Bow making

[nhbuck1]

I was thinking about starting making bows, can anyone help me with some info how to begin and what I need?

[Bowjunkie]

What type of bows? The kind you intend to make will largely dictate the advice we'll offer.

[nhbuck1]

Similar to big Jim style longbows for hunting recurves as well, but mainly longbows

[mwosborn]

Start right here.  Read through the many build along threads to get you started.  Sounds as if you want to build FG laminated bows - building a form will be your first step.  Several good designs here you could use.  Bet you don't make just one!    

[passion for knowledge]

You can start real cheap with lumber bought from the likes of Home Depot, if you go through the racks carefully.

I live in a small apartment, so my options are somewhat limited - almost exclusively hand tools to try to keep the noise down.

If the first one you try fails, don't give up.

I'm on bow number 7 right now - in progress. I've had 2 break on me, but I think breakage is just part of the deal.

I think after this one I may consider laminated Fibreglass

[nhbuck1]

I don't quite understand the laminated bow making, is the riser made separate? How much laminate do you need?

[kennym]

Use the search function, you will find lots of builds.

Check this out....

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=004759#000000

If you wanna build a glass bow, straight hill style would be the best for a first one IMO.


If you want to just get yer feet wet, buy a red oak board and search out a build or 2.

If you wanna go bbo(boo backed osage) see if Roy or Jeff (or many others, those just came to mind)will help you.

[KenH]

nhbuck1 -- what the guys are trying to say is that there is no simple answer to some of the questions you asked (how much laminate do I need?  I don't understand laminate bow making..).  These and other things that have already been answered a zillion times in other discussions.  

Do a little studying first, then ask some more specific questions.  We love helping new builders, but don't want to spend hours answering questions we've already answered many times.

If you look at more than one laminated bow you can answer your question about risers by yourself.

[nhbuck1]

could of said do a search ken, came across kind of harsh it seems.

[Randy M]

Originally posted by KenH:
nhbuck1 -- what the guys are trying to say is that there is no simple answer to some of the questions you asked (how much laminate do I need?  I don't understand laminate bow making..).  These and other things that have already been answered a zillion times in other discussions.  

Do a little studying first, then ask some more specific questions.  We love helping new builders, but don't want to spend hours answering questions we've already answered many times.

If you look at more than one laminated bow you can answer your question about risers by yourself.

It's a public forum, therefore he can choose to ask anything he wants.  Just like you could choose to not answer.

[Randy M]

Nhbuck - It sounds like your interest is primarily in laminated bows.  A great place to start is with an outfit called Bingham Projects.  They have absolutely everything you need to build your first bow, including a laminination thickness guide to help you dial in draw weight.  

Binghamprojects.com

Hope this helps.

Randy

[Crittergetter]

Go to the "How To" forum on the main page and read thru the buildalongs. KennyM's is very informative and it's where I got my start. Careful though, it's VERY addicting!

[kennym]

Does that make me an enabler or sumpin, Randy?   :D

[JamesV]

nhbuck1.................

If you could find someone in your area that is building the type bow you are interested in, maybe they would mentor you thru your first bow. It would be a big help.

I have invited a number of new builders to build a bow in my hobby shop and it is always fun for all involved. If you were a little closer to the Mississippi Delta, we could get you going in no time.

James

[Roy from Pa]

Ya Kenny, you are sumpin...

LOL