I really appreciate you taking the time and care to share your work. I am getting set up to try to build my first laminated bow and you have a lot of good info here. Thanks man, Aaron
Hey Travis, Nice work! One small thing, one big thing! To check tiller, use a bow square...more accurate than a tape. The big thing...Get yourself some dust collection and some respiratory protection...that exotic wood and glass dust will shorten ur bowyer career. ..you look like a guy that takes care of him self so don't let a labor of love mess with ur health. Nice to see another lefty bowyer out there...:^) Jason
Awesome skill. Every detail covered very well. I make knives large down to micro mini. Smallest knife .317 length. I have the eye for detail, fit, and finish and I say well done. Hey I am 83 and still going bowhunting and highly Blessed,
Very beautiful bow I have never made a bow and I am sure I will soon, although it will be a simpler longbow(not a laminated beauty) your bows are inspirational and built with love for the craft and expert artistry and craftsmanship, if I could afford to buy one of your bows I would be a very proud owner. I do believe your bows are well worth it.
I'm not able anymore..but I used to like archery..well still do and I always wanted to make bows like this...I have whittled bows from willow and other wood but never did laminated bows....but I'm old and not physically able now...so videos like this are great to watch....love what you'r doi'n..keep it up...I built a handmade cabin and some wood canoes..lots of other stuff...but bows are an old love that i never quite got around to...the woodsmn
Thanks for the kind words Tom. I'd like to make a canoe one day, but haven't gotten to it yet. My dad, who taught me how to make bows, is now in too much pain to shoot bows also. He now spends his time casting bullets, handloading, and shooting. There are plenty of enjoyable things you can still do, and it's great we now have this technology like UA-cam to link up with others who share similar interests.
I was a re loader also...did A LOT of shooting and hunting...backpacking, fishing ect...that's why I'm the woodsmn ..in games and I had tried to use that name also on you tube also but for some reason the you tube gods put me down under my actual name instead..and also I'm by trade a machinist for many years so I found the layout procedures interesting..you could look for a surface plate instead of glass..and a height Gage would be more accurate...also a set of hermaphrodite dividers would be useful instead of a steel ruler for center-line measurements
also I forgot to mention..the thing about re-curve bows for me is the classic way they look...same thing with an old style wood planked canoe...the lines are just so sweet to look at it makes me feel good to know I made that
Beautiful craftsmanship and excellent looking wood for the riser. Looks like a real labour of love to hand-build a bow and you are clearly a living encyclopaedia of the craft.
Hi buddy nice job love your explaining. How do you workout the limb drawing? Do you draw from fadeouts to tips orgo parrallelfor few inches after fadeouts then go too tips or 9 to 10 inches from tip Why I ask it makes limb stronger if there is still lot of material on limb.
This was a wonderful "how to" video. Learned plenty :) I admire you carrying on your fathers methods and I'm sure he's very proud of you. How do you get your laminate ? Make it ? Purchase it ? (wood & fiberglass) Thanks for your generous consideration & sharing of knowledge, Sincerely .................................
Very nice and detailed video. I have been building selfbows for a few years now, and have decided to try my hand out at laminates! Just a few quick questions if you have the time. I am assuming there are two wood laminate pieces between the belly piece of fiberglass, and the back piece of fiberglass, if so, then how thick would the pieces need to be for a 40 pound bow at 29 inches? Also am I looking for good grain as I would in a selfbow? The bow will be 58 inches long as in your video. I am also curious what type of fire hose you use? Sorry for all the questions, just super eager to get the project rolling :)
I would think maybe 2 tapered 100 laminates with .040 glass for a 40# 60” recurve. The grain is not as important with laminated bows because the glass and epoxy make up the integrity.
Beautiful bow, I checked out your website, you do awesome work. I'll probably never make one but the way you explain the process is easy to understand, you're also good at teaching. What product do you use to spray the finish on?
