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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: ckanous on March 17, 2011, 04:48:00 PM

Title: Form width
Post by: ckanous on March 17, 2011, 04:48:00 PM
If I have a 1 1/2" wide limb form can I still make 1 1/4" limbs on it?  I assume it's just a matter of cutting it down to my desired width right.
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: Sixby on March 17, 2011, 05:34:00 PM
Cut all your lams exactly 1 1/2 inches and use washers on the side of your forms and you can. I use 1 3/4 in to end up with 1 1/2.
God Bless you, Steve
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: Apex Predator on March 18, 2011, 05:36:00 AM
That's what I do!
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: ckanous on March 18, 2011, 06:43:00 AM
Sounds like thats what I'm gonna try Apex. Do you use 1 1/2 material Apex or can you get 1 1/4 material?
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: Apex Predator on March 18, 2011, 07:16:00 AM
Start with 1 1/2" and work them down to exact dimensions.
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: T Folts on March 18, 2011, 07:19:00 AM
I use a 1.5" form and my finished bows are real close to 1.4 after cleanup and final sanding.
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: Dick in Seattle on March 18, 2011, 10:11:00 PM
I also use 1 1/2" form.  After removal from the form, I grind off glass squeeze out, then drum sand it down to a nice square blank, usually about 1.40 before I like it overall.   Then, depending on the poundage I want, I grind down to 1.24 for heavier bows and 1.1 for my usual light bows.   This is for real longbows, can't speak to RD's or recurves, which often have wider limbs and I assume would start from wider forms.
Title: Re: Form width
Post by: ckanous on March 19, 2011, 07:04:00 AM
Thanks for the help guys. I'm getting closer to knocking out my first glue up, wish me luck!!