Hello all. I've been a lurker here for some time now. This is my first post, so if I haven't done everything correct please let me know.  I've had the goal of making my own bow for years and I have used this site as my main source of information. So, I would like to thank you all for everything you share.

About build #1:

I've been a recurve guy for years, but I've always wanted to try a longbow. More specifically, a belly-mount 3-piece longbow. Now, I know this is not even close to the easiest build to start with, but I went into this with patience and an understanding that I would more than likely fail. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

I cut and ground my own core lams from bamboo flooring, using black glass back and belly. The riser is hard Maple, I-beam construction. Painted black with spalted Walnut overlays. Even made my own Flemish Twist string too!

Bow #1 specs: 58" ntn, 65# @ 28". 12" riser.

Performance: She came out a little heavier than I wanted, but it was a WAG on stack thickness. Draw cycle has some stack towards full draw, but its manageable and should be easy to fix on the next bow. After release she has surprisingly good manners. Minimal hand shock, very quiet and good arrow speed.

Everything ended up much better than I expected on my first bow. A little tweaking and I'll have a bow design I'm very happy with.

Once again, thank you all for freely sharing so much knowledge and experience.

I'll try to get a full-draw pic posted soon.


 

 

 

 

Looks like you did a nice job with fitting the limbs to the riser. Great work!

Nice

Nice looking bow! Great job for a first one too!!

Very nice.

Well done.

Good job for a first or even 100th build, looks good.