Awesome video man, just what I was looking for! my question to you is do you have to put everything in an oven to get a decent bond? Or is pressure and air drying a good alternative?
Why do you mean an oven ? Did not you glue them with epoxy and press them with the mold ? What does the oven have to do with anything ? Awesome video, by the way. thank you !
Dimitris Tripakis He was talking about a hotbox. It is a box where the mold goes into and inside the box are light bulbs. They heat up so the glue cures =]
I believe I bought that scribing compass from Rockler. It was probably 15 years ago, and I can't be sure about it. It doesn't have any brand name or any other markings on it. Sorry I can't be more help.
I've never experimented with this, but I would assume if it's way off, you wouldn't be able to get your arrows tuned right. If it's close, I'd think you can adjust the arrow spine and knock height, and get your arrows flying straight. Then it would take some time and getting used to for you to adjust to the different point of impact, compared to other bows that are tillered correctly.
Hey man so I’m building my first laminated recurve normally build self bows I was wondering if you could help me with a limb recipe for say a 55 60 lb or so I have bamboo flats and .05 and 0.04 glass for back and belly the bamboo is @1 mm thick all is 1.75 wide if you get time please let me know can’t seem to get a straight answer from anybody and I know people don’t gas every single time they make a bowl there must be some information on I’m making a 60 pound bowl. This is what I need but I can’t seem to find it anyway have a good day and thanks a lot for your videos, I like the attention to detail. Just wish I had the patience lol.
All the variables matter. So it is trial and error until you figure it out from your records. The length, width and mold will affect the results. I think you’re close with what you’ve listed. I would taper the bamboo, cut the limbs down the 1-1/2” width (after it’s glued up). If you want it shorter than 60”, it will probably be too heavy.
That's a good thought. I wouldn't attach sand paper to the riser and sand the mold because it would change the mold every time. But it seems like it could work if you put sand paper on the mold and sand the riser with it.
I have another video titled. "Making a Recurve Bow Mold". This bow is a combination of wood and fiberglass. If you want to make one out of only fiberglass, I would assume it will work. But I've never done it.
I have another video titled. "Making a Recurve Bow Mold". This bow is a combination of wood and fiberglass. If you want to make one out of only fiberglass, I would assume it will work. But I've never done it.
Dude if this is what your looking for then it cool but if u really want a bow with power try making a bow using a old pair of snow skis got Damm it's strong m o joke try it...
Finally someone who made a left-handed bow....damn nice recurve you've build 👍🏼
I really appreciate you taking the time and care to share your work. I am getting set up to try to build my first laminated bow and you have a lot of good info here. Thanks man, Aaron
Nice Job! Very generous of you to share yours and your fathers talents. I bet he’s very proud of you!
Nice build and some left handed love too. I shoot my Trad and Primitive bows left hand , dominate left eye.
Lovely. Lots of common sense in your methods.
Hey Travis,
Nice work! One small thing, one big thing! To check tiller, use a bow square...more accurate than a tape.
The big thing...Get yourself some dust collection and some respiratory protection...that exotic wood and glass dust will shorten ur bowyer career. ..you look like a guy that takes care of him self so don't let a labor of love mess with ur health.
Nice to see another lefty bowyer out there...:^)
Jason
Ha ha, good points. I usually do wear a mask, when I'm not filming. Maybe I should have mentioned that.
Awesome skill. Every detail covered very well. I make knives large down to micro mini. Smallest knife .317 length. I have the eye for detail, fit, and finish and I say well done. Hey I am 83 and still going bowhunting and highly Blessed,
Thanks for the compliment. Glad to hear you're so active at 83. Keep it up.
Thanks Travis
I can’t wait to build my workshop and give it a go. Great video!
Man, thats one hell of a project. You did a good job.
Very beautiful bow I have never made a bow and I am sure I will soon, although it will be a simpler longbow(not a laminated beauty) your bows are inspirational and built with love for the craft and expert artistry and craftsmanship, if I could afford to buy one of your bows I would be a very proud owner. I do believe your bows are well worth it.
