Guys,

I am sort of looking for a winter project and have got the u finish bug again.  Did a little searching and there doesnt seem to be a ton out there about them.  If possible I would like to get a recurve kit??? but havent seen anything like that so would probably have to settle for an R/D longbow.  

1.  Who is currently producing u finish kits?

2.  What is everyones experience with them?   Do they result in good bows?  Is something that the son of a wood shop teacher could handle?    

3.  What sort of tools are necessary?

I have always been intrigued by them but has just never worked out so any info or advise would be great.

C

Howard hill archery sells bow blanks..

Partially finished bows may be ordered with a traditional straight handle in any of our longbow models. The blank comes to you fully glued up and already aligned and tillered. You need to cut in the arrow rest, finish sanding nock grooves and limbs -- rounding the edges, then seal it with a finish. A rattail file, flat file, and sanding paper are the only tools you will need.

Little more involved

http://www.pinehollowlongbows.com/Bow_Kits.html

I'm sure there are others, those are just a couple I remembered.

What type of recurve are you looking for?  One piece or takedown?  I would think if you twisted the right arm you could get what you wanted.  If you found a proven design then the outcome would depend on your attention to detail to make a fine bow.

I think Jess is right on ... everything in life is negotiable ... get on the horn and start asking.

My guess is alot of bowyers would be happy to ship you a blank if you wanted for the right price.

Hey Caleb, how far into Nebraska are you from Mo?

If you could get a 2 to 3 day period I'd be happy to have you in for a bow building good time.

Got an extra bedroom in the shop.

Ron

I believe those boo backed glue up at Pine Hollow are made by James Parker. If that is the case they will be well made.
I think the glue up at 3Rivers are made by RudderBows.

Thanks for the input guys.  Seems like most of the blanks available are for flatbows or Hill style longbows.  Will keep looking but not a huge amount of options out there at first glance.

Macbow, Man that would be awesome but I live in the North Platte which is a pretty good trek from MO so I dont know if it is that feasible or not.  Too bad, sounds like it would be a great experience

C

Your up there a good poke. Looks like it would be a 8 hr drive.

Invitation stands for the future if it would work out.

Ron

Call mike at pine hollow and get the James Parker blank.  Really easy to finish out.  Took about an hour and I was spraying finish on it.  Sweet shooting bow too.  

Shawn

Are you looking for a glass backed blank or all wood?  

For glass backed you are welcome to look over my web site.  I sell blanks and the directions are posted on my site.
Mike

Old Master Crafters has fiberglass glueups available.

I would recommend 7 Lakes He just started making his shorty bows again. I finished one of his longbow cedar blanks It is awesome.
Joe

Thanks everyone,  Will look into this stuff and see what works out.  

C

Those Parker glue-ups that Mike Yancey is selling are very r/d bows...some may even be bamboo back and belly... they will shoot right there with most glass bows...better than some.  The other Mike...at 7 Lakes also makes his own glue-ups and does an excellent job on them.  He will sell you one of all wood or glass back/belly...he makes both.
Have fun!
Bob

I just finished a kids longbow blank from 7 Lakes Longbows. Turned out great and I would definitely purchase another one!

Got a PM from someone last night regarding this thread but today it is gone.  I must have accidentally deleted.  Can whoever please send again???

C