Who has made their own recurve? Need some advise.

stick flipper · November 21, 2010, 07:20:00 AM

I have been thinking about a winter project to do and have come up with building a bow. I have made an Osage selfbow and have thought about making a fiberglass bow. I have no experience and would have to start from scratch with everything. I have been thinking about the bingham project package which is like $325 for everything except a few things like the heat box. Is there any other "packages" for the first time bowyer out there? Or is there something you could suggest? Any info./advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chris

ranger 3 · November 21, 2010, 07:47:00 AM

You need to post this in the The Bowyer's Bench

sulphur · November 21, 2010, 09:37:00 AM

read a lot of build alongs on this site and others. You need to know a lot of info about tillering and forms and lam thickness and taper rate and the list goes on for a while. I did about 6 months of research before i attempted a fiberglass bow. that being said the binghams projects are great because they come with a dvd and instruction manual. pricey, i know but is probably your best chance for success quickly.

Swissbow · November 21, 2010, 10:08:00 AM

Check out the build alongs from bjansen. He has done some fantastic recurves.

I have also done a few recurves so far and I have some information stuff on my website. Check out the download section.

http://swissbow.com/

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Andy

Bradford · November 21, 2010, 11:11:00 AM

If you think mechanically... you know, good with your hands around the house.. it really is not that hard.

Like everyone says.. read up and research. If you have the tools already, then you can make everything you need. I just bought some materials and the blueprints from Binghams and then made my own. Spent maybe 175 on my first one. Then it gets a little cheaper as you go along.

It's way worth it! Have fun

Ravenclaw · November 22, 2010, 02:36:00 PM

Binghams is probably the easiest way for success on the first bow. I still have my first one. Take your time and ask questions. Alot of experience here!

ChristopherO · November 23, 2010, 07:03:00 AM

I went another route from Binghams as I wanted another style of recurve than they offer.
Taking only the profile from the limbs of the Herter's target recurve my Dad purchased in 1960 combined with a redesigned handle riser to create a bit more stylish 62" bow instead of the standard 68" bow from that era.
Using freezer paper to lay out the dimensions and to line up the new riser section for proper placement and fade angle was the main prepwork. Transfering this over to the form was then accomplished simply by first making a 1/4" couple patterns of the various parts.
Here is a picture of the form in the dry run stage:

The form needs to have a sharp router bit to cut out evenly. I learned that the hardway!
Also, purchasing the various parts for the end caps of the firehose was more expensive than I envisioned. About $40.00 was put into that and more side work as the firehose was not exactly a good fit with the plumbing pieces found locally. It took P&L brand Polyuerathine caulk to seal those Chineese made adapters air tight. Silicone tape just couldn't to it. The BLACK caulk is the best and if must sit days to be cured. Just my experience. Binghams may have a better set up than I worked with. At least the fire hose was free.

The first bow out of the form before shaping. Oh, yes, keep the form on a sturdy, flad suface when screwing together or it will bow under pressure when you install the screws. This will ensure that your cured bow is "bowed" side to side, as well. Nothing like a fiberglass charactor bow, eay? Don't ask me how I know that...

But the final product can turn out nice enough to be happy with,

Full Draw:

And finished riser:

This was my first out of the form and I have another one in the rough and 3 more to build. It is a great diversion and something you will enjoy making.

Be sure to check out KennyM's webpage for additional instructions. He has all the materials for laminations and glue ups, as well. He is a sponsor and great guy that I've purchased all my supplies from.

Jered Shofner · November 23, 2010, 10:12:00 PM

I've struggled with my first couple fiberglass bows. In my limited experience, one piece longbows are about the easiest to make. Kenny M has a nice pattern he will share.

The bingham plans are good, but alligning the limb tips on the 3 piece recurve can be tricky. If I had to start over, I would have made a dozen longbows first.