I'm not able anymore..but I used to like archery..well still do and I always wanted to make bows like this...I have whittled bows from willow and other wood but never did laminated bows....but I'm old and not physically able now...so videos like this are great to watch....love what you'r doi'n..keep it up...I built a handmade cabin and some wood canoes..lots of other stuff...but bows are an old love that i never quite got around to...the woodsmn
Thanks for the kind words Tom. I'd like to make a canoe one day, but haven't gotten to it yet. My dad, who taught me how to make bows, is now in too much pain to shoot bows also. He now spends his time casting bullets, handloading, and shooting. There are plenty of enjoyable things you can still do, and it's great we now have this technology like UA-cam to link up with others who share similar interests.
I was a re loader also...did A LOT of shooting and hunting...backpacking, fishing ect...that's why I'm the woodsmn ..in games and I had tried to use that name also on you tube also but for some reason the you tube gods put me down under my actual name instead..and also I'm by trade a machinist for many years so I found the layout procedures interesting..you could look for a surface plate instead of glass..and a height Gage would be more accurate...also a set of hermaphrodite dividers would be useful instead of a steel ruler for center-line measurements
also I forgot to mention..the thing about re-curve bows for me is the classic way they look...same thing with an old style wood planked canoe...the lines are just so sweet to look at it makes me feel good to know I made that
Beautiful craftsmanship and excellent looking wood for the riser. Looks like a real labour of love to hand-build a bow and you are clearly a living encyclopaedia of the craft.
Thank you very much, very helpful !
Brilliant Bru , lucky to have a Father like that..
Awesome job. Beautiful bow
Excellent work. What about building a form for making recurve?
great video very helpful and lovely boy ..hoping to build my own bow one day so thanks for the help
Awesome video👍
beautiful work!
Hi buddy nice job love your explaining. How do you workout the limb drawing? Do you draw from fadeouts to tips orgo parrallelfor few inches after fadeouts then go too tips or 9 to 10 inches from tip Why I ask it makes limb stronger if there is still lot of material on limb.
Very good job sir!
Man that's a gorgeous bow .. awesome skill level :)
Thanks for the video very instructive I appreciate a lot
Nice job, make my own, but always looking for better ways.
Nice work!👍
INCREÍBLE TRABAJO GRACIAS EXCELENTE INFORMACIÓN GRACIAS
nice..
Excellent video & work. Could you tell me the riser's measurements? Thank you.
This was a wonderful "how to" video. Learned plenty :) I admire you carrying on your fathers methods and I'm sure he's very proud of you.
How do you get your laminate ? Make it ? Purchase it ? (wood & fiberglass)
Thanks for your generous consideration & sharing of knowledge,
Sincerely .................................
good job man , nice bow!
What is the source for the laminations if you don't mind sharing?
Very nice and detailed video. I have been building selfbows for a few years now, and have decided to try my hand out at laminates! Just a few quick questions if you have the time. I am assuming there are two wood laminate pieces between the belly piece of fiberglass, and the back piece of fiberglass, if so, then how thick would the pieces need to be for a 40 pound bow at 29 inches? Also am I looking for good grain as I would in a selfbow? The bow will be 58 inches long as in your video. I am also curious what type of fire hose you use? Sorry for all the questions, just super eager to get the project rolling :)
I would think maybe 2 tapered 100 laminates with .040 glass for a 40# 60” recurve. The grain is not as important with laminated bows because the glass and epoxy make up the integrity.
Beautiful bow, I checked out your website, you do awesome work. I'll probably never make one but the way you explain the process is easy to understand, you're also good at teaching. What product do you use to spray the finish on?
I use Thunderbird conversion laquer sprayed from a gravity feed gun with my compressor.
My biggest question is how you determine with the selected bow wood your thickness to = poundage of bow. Can you add any insight on this?
