First time trying to build a recurve- A Build Along (kinda....)

[arachnid]

First time trying to build a recurve (I've built only hybrids until now). With this shape and form (as shown in the pics below), using 0.09" bearpaw powerglass- what stack should I use if I want a 30-35 pound bow? I know there are many variables but I want you pros to give me some guidelines. I'm well aware that I'll probably miss my target weight a bit , I just want a starting point. It`s going to be 62" long with a 19" riser and 24" power-lam.

One more question- I'm planning on using only parallel lams, no thickness taper. I know some folks do it like that. Any tips on that topic will be greatly appreciated.

The first pic is only the form. The second had the riser on the form ( I'm going split riser/forward handle design).

[kennym]

My fhrc had a little more hook on end of limbs  but .260 made 42@28 with 2 - .040 BP glass

Are you calling .090 for both pcs?

[arachnid]

My fhrc had a little more hook on end of limbs  but .260 made 42@28 with 2 - .040 BP glass

Are you calling .090 for both pcs?

Thanks Kenny.
I actually ment 0.04... that's about 9mm in metric (what I use), hence the confusion.

What about using only parallel lams? If I remember correctly  you used a very low taper on your recurve, am I right?

[Crooked Stic]

That form looks good. This is me. I think you should go ahead and make your riser 22 in. and your power lam 27 in.  The reason I say this is mine and Kennys both have a vibration after the shot. So by doing this you will have less mass to move. More preload at brace. All that should help a bunch with vibration. For 30-35 Swag    >240 with .040 glass. parallel will work but you may like .001 better.

[arachnid]

Thanks Mike.
With a 22" riser, the working limb will be shorter, wouldn't it compromise the bow with a longer draw length?

[Crooked Stic]

A 62 in. bow will get past 30 ok. Think of a TD with a 22in. riser and wedges past that. Think it will be fine. And if you got a really long draw you need to make the bow longer.

[arachnid]

What if I leave the rider 19" but make the power-lam longer, say 26"?
I have my template sander jig for a 19" riser.... Don`t feel like making another one...

[Crooked Stic]

Go for it let us know what you get.

[arachnid]

Ok...I spent some time in the shop tonight and got that baby glued up. I stayed with
the  19" riser and made the power lam 25". Hope it`ll be fine.
I`m using inner tubes since that`s what I`ve using since I started. Worked good so far.
I Do have an air hose waiting for me to use it... I`m waiting for the mule tape to arrive
and then I`ll try the "hose with no top" method.

Anyway... here she is glued up ad on her way to the oven.


Now while that curing, I'll ask for recommended dimensions for width taper. I'm used to longbows which are narrower then recurve, so any info will be appreciated.

[wayne rollinson]

looking forward to seeing this one,regards wayne

[arachnid]

Here she is right off the form



Now, clean up and width taper

[Crooked Stic]

Looking good.

[Forwardhandle]

Looking good looking forward to seeing it strung 

[arachnid]

 I tapered the width 10" from the tips and left the rest of the limb parallel. Seems to work well. Have no tortion issues. Here she is braced for the first time. Looking good

[Buemaker]

Looking good

[Bvas]

Nice work Dor

[Crooked Stic]

Looking forward to see how it shoots. Looks good.

[arachnid]

Thanks guys.
I do have a question about handle design. Recurve, usually, have a deeper grip. But I really don't like that. I'm used to the shallow hybrid locator style. Question is- does it really matter? Does a recurve HAVE TO have a deep grip, otherwise it won't perform currently? ( I'm a longbow guy, don't know Jack about recurves )

[Holm-Made]

You can do whatever grip you want on a recurve.  High, medium or low.

[Crooked Stic]