Long Bow Buildalong

[Short Draw]

Ok.

The bow I am building is taken from a lot of different styles.
It was drawn out full size on paper and reworked until it looked right.
The nice thing is it is easy to built and really not many tools are required.
The glass is part of the inside handle and full length so the bow is strong.
The bow is a slight reflex on the ends and will comply with the IBO rules for long bows when strung.
This bow will be between 40 and 45 pounds at 30 inch draw and 66 inches long..

Said I would document the making of one of my long bows.

So here goes.

First the tools required.

A hot box capable of hitting 180 degrees.

Custom bow form with fire hose.

Riser insert making tool.

[Short Draw]

The bow parts.

Two black fiberglass strips, .040 thick.
Two actionboo strips, .120 thick.
Riser wood Brazilian Rosewood.

Cutting the block of wood and a picture of the cut parts.

Sanding the insert part of the riser.
end result of the sanding. Ends are really nice knife edges.

Tomorrow will be the setting up of the bow and gluing.

[barking mad]

Too cool.

-bm.

[stevelong]

Erich, that's pretty awesome, if I tried it it would end up looking like a 2x4.

[aroadik]

Erich is that you :confused: COOL ! good job mate.

[Short Draw]

Yup Pete.

That be me.
Funny hat and all.

Erich

[Short Draw]

Tonight the assembling of the bow.

Strips masked off.

Final dry assembly.

Smooth on and the other equipment used.

[Short Draw]

Applying Smooth On.

Final assembly before going into the bow jig.

Next set of pictures is the bow jig with the bow.
The filament tape is used to keep the bow together until the hose is inflated.

Finally the lights are going out for the evening.

Erich

[barking mad]

Great stuff, Erich.
Keep it coming.

-bm.

[aroadik]

:whathesaid: keep the safety gear on (the hat) :lol:

[Short Draw]

Thanks Pete, I think.

Will skip a couple of days until Monday.
Going to an auction today and a 3D tournament Sunday.

Erich

[1bjd]

Hey Erich!
NICE! If it comes in underweight you have my address?
John

[Bowbender Mike]

I'm enjoying this, thanks for posting it.

[aroadik]

Good luck with both !

[talleywho]

Thanks for posting the step-by step, seeing the process is different from what I imagined making a longbow would be. My hats off to you! -Michael

[Short Draw]

Had a little time this evening to take the bow out of the box and remove the plastic.

All the glue on the bow is what squeezed out with the fire hose.

The bow took 4.2 oz. of Smooth On and all of it will be sanded off tomorrow.

The large lumps are at the fadeout to ensure a good bond.

Stay tuned.

Erich

[Short Draw]

Hey Erich!
NICE! If it comes in underweight you have my address?
John

Yes I do have your address.
Weight should hit about 42 to 45 @ 30 inch draw.

Erich

[Short Draw]

Continuation Day 4.

Well, sanded off the epoxy.

The bow is now 68 inches long.
It will be 66 when finished.
Bow blank is now ready for marking.

Once center is marked I mark the fade out end and draw an line across the limb.
The end of the limb is measure 1/2 inch so 1/4 on either side of center.
Draw a line from the fade out to the end.
Saw off the excess and then sand the limb.
It's a straight cut all the way.
Measure with a Vernier calipers so both limbs are the same width.
Do this at 2 inch intervals and make sure the tip of the calipers always point to the handle when measuring. Don't ask how I know.

The tiller is measure and came out at 7 1/2 inches on both sides.
Perfect for three under.
Put it on the scale and it scaled out at 45 1/2 pounds.
So back to the sander and removed another .010 from the sides and remeasure the bow limb width again.
The bow scaled out at 41 pounds.
Right on the money.
This bow will come out at 45@30 with a 66 inch bow.

Next the handle and nocks will be added.

Until next time...........

Erich

[Short Draw]

Owning a boat shop really makes life easier.
The sander is a General 89X6 Sander.
Band saw is a Delta with a six inch extension.
Saw blade is a special one for cutting composites and has carbide grit for the cutting edge.
Cuts fiberglass really nice with no breakouts.

Erich

[stevelong]

Erich, that's just so cool, you be da real bowmeister.
Thanks for posting all the pics & buildalong.
I'm really enjoying this trip.

[Short Draw]

Thanks Steve.

It is really easy to do.

Glad you like it.

Erich

[aroadik]

I have been enjoying this, Thanks Erich !

[Willie]

Really nice to see it done, thanks

[Roger Sr.]

Erich,
This is a very good thread I'm really enjoying it Can't wait to see the finished bow