Why trilam??

[Bvas]

Why does it seem that non fiberglass bows are either one piece(selfbows) or trilams?

Why no quadlams or pentalams?

Is it just the K.I.S.S. method? And three is all that is needed?

[goobersan]

because Roy says so      

[Roy from Pa]

DATS RIGHT.....

[BMorv]

Yeah I think you got it.  3 lams bend nicely and you can pick a suitable backing, core, and belly wood.  IMO, Anything more would over complicate things and be more trouble than its worth.

[Roy from Pa]

Those Ohio boys can't count past 3..  LOL

[Bvas]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Those Ohio boys can't count past 3..  LOL

Can to.
I still gots all me fingers to help     :D

I just didn't know if more lams could be beneficial.
Possibly reduce the chances of set or failure.

[mwosborn]

I would think you could do more lams.  However, your back and belly might get to be a little thin?  Three lams allow for some R/D - not sure that additional lams would benefit much?  Don't know though!

[Bowjunkie]

Three lams are generally thin enough to allow bending into the profiles we like, yet allows enough thickness in the belly lam for tillering and weight reduction without ever going through it into the glue joint.

That said, I make several types of bows, not just selfbows and trilams. But it does seem like what's mostly discussed here.

[Krasus]

I thought it was cause Roy only has 3 fingers on his right hand. Jk  

[Roy from Pa]

Cody, don't make me come up there boy.. LOL