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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: IronJohn on February 12, 2018, 02:37:00 PM

Title: No power tools
Post by: IronJohn on February 12, 2018, 02:37:00 PM
How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?
Title: Re: No power tools
Post by: KenH on February 12, 2018, 02:47:00 PM
Not quite.  All I do have a powered hand-held belt sander and finish sander.
Title: Re: No power tools
Post by: C. Johnson on February 12, 2018, 02:47:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by IronJohn:
How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?
Not since the mid 90's, but it can be done.  A guy will need a good bench vise, hacksaw, rasps, files, and lots of sand paper.

I did my very first one this way.  68" longbow in the form of a kit from Bingham's.  I was a young guy living in an apartment then.  My balcony was my workshop.
Title: Re: No power tools
Post by: styksnstryngs on February 12, 2018, 03:48:00 PM
If it's a one piece, or even two piece, it'll be very doable.
Title: Re: No power tools
Post by: IronJohn on February 13, 2018, 08:17:00 AM
What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: No power tools
Post by: Wolftrail on February 13, 2018, 12:29:00 PM
"What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help! "

Electric drill and belt sander.  I dont have a drill press, bandsaw nor spindle sander.


I saw somewhere this guy built a takedown in his apartment using a hand saw and other basic hand tools.  The bow was absolutely incredible.  Albeit  wood though.