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

I got the string for this bow. It even matches the colors of the riser.




Before I could use the new string, I needed to build a tillering tree to check the limbs for even bending. I had a section of treated 2x4 up in the rafters of my garage for a few years so I knew it was good and dry. I drilled a series of 3/4" diameter holes at a 15 degree angle in the edge of the 2x4. The holes are 2 1/2 inches deep. In those holes, I glued short sections of 3/4 inch wooden dowels. I then sanded them to round off any sharp edges.



And marked off the distances along the side.



This is the bow holding end of the tree. I use a piece of leather to protect the riser when I clamp the bow in place.



I attached a plywood base so it would stand by itself.



With the string grooves filed and the tillering tree finished, I strung the bow for the first time. and drew it back. It was a good feeling. I then put it in the tree and drew the bow to a few different lengths to see if the limbs were flexing equally. Here are the pics.



[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/tree6.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/josh%20bow/tree7.jpg[/img]

I can see some differences in the flex of the limbs. I will sand away certain areas to make the limbs act the same.

Lessons learned. I could have left out every other wooden peg. I really don't need one at every inch.