I have a dilemma, I need to make a takedown longbow form and I'm trying not to go out and stay home for this Virus thing. Would MDF work for a form? I have plenty of 3/4 MDF but no plywood. The limbs would be 1 1/2" so it would work if it is strong enough.

I use MDF on all my forms.  I try to keep them a little thicker  (wider) than when using plywood.  I also skin them with 1/4"or 3/8" plywood. No problems  at all only drawback makes for a heavy form.

Quote from: jess stuart on April 01, 2020, 03:13:49 PM
I use MDF on all my forms.  I try to keep them a little thicker  (wider) than when using plywood.  I also skin them with 1/4"or 3/8" plywood. No problems  at all only drawback makes for a heavy form.

Do you put them a hot box,if so what temp.

Yep in the hotbox.  I think my oven goes off at 180 degrees and on at 160 degrees.  It is the Bighams thermostat.

Jess, do you use a formica strip or something over the MDF? I add formica to my plywood or LVL forms.

If you use it like Jess said and skin it I think it will be fine. And dont let moisture get to it.

Good Deal  problem solved. Thanks guys.

Usually I add a strip of glass or a maple lam.  Like Mike said keep it dry

Thanks, I keep all my forms away from moisture. 

Jess do you have a picture of a form you could post, I'm having a problem envisioning putting plywood skins on there?

Don't listen to those guys... The wetter the better... A fire hose helps if you got one...   

Yep some stay wet 

[attachment=1,msg2914406] I have only used Cabinet Grade Plywood. See where I use the small pieces of 1/2 inch plywood to build out where the straps are... I think Jess is adding a full piece of Plywood to within 1 inch of the top of the form ( where your bow lams are) and another full piece on the top of the form leaving a space so hose does not distort.... I am lucky that I have a cabinet shop just 2 miles from my house and can get wood there most any time. Picture is a Dry Run..thats why there is no plastic or smooth on squeeze out everywhere

Thanks Robertfishes that's what I was thinking but wasn't sure. Nice looking bow you have going there. 

Thanks, that was the first bow off of that form. The form is the first kennym 62/64 design. I only built two 64" bows on it, I found it made a heck of a 66" longbow, made about 25 of those 66" bows. The first 64" is my Wifes bow and she has won a few trophies with it..but has won or placed more with the 66" zebrawood bow I made her..

That's outstanding and good for her.

The form I'm making is for Kenny's takedown longbow plans.

I have one MDF form I made before I heard they break in the hotbox from a couple folks.  I put fairly large plywood squares at the bolts(where they broke) with plenty of screws. I've intended to build a new one but just haven't taken time. It has made a lot of bows and hasn't broke yet but I don't trust it. I really need to make a new one from plywood....

Kenny you should post a pic of that old timer form I won't be building a lot of bows, I don't think.