How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?

Not quite.  All I do have a powered hand-held belt sander and finish sander.

QuoteOriginally posted by IronJohn:
How many guys/bowyers here have built a laminated glass recurve/longbow from start to finish using not a power tool?

Not since the mid 90's, but it can be done.  A guy will need a good bench vise, hacksaw, rasps, files, and lots of sand paper.

I did my very first one this way.  68" longbow in the form of a kit from Bingham's.  I was a young guy living in an apartment then.  My balcony was my workshop.

If it's a one piece, or even two piece, it'll be very doable.

What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help!

"What power tools would be the minimum to make take down bows? Thanks for the help! "

Electric drill and belt sander.  I dont have a drill press, bandsaw nor spindle sander.


I saw somewhere this guy built a takedown in his apartment using a hand saw and other basic hand tools.  The bow was absolutely incredible.  Albeit  wood though.