Wise Folks,
I have done a few successful selfbows now and although intend to keep making them I am looking for a new challenge.
I have looked at the Binghams kit and it looks interesting but I am really wanting to some bows of the scythian design. My questions are this...
What list of essential tools do I need for doing laminate bows? I would like to be able to do everything in house.
How large of investment is it?
How difficult is the Scythian design over a regular recurve? I want to build short, fast bows.
I know a got a lot to learn on this endeavor but that is most of the fun. Thanks Folks, John
I started up a couple years back. As far as tools go, you can go high end or low end and make out well either way. I documented how I work, plus how I made my forms, oven, etc. I try to do everything. I hunt out my own wood and make my lams and risers. Check out "Archery Activities" at www.dickwightman.com (http://www.dickwightman.com)
Wow! Dick, that is some detailed stuff you put up there. I thank you very much for the link and will study it thoroughly as time allows. I may try to contact you some time to pick your brain. I know it will take me a while to get started but it is something I've set my mind on doing. I am in the research stage right now.
I have a drill press and borrowed and table saw right now. Hope to add a good table saw, drum and belt sanders to the workshop by next spring. I have a hot box but I am getting about 100 degrees out of it...need to reduce its volume I think. Again thanks.
One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.
QuoteOriginally posted by IdahoCurt:
One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.
I have been thinking about that. Those things are expensive though but better than having hickory lung I guess LOL.
QuoteOriginally posted by briarjumper12:
QuoteOriginally posted by IdahoCurt:
One piece of equipment and maybe the most important that I'm happy about is buying the best dust collection system I could afford.Bow building makes lots of harmful dust.
I have been thinking about that. Those things are expensive though but better than having hickory lung I guess LOL. [/b]
I wound up getting a dust collector(jet dust dog), jet air filter(hangs off ceiling) and I wear a respirator while doing any sanding or finishing.Some may think it's overkill but better to be safe than sorry with this hobby.
Watch Craig's List for your dust collecter. They come up in my area quite often. You have to be selective about what you buy. Make sure you get a 5 micron bag max. 1 micron would be better yet. These bags are kind of pricie if you buy them as replacements.Mine came with a 30 micron which was only good for cathing chips. The 5 micron cost me around $50.Got a good enough price on the unit to still make it a good deal.
Ed
I hook a shop vac to my equipment, not perfect but helps a lot and is cheap
QuoteOriginally posted by JamesV:
I hook a shop vac to my equipment, not perfect but helps a lot and is cheap
I do have a shop vac...something to think about.