Awesome video man, just what I was looking for! my question to you is do you have to put everything in an oven to get a decent bond? Or is pressure and air drying a good alternative?
It has to be heated. I've heard of people leaving it in the sun on a hot day instead of cooking it, but I've never tried it.
Why do you mean an oven ? Did not you glue them with epoxy and press them with the mold ? What does the oven have to do with anything ? Awesome video, by the way. thank you !
Dimitris Tripakis He was talking about a hotbox. It is a box where the mold goes into and inside the box are light bulbs. They heat up so the glue cures =]
I believe I bought that scribing compass from Rockler. It was probably 15 years ago, and I can't be sure about it. It doesn't have any brand name or any other markings on it. Sorry I can't be more help.
How do you exercise the bow to bend the limbs?
The information you're looking for is at 18:06. Volume up.
what happens if you don't have that positive tiller on top limb?
I've never experimented with this, but I would assume if it's way off, you wouldn't be able to get your arrows tuned right. If it's close, I'd think you can adjust the arrow spine and knock height, and get your arrows flying straight. Then it would take some time and getting used to for you to adjust to the different point of impact, compared to other bows that are tillered correctly.
Hey man so I’m building my first laminated recurve normally build self bows I was wondering if you could help me with a limb recipe for say a 55 60 lb or so I have bamboo flats and .05 and 0.04 glass for back and belly the bamboo is @1 mm thick all is 1.75 wide if you get time please let me know can’t seem to get a straight answer from anybody and I know people don’t gas every single time they make a bowl there must be some information on I’m making a 60 pound bowl. This is what I need but I can’t seem to find it anyway have a good day and thanks a lot for your videos, I like the attention to detail. Just wish I had the patience lol.
The bamboo is parallel not tapered? What thickness is it?
1mm I have some extra I was going to try to taper if it’s better
All the variables matter. So it is trial and error until you figure it out from your records. The length, width and mold will affect the results. I think you’re close with what you’ve listed. I would taper the bamboo, cut the limbs down the 1-1/2” width (after it’s glued up). If you want it shorter than 60”, it will probably be too heavy.
Thanks man I appreciate your time as soon as my ducks line up I’m gonna give it hell . Take care
What is the thickness of the laminate woods?
Where do bvb you get your wood and fiberglass lamination?
OMC Bowyer's Supply
Do you run the taper on the back or belly side?
I use all tapers. So both.
Ok thanks!! Most of the kits I looked at were one paralle andl one taper at .002" so Im guessing just run 2 tapers @.001" ?
Yes. Use an .001 taper on front and back. No parallel lams.
Perfect thanks fella!!
What type of compass is that? I have never seen or found one.
Trend makes a scribe tool like it
Do you sell your custom bows?
Not right now. Im just doing hobby projects now.
why not attach sandpaper to your riser and sand your form with it to get a good fit.
That's a good thought. I wouldn't attach sand paper to the riser and sand the mold because it would change the mold every time. But it seems like it could work if you put sand paper on the mold and sand the riser with it.
Be careful sanding those exotic woods. Some are toxic!
how much your bows cost
My prices are on my website. solo-custom.com
can i do this with fiberglass and how did you make the template
I have another video titled. "Making a Recurve Bow Mold". This bow is a combination of wood and fiberglass. If you want to make one out of only fiberglass, I would assume it will work. But I've never done it.
im a 14 year old and i want to make my first bow
and how thick should the limbs of the bow be i want it to be 30lbs
what glue do you use and can i use some kin of cloth for the bow material
I have another video titled. "Making a Recurve Bow Mold". This bow is a combination of wood and fiberglass. If you want to make one out of only fiberglass, I would assume it will work. But I've never done it.
sippp
Dude if this is what your looking for then it cool but if u really want a bow with power try making a bow using a old pair of snow skis got Damm it's strong m o joke try it...
Two words I like to repeat: Eye Protection.
What good is making your own bow if you can't see where your target is.
Blablbalablablablablabla...