Osprey aluminum bow form

[Holm-Made]

I got the call from the machine shop owner today that my form was done.  This guy bought a bow from me so I thought I'd return the favor and give him some business.  After making over 100 Osprey longbows and being very happy with them I decided to take the plunge and have a form built that will last me a lifetime.  I still have to make a top for it but I thought I'd share.  I built a cart for it with casters and I can move it around the shop.  I can also check everything from both sides during glue up.  
I had him machine out a jig/fixture at the same time out of dense plastic to fit the form so I can profile the back of my risers.  
This baby is really nice and just perfect.

[Jason Kendall]

Thats not fair, I want one too!

[Pluck Yew]

Chad, That's AWESOME!!!! I built a table out of a door that's an "island" bow form table..I got that idea from you during your MN. bow building weekend...sweet.. can't wait to see it...    

Shawn...

[kennym]

That is too cool Chad!! Bet you will love it!!

[Holm-Made]

Thanks guys.  You wouldn't believe the man hours that went into this form (around 20, give or take).  You don't just plug some numbers into a CNC machine and hit the "on" button.  
The little holes you see at the top of the form have steel coils in them that accept screw threads.  that is where I'll put the adjustable side stops.
The bigger holes in the bottem of the form are just there for aligning the form in the CNC, they do one side then flip it around and do the other side using the holes to line things up.  
I'm excited about it but they don't just give them away you know skilled craftmanship cost $$ as well it should.  Chad

[TNstickn]

Sweet!!!  

[Canadabowyer]

Nice Chad,that should last a while!!!Would you post a pic when you have a bow on it?  Bob

[bjansen]

Looks great Chad!

[rkmnt2]

looks prett nice Chad. What's the weight of it?

[Tim Fishell]

That is some good looking machine work right there!!  I am an engineer in a machine shop and we have a few CNC machines.  Like Chad said there is a bit of work that goes into programming and running a machine.  That is a great form and it should serve you well for lots and lots of years Chad.    

[Holm-Made]

It weigh 48# the without the top.  I plan to use heat strips and never take it off the cart.  Chad