Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Gurge on December 15, 2016, 12:02:00 PM
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So first off does anyone still make an all fiberglass bow? I keep seeing old bear and Indian all fiberglass bows for sale but most have pretty bad structural cracks that I wouldn't want to mess with. I saw that PSE makes a youth bow that's some sort of composite but at 30# it's a bit under what I'm looking for. Do y'all think it would be possible to use fiberglass cloth and resin to make a bow to about 50-60#? I'm thinking a one piece bow just with a lot of planning and shaping involved. Any thoughts:has one one tried this? Please help me out before I spend way too much on a project destined to fail.
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Sounds like a lot of time inside an OV respirator. I imagine it would be really bulky to get to 50-60#.
Probably not what you're looking for but some of the PVC bowyers build fiberglass cloth reinforced PVC lam bows. The Hawaiian guy (author of a couple books and youtube channel) made a 60+lbs recurve. Other designs I've seen are bundled fiberglass flag poles called "survival bows" (for go-carts).
You're probably best off using fiberglass cloth backing on a decent piece of hickory. Cheap, durable, and a lot easier to tiller than built up fiberglass composite.
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Why do you want a all fiberglass bow??
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You can make a 50-60# PVC bow with about $20 worth of materials and a $20 heat gun. I've done it and so have lots of others. TradGang Admin will get fussy if I list the name of the Google+ group here, of which I am a Moderator. Send me a PM and I'll get you sorted out.
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I haven't had any luck making the pic bows in higher weighs. I've tried a few times. But I want a bow I can go in extended camping trips and not have to worry about it getting water damaged. I'm starting to lean towards a board bow with a good sealer on it. That way if water does end up messing it up too bad I'm only out $15 and a few hours labor.
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Yes, you can!
Because here in Brazil we don't have Gordon or others bo-tuff makers and the shipping and tax is to hight to import, the bowyers "develop" a way to do all glass bows.
Generaly with fiberglass cloth and fiberglass mat.
It doesn't make a top of line bow, but can shot very well.
See some examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjGW-WqKd_w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgbpad4iMHc
and the way it's made:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUawFLRFrfk
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If you have a fiberglass laminated bow with a good sealer you don't have to worry about water damaging it on a camping trip. The epoxy sealers are pretty much bomb proof.