Here is my first carbon longbow. It has Gordon carbon on both back and belly. The limb core is maple and the riser cocbolo.
I have been studying composite sandwich theory since I decided to start making bows and intended to make an all-carbon bow. I was finally convinced I had to do it to dispel some myths about using carbon. There are those who think carbon will fail on the belly and should never be used. I think that if the core has enough shear strength that it will work just fine; that is why I chose maple cores.
The bow is 66" NTN and 38 pounds. The weight came out light by mistake. Measure twice, cut once. Also, I used some composite beam theory to determine the thickness of the core and I think it is about 10 mils too thin. I measured the stored energy-per-pounds draw weight at 0.955 at 28". That is a very high number for a trad bow. The cast of the bow is amazing for its weight. No chrony numbers yet but I am impressed.
It is a bit light so, dang, I am going to have to make another. The carbon looks really cool in the sunlight and that can not be seen in the photos. I guess I need to find a nice, loving, home for this one.
Kevin
Topic: Finished - First Carbon Longbow (Read 648 times)
