Hi,

I am a west coast Canuck with zero bow building experience, but tons of woodworking under my belt.

I want to build my first bow and while I have read everything I can, I am the kind of guy who learns a lot more from doing than reading.  So, the purpose of the first bow is really just to learn and if I am lucky, have something to shoot at a straw bale while I work on the next one,

I have decided on a recurve with two tapered hard maple laminations, and a thin walnut lam to give it a pinstripe.  The bow will be backed with fibreglass.

The total length will be 62" with the limbs tapering from a width of 1 1/2" to 1/2" and a thickness of 1/2" to 3/8"

I am hoping to achieve a draw length of 30" with a draw weight of 40lb or less.  

Where I would really appreciate some help, is if someone could look at these figures and tell me where I should adjust my starting point if I am way off base.  What I am doing is not precise, and if I end up with a any shootable bow I will be happy, the goal is to learn.

Thank you

For  a Reflex Deflex
https://www.kennysarchery.com/laminations-1/

For a recurve
https://www.binghamprojects.com/categories.php

My 2 cents

Seems kinda thick.

QuoteOriginally posted by monterey:
Seems kinda thick.

Yes.  Total thickness of a "typical" glass recurve would be more in the area of .25" at the fades for a bow around 45-55# depending upon the design.  Also a typical recurve would not have a straight taper in width from the fades to the tip.  I would go with a proven design as already suggested for a first bow.  I like your idea of jumping in and learn by doing!  Good luck and ask questions here.

Draw weight  chart

https://www.binghamprojects.com/Bow%20Draw%20Weight%20Chart.pdf

If your doing glass bows is a good idea to start working in thousands of a inch.  Exmpl.  .005"