Advice on a youth bow build...

[SteveR]

I'm a fairly successful luthier dealing mainly in steel-string acoustic guitars for the last 12 years or so.  My son is now 8 years old and getting interested in archery/hunting and I would really like to build him a nice handmade bow.  My luthier trade has allowed me to acquire some really nice woods.  I was considering using a q'sawn black walnut for the grip/riser and a curly maple/mad rosewood/c. maple lam for the limbs.  All the stock is very quartersawn and of the highest quality.  My lams are approximately: c. maple .110", mad rw .090", and c. maple .090".  I want to get close to a 20-25# draw wt @24" or so.  My son is 48" tall and growing like a weed.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[walkabout]

i havent built any lam bows but i did build a wood bow for my son, who's going to be 7 in october. its 15#@25", and he says its too hard for him to pull. your son will be a bit stronger but i would try to be sure he can pull that weight without struggling.

[greyhawk39]

Master crafters has a 1.5x48"one piece recurve bow kit and 3 rivers has the form for that particular kit.All done with dowls and  elastic bands on the form.Or get the plans from master crafters and make the form yourself.