I am new here, and thank you for letting me join this forum.
I am wanting to build a pyramid bow. I live in a condo, and have just a little space to work on my patio. I don't have room for a table saw.
I am planning on using a 1/2" thick board, then gluing on the handle like Eric Krewson uses on this link.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=010659
Can anyone tell me where I could get a board that is 1/2" thick in the Dallas, TX area? Or possibly somewhere I could get a board I bought from Lowes or Home Depot planed down?
Thanks
A "1x anything" board is actually like 3/4" thick. Nothing wrong with working a board thats to thick.
You will have to use hand tools for wood removal. Get a good rasp and the wood will melt away. Nicholson #49 or #50 (or better yet, both) or a farrier's rasp will get it done.
I have never used a table saw for making bows. My first 25 or so bows were made with hand tools only. That is the best way to do it when you are starting out anyway.
I second John, but take note of the "good rasp" part. Don't just go out and get any ole rasp from Lowes/Home Depot, and I cannot in good conscious recommend the 3 pack blue handled rasp/chisel combo that Nicholson makes. They will work, but you will want to smash them with a hammer and stab yourself with your wood before your done rasping that board down with them.
Can't agree more, I used what I could buy in the home stores and when I finally bought a farriers rasp, I could not believe how much time an energy I had wasted before.
Another option for removing wood is a surform or better yet a Shinto rasp...here are a couple of links. Good luck! When you get started post a lot of questions and pics - these guys here are good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocey3lPX0X0
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/tools/shinto/