I want to add reflex in my bows and it is time I make a new form. I have 1 that is a straight taper , it works but not as good as I want, so I am looking for a sugestion on the form layout to give me about 3" reflex on a 62 to 66" longbow. Can some of the experienced guys sugest a good profile to acomplish this starting with the center being 0" and the amount of drop at the important intervals along the way.I usualy make my handle/fade 10" long.
Thanks
Pete
Hey Pete, Here's a link to a thread with some dimensions for a couple of reflex cauls. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for but I remembered seeing it before and thought I'd post it up for you...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002695
rick
Hi Pete . What I did with my cauls is use a metal yardstick which is flexible and fix it with two nails in the middle of an 8 foot 2X6. Then I placed two nails at the 6 ft mark on each end and put the yardstick which is flexible in between the nails at the center and the end.If you place the end nails down 3 inches you will have a gradual reflex. Mark the shape with a marker along the bendy yardstick then jig saw or recip out and then sand.It worked for me and all the bows I made in the cauls were Perry reflex which means I glued backing on while the main bow was in the caul inducing tension into the belly and compression in the backing. I drilled 1nch and a quarter holes every 3 inches under the arc of the caul and used c clamps to hold my work .
Perfect. Thanks guys.I will have a better caul tomorow.
Pete