R/D Longbow template

[Greg Owen]

I am just getting in the mood to try my first build. Where can I get a template to make the form? I was thinking about tracing out one of my bows but thought I'd ask first? Also, one other question I have is this. Does the handle go in the exact center of the limb length? Basically I guess I am asking that if after glue up, can either limb still be the top limb? Thanks for any information.

[Russell S.]

kenny has a great form, you can get a plywood template from him.

 http://kennyscustomarchery.com/

he is sure to respond as well.

[purple heart]

Second it for Kenny -- Super great guy!!

[Greg Owen]

I am ordering my lams from him but I don't see anything about a template on his website. I am looking forward to giving this build a try.

[Russell S.]

email him and ask about it,  if you looked at his form building page i think that is the same pattern

[Robertfishes]

I built this form using kenny's template.  

[Greg Owen]

What wood did you use?

[kennym]

Hey Greg,

Shipping yours tomorrow!

[Greg Owen]

Thanks Kenny for the top-notch A1 service.  I really appreciate it.

[Robertfishes]

Greg, I used 3 pieces of cabinet grade 1/2" plywood with a piece of 1/8"? door skin for a filler piece to make the form just a fuzz over 1 1/2" wide, it came out the same width as the 1 1/2" fiberglass I had. I used tightbond II glue and a bunch of 1 1/4" drywall screws too. Gonna build a bow on this form next month when hunting season winds down...

[Greg Owen]

Where do you get the fire hose that people use?  I know bighams sells it. Does anyone know if this will work? Also, how tall is the form? 16 inches or so?

  http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93775

[Russell S.]

i think it is mill hose (i use "rubber band" forms)  you can get mill hose by the foot from Mcmaster-carr for a lot less then that.  but then you will have to machine some plugs.

[Robertfishes]

I bought the hose and plug kit from Binghams. I didn't want to trash $150 of lams,glue and glass each build over trying to save $20 or $30??. I do like to make somethings myself but I knew the hose and plugs Binghams sells were proven to work and besides I don't have a mill or metal lathe. I put 65 psi in hose then I check hose pressure at least twice the first 15 minutes of cook time and then again when form is cool..so far no problems. I know I loose 1-2 psi each time I check pressure..

[kennym]

My form blank on my d/r is 12" x 72" x 1.5"

Binghams may well be the best place to get the hose system.

[Robertfishes]

I did build the KennyM R/D form 15 1/2" just in case I goofed up with my router and had to do a do over... gonna run it over my table saw and take 2" off of the bottom before the first build.

[kennym]

Robert,good plan!!

     

[Greg Owen]

I was just at Home Depot and found a sheet of 4x8 3/4inch OAK 9 ply plywood. It had a damaged edge and they would sell it cheap ($20 1/2 price). I measures it at a shy 1/16th short of 3/4". So 2 thicknesses would be not quite 1/8" shy of 1.5".  If I put 1/8" masonite between I would end up with 1/16th over or so. Which is better, 3/32" under o6 1/16th over 1.5 inches? Thanks

[Trux Turning]

Thicker-I just use my router and take off the excess from one side of the form - you may even find the 1\\16 you thought you had matches the width of the glass and lams with no adjustment\\taking off.