I was hoping some of you vets can show a rookie what is needed for a decent bow baking oven. I tried a search and came up with articles that mention the oven, but not actually making one.

Any pics, descriptions, etc. how heat is made (lights or elements?) Just whatever you can tell me about you or a friend's oven.

Thanks!!

the Bingham projects vids all show oven construction in detail. jim

QuoteOriginally posted by AALLFAB:
the Bingham projects vids all show oven construction in detail. jim

Thanks for the head's up Jim, but searching that site for "bow ovens" or "ovens" just brought up products to purchase, like the 58" recurve kit. Part of the reason I'm taking to the whole "make your own bow" idea is cause it can be feesible on an unemployed budget. I'll keep searching it tho!

I built one for ~$40 (including thermometer) following this build along.
http://www.poorfolkbows.com/hotbox.htm   I works great.
Good luck.

Now that's what i'm talking about Bill! Thank you.

Fish, go to his home page and follow his fiberglass lam build along. His site is what got me started.

just like jim said....order one of the Bingham's bow building instructional video's and it will show you in detail how to build both a oven and a press....I bought one on building 68"longbow's and it has everything you need in it...Steve

This is my hot box, it uses 4 100W bulbs. I have tested to 190 degrees F.I usually cook at 160. The tray in the bottom slides out for loading. Heat is controlled with a dimmer switch that is a push on/off type. I like the end loader for my applications. If you use large forms and clamps you would probably opt for a front loader, or top loader. I use a dial thermometer to monitor the temp.


The insulation is the bubble type heating duct wrap.

After thinking about it more I definitely want to go with something more durable than rigid insulation. I was already considering a bunch of scrap osb so that helps a lot fixer. Your photos of the dimmer and the thermometer are even better tips and are certainly appreciated. What are your rough dimensions on that hoss? It looks like 8'l x 16"w x 2'h?

Very nice bro. Thanks again.

The outside dimensions are 78.5"length 18" high and 11" wide. I used porcelain fixtures for heat resistance. By removing eight screws the top panel comes off for bulb replacement. The dimmer switch fits in a dovetail so it is removable when the top is removed thus all of the electrical stays in one unit. Hope this helps.
Have fun and stay safe!!