Tools

[twospots]

Sorry, I hope this is not considered off topic, and if it gets deleeted thats ok and I appologize... But I'm looking at Bandsaws.
What is the lowest HP and smallest size needed for bow building? and what would be best? Just looking to get a general idea of what I will be looking for in a decent band saw Never owned one myself but used a number of them, however all the ones I have used were very big industrial band saws. I can't afford one that big for sure.
Also - what other tools I am not thinking of now would be good to ask for for for xmas that have to do with bow building - i have a small table saw, dremel and dremel max, jig saw... Scroll saw (old but still works).. A plane, rasp and some decent files.

[scrub-buster]

My first two selfbows I used a 1/3 hp benchtop bandsaw.  I had to go super slow and it kept bogging down.  I made it work, but it was definatly undersized.  Since then I have moved up several times.  I have a Craftsman 12" 1hp saw now.  I got it for $100 on Craigslist.  It was in brand new condition.  It does everything I need it to do, but if I had the money and space, I would get a 14" Grizzly bandsaw.

If you are making selfbows, you should get a ferriors rasp and a scraper to go along with what you already have.  A bench top belt sander is nice to have also.  Get a good vise to.  I'm sure other guys will recommend some more tools.

[macbow]

If your going to build self bows or backed wood bows.
You could get by with a,12 inch but you will always want a,bigger one.
I have the Grizzly 14 inch 1 HP. There are times I could use even bigger.

Self bows the farriers rasp is good. Scrapper is a must and learn how to sharpen them.
Spoke shave.

[Roy from Pa]

Bandsaw, no less than 1 hp and 12 inch. You will want a belt sander/dics sander combo too, a small one will work like around $150.00 job.

[twospots]

How is Powermatic as far as brand and function?. Looks like an older model but its 14 inches. 275 on CL (new ones are 1900)? More than I wanna pay right now but if its worth it...
And yeah I have been looking at the belt / disk sanders as well.

[macbow]

Powermatic has been around a long time. I've not used one.
Sounds like a good price.
What H.P. ?
Would be even sweater deal if some blades were thrown in.

[twospots]

not sure of hp ill have to ask

[twospots]

Also - I used a dremel with sander to make the last two riser handles I made (shape where the hand goes) is there another tool or bit for dremel that is better? Nothing wrong with the sander but now i'm having trouble keeping the sand paper on the bit for some reason. Just wondering what you all do and I might just keep at it.

[macbow]

My wife bought me a Sears oscillating spindle sander years ago. Shape almost all my handles with it.

[2treks]

If it is in any kind of shape at all,it is worth that IMO.
Powermatic is good stuff. Use it and upgrade the guides when you can,and replace any worn parts as you go. it will be worth putting money into.
My first bandsaw was a ratted out delta 14"
i could not cut a board in half when I got it,but i learned how to use it and set it up and made a few upgrades and watched my buddies jaw hit the floor when I peeled a veneer off a 6" tall maple board that you could see though. They don't have to be pretty to work good. i paid $250 for the delta.

Use a good rasp for your handle work and smooth it over with a 5" R/O sander
Good luck

[red hill]

Can't say about the 14" saws, but DON'T buy a 9" saw. Waste of time and $. IMO.

[wood carver 2]

$275 sounds like a great deal for a 14" saw. If it runs, grab it. With bandsaws, bigger is usually better. You will do more than build bows with it. You can use it for building furniture, cutting out blocks for decoys, making a rocking horse for your little one. You get the idea. Plus, it will make short work of cutting out fancy risers.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

You could even make a Rocking Horse for two tracks.    

CL is a great place to find power tools.

[2treks]

I can see I'm gonna have to start a thumpin' list myself.

[Roy from Pa]

LOL........

[twospots]

Well it was sold already by the time he got back to me .lol. figures...

[scrub-buster]

Keep a close eye on Craigslist.  You never know what will show up.  I checked it every day for probably a year until I found mine dirt cheap.  Look any used tools over good and have them show you it works.  Watch buying anything from "shady" individuals.  You don't want to get involved with stolen property.

[mydog'sslave]

Originally posted by twospots:
Sorry, I hope this is not considered off topic, and if it gets deleeted thats ok and I appologize... But I'm looking at Bandsaws.
What is the lowest HP and smallest size needed for bow building? and what would be best? Just looking to get a general idea of what I will be looking for in a decent band saw Never owned one myself but used a number of them, however all the ones I have used were very big industrial band saws. I can't afford one that big for sure.
Also - what other tools I am not thinking of now would be good to ask for for for xmas that have to do with bow building - i have a small table saw, dremel and dremel max, jig saw... Scroll saw (old but still works).. A plane, rasp and some decent files.

[mydog'sslave]

I have a 14 inch Powermatic and I love it.  You have to be careful with the belt tensioner.  The instructions are bad.  Do not move the tension knob unless the blade is tight. I still go by feel, there are markings for adjustments but there is no indicator to align with the markings.