Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting How to build a laminated bow

In order to evaluate the bow form, I built a mock up. I bought a pine, 2 x 6 and cut it into strips that were .065 thick.




Before gluing the strips together, I protected the form with two layers of tape. It will be easier to remove and replace the tape then it will be to try and chip away any excess glue from the form.




Next, I covered the surfaces of the form with plastic wrap to keep it clean.




I used yellow wood glue for the mock up. It did not require the oven box. Once all the layers were covered in glue, I used clamps and strips of rubber inner tube to compress the layers.




In the center section (where the riser will be) I added a few extra strips.




After 24 hours, I removed the clamps and the plastic wrap. There was no "Spring back" or relaxing of the wood strips. I then took the mock up and reversed it on the form to see if it was symmetrical and it fit the form equally in either orientation.




I checked for twists in the limbs and found none.

[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/joshbow137.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/joshbow138.jpg[/img]


I then placed the riser against my chest and grabbed both limb tips and began to flex the bow. Since I did not have any fade outs and the ridged glue does not like to flex (and the pine had many knots) both limbs broke

[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/joshbow139.jpg[/img]


This allowed me to nest the limbs and look for any twists or differences between the two. Everything looked good.

[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/joshbow141.jpg[/img]


I think all is ready to assemble Josh's bow. I will want to baby sit the oven box for the 8 hours that it will cook