Advice needed for first attempt at a TD Recurve

[philip140]

Hi guys, this is my first post, so i just want to say hi to everyone on the forum!    

i have built two bows so far, one was a laminated flat bow, the other was a fiberglass backed longbow.
now time has passed and i want to build a Take-down recurve bow for this years deer season (6 months away).

my goal is to build a 60-62'' bow with a draw weight of around 50-55#, i have chosen a 17'' riser (any opinions welcome). with a compound bow i use a 30'' draw, so i don't know what that equates to with figers.

so, here are some questions i have that i can't find through searching, i hope somebody can help.

1) what length limbs should i measure out on the laminations prior to putting them into the form? as i'm sure once the recurve shape is added they will lose length. i was thinking 28''?

2) how much overlap should there be between the base of the limb and each end of the riser? i was going with 3'', suggestions?

3) how thick should the limb core be between the two pieces of fiberglass?

4) does the limb core need to be tapered?

5) where can i get the measurements for the shape of the curve to be added to each limb (or the limb form should I say)?

i have a dvd from bingham projects which i have watched several times, but to get you to buy their products they give away little information by way of measurements. i have considered buying their plans, but i want this to be 'my' bow rather than a direct copy of someone else's design.

any information would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks, Phil

[Robertfishes]

I have used the one piece recurve Binghams plans and I think they were easy to understand. From what I have seen other guys build you can change the riser shape and make it your own.

[Tillrn]

I was looking for all this info also didn't want to buy the binghams plans here is my thread and the responses i got from them.

[Tillrn]

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002941

[Tillrn]

i would still like answers to some your questions also

[jess stuart]

First of all welcome.  It seems to me you are going to design and build your t/d.  I don't want to discourage you in any manner.  Building a new form and hitting your desired weight on the first try will be difficult.  Small changes in forms or lam thickness etc can have large and often unexpected affect on the overall outcome of the bow.

I think most start with a Bingham plan because it it proven and will give a very good chance of success.  You might consider getting the Bingham plans and changing them some to make your bow your own design.

I really don't intend to be negative.  If you desing and build your own from scratch, expect to build several to get the results you want.

[philip140]

Thanks for all the helpfull replys and links guys, every little bit of info is appreciated. i would get the plans from bingham projects but after ordering their dvd from 3riversarchery.com and waiting almost 2 months for delivery (in canada) i don't really want to wait that long again for the plans. plus i thought all the measurements were included in the dvd, and i was slightly miffed that i was no better off with the dvd, by following the plans i'd also have to buy all the accesories to go with it which ammounts to the price of a new factory made bow. i just want to be pointed in the right direction and learn from the experience.

thanks again! phil

[sw]

Hey there Philip,

Again not trying to discourage you at all, the takedown bow is a fun build and very rewarding, but do yourself a favor, order the 6 dollar plans from bingham and use those as the guide to build a successful bow the first time around.

You could easily burn 2 months up in freehanding a takedown bow from scratch and burn up a lot of laminates in the search to dial in a good combination. I burned up about 4 months alone designing a 48" adult takedown that gave me FITS until i changed the limbs on it.

After you get a few builds under your belt THEN go for a free hand build. Atleast then you will have a good understanding of the takedown build.

Also keep in mind that starting to build laminate bows - most likely your first laminate build WILL cost you pretty close to 200 to 400 dollars to build... Where it pays off is on the 2nd and later builds....

If i were you, id get the plans, the lams, glass and limb bolt kit.... from there you got what you need from bingham.. get the riser and wedge wood.. Make a limb alingment jig and go for it.... You will need to make the limb form and heat box. If you go air hose order the firehose and plug kit as well. I am not sure (i use pressure hose) if the limb set can be made with rubber bands or straping. I'd imagine it can, however, air hose is not expensive and is very easy to use.

When i made my 62-64" form from bingham the form cost about 40.00 to make and it was set up for airhose.

Dave