Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => HowTo's and Build-a-longs => Topic started by: VicNova on August 30, 2012, 12:27:44 pm
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Hi there,
I am new to the forum and I was wondering if anyone would be interested if I made a tutorial on how to build a recurve jig?
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Here is what you will need:
2-sheets of 5/8" thick plywood
1 1/4" finish nails
Saw(tiger saw, band-saw, or handsaw)
wood rasp
Drill
1" wide drill bit
wood glue
6 clamps and or a vise
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I would like to see it. Thanks for posting
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I'd like to see it also. Getting prepared to make some forms and could use the help of a tutorial with pics.
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First I clamp together the boards with the c-clamps.
Then I trace the curve outline on the wood. For this step I use an actual bow limb to model the curve after , but you could also freehand it.
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Next I draw in a lip at the bottom so that a bow tip can be held in place with a clamp.
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Next I securce the whole thing to a solid surface. Since I don't have a vise , post and bar clamps will have to do.
Then I start cutting away all the bulk wood and get as close to the outline as possible. A tiger saw really works great for this step.
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After I have the rough cut outline I take a nice big rasp and smooth out the curve as best as possible. It doesn't have to be super fantastic or anything, a few little dips or gouges has never been a problem when using the jig.
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After that I cut out the lip on the bottom of the jig.
Once that is complete the jig should look roughly like the last picture.
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After that is finished I gather all the tools below.
Then I spread wood glue on both surfaces.
After that I line up the pieces together as best I can and press them firmly together.
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Next I nail it up till it is secured around the whole thing.
I do this to both sides instead of clamping the jig in place.
It seems to work well.
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For the final step I grab the drill and a 1" boring bit.
I drill two holes, one close to the actual curve and one further back on the jig.
These holes are made for clamps to hold the bow in place on the form.
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Well there's the finished jig ready to turn those longbows into recurves.
Please let me know what you thought of the build-a-along and be sure to post any questions you have. :)
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I like it! Thanks for posting.
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You need to get a bandsaw and a vice.
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So true :laugh:
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Hey Victor, we all come here to learn, so...
If you'd really use this jig to steam in recurves you more than likely will ruin a stave, cause you will end up with humps, dishes, at least one serious hinge, as well as a twisting back of the bow. At least you should go to a carpenter's and get the surface sanded parallel and smooth out the line.
But honestly, I think it is too much of a curve: I can not really remember having seen many bows here in the past few years, be it self or laminated, with that type of curve of a typical FG recurve! This will be REALLY hard to balance, at least it would be for me.
JMO.
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Thanks for the tip. ;D
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Why go to all the trouble of gluing plywood, you could use a piece of a 2x6 or 8 and save some steps. And while you're at it, make a lip on the end to hold the tip like Gordon's on page three of this thread: http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,30667.30.html
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That's one way to do it. :)
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I did much the same thing, using plywood. I also hammered on a thin layer of copper to keep the form from scorching if I'm using dry heat.
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That's a cool recurve jig. :D
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ttt
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I think that it's awesome that you took the time to put this together to share with others. What better way of picking up tips and tricks? When I was 18 all I was doing was getting in trouble, not learning something new.