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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: acollins on August 21, 2016, 11:07:00 PM

Title: Necessary owner tools
Post by: acollins on August 21, 2016, 11:07:00 PM
I really want to start building take down recurves. I recently purchased an oven, forms, templates and a bunch of other items from a guy who use to build bows. My question is what power tools will I need to make the job easier. Thanks.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: acollins on August 22, 2016, 12:08:00 AM
Not sure why it says necessary owner tools. Should say necessary tools to own.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: Roy from Pa on August 22, 2016, 06:41:00 AM
You can go back and edit the title.

A 4 foot edge belt sander will be a huge help as will a good band saw.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: macbow on August 22, 2016, 09:23:00 AM
Like Roy said start with those two. Then build a few bows,and you will know what to get next. A drill press would help on take downs.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: acollins on August 22, 2016, 11:15:00 AM
Ok I have a 12" band saw and a drill press. So looks like the sander may be all I need to at least get started.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: jess stuart on August 22, 2016, 10:43:00 PM
The first 100 or so bows I only had a bandsaw and drill press, used a drum sander on the drill press for shaping the riser and the limb profiles.  I have had a edge sander for several years now, and have no idea how I ever built a bow without it.  If I only could have one tool it would be a tough choice between the band saw and edge sander.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: David Flanrey on August 23, 2016, 12:23:00 PM
Band saw, edge sander, and a drum sander.

If you want to make your own lams the drum sander is very useful.

For drilling the riser and limbs a good jig is also handy.
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: Archer Dave on September 03, 2016, 01:34:00 PM
Would the standard 4x"36" horizontal belt sanders be an ok substitute for the edge sanders? The edge sander looks sweet but are three times the price.

Also I have a 2x72" belt grinder that I made years ago for knife making. I built it so that it can be used vertical like a regular knife grinder, or tilted on it side as an edge grinder. Maybe this would work?
Title: Re: Necessary owner tools
Post by: The Gopher on September 14, 2016, 09:02:00 AM
look at the rigid spindle sander and belt sander that home depot sells. it a 2-in-1 tool. I have a few grievances with them but all in all it is a fabulous tool that does two jobs and at a very reasonable price.