Bear in mind, I'm only getting started, and not planning on cranking out a million bows.  I'm planning a 3-piece take-down for my first one, so only one, short, limb form to get started.

What do you think is best, or like the most, considering the following criteria?

1) Ease of use / construction

2) Consistently good glue-ups

3) Cost

[bjordnolf]

I have tried all of the above plus some if you are going to be making more that a few bows do the hose it is by far the best and easiest and really 30 something dollars is worth it I would pay much more for the ease and consistency. And also I wasted a bunch of money screwing around with other methods some of which work well but nothing near the airhose form. IMHO

[Curtis Haden]

Appreciate the votes guys.  It's all moot now, at least for the first one.  I ordered everything (I hope!) that I'll need to get started from Bingham's today, minus the form and oven of course...

I'm planning on a clamp form for now.  May change my mind before I get ready to glue it up, dunno.  We'll see how the first one goes and work from there.  Going to try to make a 62" t/d longbow.  It'll be a fairly long-term project.  Got a lot of other irons in the fire right now, and will have to borrow the use of some tools.

Wish me luck!    

[firewater100]

I have onlu made three bows all 3 peice take down long bows on the same form with air hose and as far as i can tell no problems

[Dick in Seattle]

I've been involved with three using clamps, and it's a system I like... I understand it and it seems appropriate in an old geezer's shop.   I also like the fact that it's the way the traditional bowyers we admire made the traditional bows we treasure.   Anyway, I'm working on a new form right now... using a plank covered with heavy aluminum channel and set up for overhead clamps.  I'm web paging it as I go, if you're interested in seeing how someone else approached the clamp form process:

 http://dickwightman.com/archery/bowyering/buidlingform/buildingform.html

If you go looking, wait about half an hour... I have a couple of new shots from today's work to add...

[greyhawk39]

Don't cheap out I have built 30 take downs and the hose method is the best...28 cent's a foot and $16.00 for the plug's,it's cheap insurance and the hose last for a long time. I have had mine for 19 yrs.And for extra insurance if the hose deflate's used hockey tape or sock tape that the hockey players used to keep there sock's up.I take's the heat and it stretches to give you a tight bond with you fade out's.

Question of the day how do you post a pic of a bow a person has built not for sale just to show off our wares...thanks hawk

[kennym]

I'm with bjord and greyhawk,airhose all the way.

[Curtis Haden]

I looked at your form, Dick.  Quite an impressive project!

After taking a second look at the prices, I think I'm going to go ahead and add the air hose, clamps, and plugs to my order.  Not nearly as expensive just buying the components compared to buying the press kit.  May just pick one methond and try the other on the next go-round.

greyhawk39:  The way I read the rules of the forum, it's ok to post pics of your bows, just as long as you're not trying to sell them here.

[greyhawk39]

Thank's curtis for the note.You made the right choice,when you are paying hard earned dollar's for supplies you dont want to many failiure's and possable injury to yourself from a delamination...

[grizz]

Curtis, check with your local volunteer fire depts, they sometimes have some "used" 2" firehose for free! I also made my own plugs, Installed the metal valve stem in one. Been using this setup for years. Good luck

[Bradford]

Take my advise on this one..
I did it with no hose the first time.. nothing but problems
I finally broke down and bought the hose and mdf.  Really, not that expensive.  about 35.00 for hose, clamps and end caps.. and 20.00 bucks for wood (MDF) and bolts/clamps.
I will let you know how it works, I will be building my limbs this weekend.  I also bought glass this time.  (I used all wood the first time)

Just have fun!!!  I am!