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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Msturm on June 12, 2016, 07:27:00 PM

Title: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: Msturm on June 12, 2016, 07:27:00 PM

I live in an apartment.  I have a lanai (balcony) large enough to make selfbows.  I don't have a hot box, but my car gets to 120-150 F. nearly every day in the summer.

I really want one of these classy looking green glass bows, with an osage riser. I am wondering if there is a simple  flat hill style bow I can build without building a form or buying shop equipment. I would like to complete the project relatively cheaply.

I did some searches and didn't come up with a whole lot. If this is a redundant post send me in the right direction.

All these good lookin' green bows got me itchin' to build one.

Msturm

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: goobersan on June 12, 2016, 07:33:00 PM

I remember seeing a video of a guy online using a board, blocks, and shrinkwrap. I would imagine your temps would have a slight advantage in the car over room temps when using epoxy.

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: jsweka on June 12, 2016, 08:23:00 PM

Even a straight Hill Style bows requires some type of form.  It could be a simple straight board that is thick (or rigid) enough and you could use the inner tube band type of clamping.

What do you consider "relatively cheaply"?  Laminations and glass from one of the fine sponsors here will cost you at least $70 plus shipping (maple lams and colored glass).

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: monterey on June 13, 2016, 02:00:00 AM

Get the Bingham catalog or view it online.  Their 68" Longbow is a good starting point.

Like jsweka said, lams and glass alone will be around $70.  A riser block around $20, glue around $20, plus the cost of the form and miscellaneous tools, supplies, finishing supplies, etc.  You will be approaching $200.  

So, depends on your definition of "cheaply".

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: Msturm on June 13, 2016, 02:14:00 AM

200 is doable for sure. My primary concern is not having to buy tools. I have a bunch of tools I use for making spear guns, furniture, pipes, self bows etc. But I can't grind my own lams or anything I will check out the bingham catalog right now. a strait 4X4 form is easy enough and I have plenty of bike tire tubing.

Thanks for the help guys.

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: mikkekeswick on June 13, 2016, 03:59:00 AM

Just make sure you run the 4x4 through a good few days of heat in your car before preparing the flat face or else it may warp on you.

Title: Re: Easy Glass bow build
Post by: passion for knowledge on June 13, 2016, 08:40:00 PM

I live in an apartment too. I try not to upset my neigbours.

I'm in Canada, so winter bows are not really an option. Epoxy is not happy sub-zero!

Design your bows based on the limitations of your situation and enjoy shooting them.