Need First Bow Help!

[Python014]

Hello all! I'm wanting to build my first recurve in shop class, but I really have no idea where to start. I have so many questions that I dont even know where to begin. I've researched bingham's but I dont want to spend 300 for their starter kit. They also dont sell plans for a 54" bow which is what I am wanting. I think I have everything I need but I'm not 100% sure. There is a guy at my local archery shop that has built a recurve but it is rare when he comes in. I want to build a take down bow also. If I think of anything else I will add to this. This is what I want it to look like
https://blackwidowbows.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=763

[Mad Max]

I think     54" is to short for your first bow
You have to find or make your own form and figure out the stack thickness, you could spend even more  than 300.00

300.00 is not bad, you will be able to build more bows off that form for about 100.00 each, maybe less.

Just my opinion.    

[Al Dean]

Knowledge does not come cheap.  $300 for everything but you form and oven wood is not very expensive.

[macbow]

These guys speak from experience.
A short bow is more of a challenge than a longer bow.
You best bet would be to find someone close that has the forms etc. If you want to build a fiberglass bow.

What part of Mo.?

I only dabble,with wood backed with bamboo.

[KenH]

A three-piece bow like that really isn't an easy first project.  A one-piece recurve like my latest one is relatively easy and inexpensive:

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=011923


For a 3-piece bow, there are several places online where you can find patterns for a 3-piece bow riser similar (but not necessarily exactly like the Black Widow riser you show.

There are less expensive ways to make separate limbs like that, using rubber-band type forms and plywood or wide dimension lumber for the form.

You DO NOT need a bow oven, or an air-pressure/firehose form to build a bow.  Epoxy will cure just fine as long as the temperature is above 75F, and there are several different style of forms that can be used.

If you'd like additional help, send me a PM.

[Python014]

Originally posted by macbow:
These guys speak from experience.
A short bow is more of a challenge than a longer bow.
You best bet would be to find someone close that has the forms etc. If you want to build a fiberglass bow.

What part of Mo.?

I only dabble,with wood backed with bamboo.

Thanks for the help. What do you think about a 58"? I'm building this in my high school shop class and there is already a form made for that and an oven. How would I go about backing with bamboo? Ive read a little about it but I dont know what really the whole process is. And I'm in Southwest MO

[Python014]

Originally posted by KenH:
A three-piece bow like that really isn't an easy first project.  A one-piece recurve like my latest one is relatively easy and inexpensive:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=011923  


For a 3-piece bow, there are several places online where you can find patterns for a 3-piece bow riser similar (but not necessarily exactly like the Black Widow riser you show.

There are less expensive ways to make separate limbs like that, using rubber-band type forms and plywood or wide dimension lumber for the form.

You DO NOT need a bow oven, or an air-pressure/firehose form to build a bow.  Epoxy will cure just fine as long as the temperature is above 75F, and there are several different style of forms that can be used.

If you'd like additional help, send me a PM.

Thanks I'll look into it

[jsweka]

You wouldn't build a bow like that with a bamboo backing.  You'll need fiberglass.

Honestly, your best bet is to purchase the instructional materials and "kit" from Binghams. $300 might seem like a lot, but that's the best way to make sure you learn how to do it and get a shootable bow.  Trial and error when trying to be cheap will end up costing you more money.  

Also, read as much as you can in books and on the internet.

[SportHunter]

Here is a link to one online build to give you an idea of the process. Also check out youtube for other builds.

http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2011/08/10/ws-build-a-recurve-bow.aspx