I am curious about laminated bow building...what are a some of the 'gotta have' tools to get started? It will probably take me quite sometime to accumalate everything that I need because I have to watch my spending, but what would the essential minimum tools be to make a laminated bow?
Flyboy... for minimal tool approach, check out the web site Poorfolk Bows: http://poorfolkbows.com/
For a discussion of what's required for a power tool shop, see my site: www.dickwightman.com (http://www.dickwightman.com) click on Archery Activities, then on How I Build a Bow. I'll freely admit that I am over the top in terms of tools (I'm a large tool junkie), but I have a panel in the page on how to put together a minimal large power tool shop
Best advice: Study all of the ways of bow building you can, whether they're the way you want to do it or not. Almost everything you study will give you some ideas you can use. Won't be long before you're putting those ideas together and evolving your own way.
No matter what way you go, you're gonna have fun!
Dick gives some good advice and a couple good links.
When you get a little better idea of what you want to build, I highly recommend the instructional videos from Bingham's.
I agree with what John says above reference BinghamProjects. They are pretty straight forward and is a pretty good starting place. Check Kenny Ms website as he has lots of neat tips. And if you can do it find a bow building bud in your own area. If they are like me they will share tons of information..
Where are you located, I am across the river just north of Vicksburg.
James....................
QuoteOriginally posted by JamesV:
Where are you located, I am across the river just north of Vicksburg.
James....................
near shreveport
Jason, do you ever get down around Alexandria/Pineville? If so maybe I could get you together with My partner and myself and see how he does it and with what tools. I think he gets a kick out of folkes in his his shop interested in building and shooting trad.
Tommy
QuoteOriginally posted by 8PT:
Jason, do you ever get down around Alexandria/Pineville? If so maybe I could get you together with My partner and myself and see how he does it and with what tools. I think he gets a kick out of folkes in his his shop interested in building and shooting trad.
Tommy
Tommy, I don't get down that way much...but if I do, I will let you know ahead of time.
The best repirator and dust collection system you can afford, glass is nasty stuff to have in the air. I have never built a glass bow and probably never will, but the shops I have been in had some serious cash into air cleaners, dust collectors and such. I wouldnt start a bow without it, just my two cents.
Currently all I make are laminated wood bows. Here is a listing of power and hand tools that I use regularly:
Band saw, table saw, planer, belt sander, oscillating spindle sander, multiple sized rasps, files and scrapers.
I would definitely look at a Binghams Kit. I am finishing my oven tomorrow and hopefully cooking my first limb also. This is my first laminated.TD Recurve, 58", 50# @ 28". Hopefully! :pray: !
Have watched Binghams video several times, and keep the booklet at my bench. Ran into a question the other day, couldn't find the answer, called Binghams and Elmont actually was the one to help me through my question. Excellent service.
And from here KennyM is very highly regarded. I will probably get my products (lams, glass, riser wood) from him for my next one. See how addictive this stuff is. Havent even finished my first and talking about my second. LOL