What tools or gadgets have you found that were never intended to use as a bow making tool, or anything related to archery, that really works.

There is  a thread on here now about hockey skates as scrapers.  Great Idea

I know that used jointer/planner blades work awesome as well as do a pair of scissors taken apart.

Ceramic insulators make great sharpening or honing tools as well as arrow straighteners.

What have you found you would like to share?

My draw knife is made from an old lawn mower blade.

I turned our wedding cake knife and server into  scrapers.

you must have some big ones scrub-buster. I don't think I'd be willing to take my life into my own hands for a scraper.

CABINET scrapers?

Nicholson #49 and #50 PATTERN MAKERS rasps?

CHAINSAW files?

I don't use a single tool that was designed to make bows.  I have used many that were but none ever held my fancy like the tried and true above.

But, I think I know what you are getting at.  Old hand saws and bandsaw blades make great scrapers.  I have made draw knives from old files.  I used to use a surform rasp a lot.

Farriers rasp will really trim wood fast.

Take apart a good pair of scissors and use it as a scraper.

QuoteOriginally posted by fireball31:
you must have some big ones scrub-buster. I don't think I'd be willing to take my life into my own hands for a scraper.

I asked first.  Since neither one of us plan on getting married again she didn't care.

don't know if this qualifies as "out there" enough, but i use a small block plane to take my boards down to profile.  Can get really close to the line and very str8!

Small sledge hammer and a hatchet sure make spliting them down easier.  I want a froe.

Paper for backing.

Any tips or thoughts on a cheap, DIY thickness scribe or marking tool for limb thickness?

Thanks~

Bench vise.....and some cool 1/4 x 1.5 x 4 medium-hard urethane sheets I snagged from work to pad clamps and vise jaws. They may be my best find yet.

Limb thickness:  see the tool 4est uses in his buildalong.  

I WAS having a bad day, but i just picked up some more bowmaking tools AND a 50# fish scale for $5 at Wallyworld     Thot i was gonna have to spend a lot more than that!!

One thing I forgot was my favorite scraper that doubles as a fillet knife.  

My favorite thickness tool for wood bows are my fingers. I put the limb edge between my thumb and forefinger and move it down the limb or across the limb. Your fingers can feel differences your eyes can't see.

Thanks Pat, I'll have to pick a set of those up sometime soon  

I have 4 eyes and still can't see it:)

When Dad died in '89 he left me a bunch of tools. In particular, I use the surform he left me all the time for every bow. He also left me a old meat cleaver. Made a great scraper but now I use a Swedish push knife as a scraper. Jawge