Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: osage outlaw on April 24, 2010, 10:45:34 pm

Title: Bow forms
Post by: osage outlaw on April 24, 2010, 10:45:34 pm

I want to start doing some serious wood bending and was wondering if you guys could show some pictures of what your forms look like.  I will be making self bows, hopefully some R/D, and recurve tips.  I have a bunch of 2x8's that I hope will work.  Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Jesse on April 25, 2010, 12:26:33 am

Here is one of mine :)  (http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u169/WIbowyer/bow.jpg)

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Pat B on April 25, 2010, 01:10:30 am

Mine are pretty simple...2x4 or 2x6 with the shape cut out. I use a heat gun w/ veg oil for osage bending.

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forDon010-2.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forpa059.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/forpa051.jpg)

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: osage outlaw on April 25, 2010, 01:22:47 am

I used Veg. oil while straightening the bow I am finishing up.  I didn't degrease good enough and the entire sinew back peeled off.  I might try steam next time.  Thanks for the pictures.

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Pat B on April 25, 2010, 10:04:57 am

If your stave is dry osage, seal the back and ends with shellac before steaming. This will prevent excess moisture from getting in and checking the wood as it dries. The shellac can take the heat and moisture of steaming without problems.

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Jake Levi on April 25, 2010, 10:16:05 am

Good thread, thanks, I have been thinking of a form, til now have just used a board with blocs on it and clamping the stave down over the blocks, I am wanting to recurve some osage.

Most of my bows in the forseeable future are going to be 48" to 58". I want them to have a moderate recurve. Then most will get sinewed.

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Hillbilly on April 25, 2010, 11:34:53 am

I have a couple cauls like Pat's to reflex and untwist staves. If I'm glueing something up, I just use wooden blocks-I usually make selfbows and haven't made enough laminated bows in the past to fool with building an elaborate form.

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: osage outlaw on April 25, 2010, 09:08:00 pm

The forms that I would like to make won't be anything fancy either.  I have some lumber and C-clamps to use.

Thanks for the steaming tip Pat.  Any idea how long to steam before bending?

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: yazoo on April 25, 2010, 10:12:50 pm

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b34/m5555/101_1529.jpg)

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: yazoo on April 25, 2010, 10:21:42 pm

this is the type of form I use straightens and reflexes at the same time  mike

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: denny on April 26, 2010, 12:13:46 am

Pat your work shop table looks like mine. denny

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Pat B on April 26, 2010, 12:48:58 am

If I cleaned it up I'd never find anything.  ;D

Title: Re: Bow forms
Post by: Jake Levi on April 26, 2010, 08:40:18 am

Good thread, thanks,

I am picking up a 2 by today, 6', will be using blocks with it as I have been, and see how it evolves from there,

would like to see more forms for sure.