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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LaBill67 on September 20, 2021, 04:31:07 PM

Title: Bow Forms
Post by: LaBill67 on September 20, 2021, 04:31:07 PM

What plywood is the best for building bow forms using firehose clamping when building on a budget?

Title: Re: Bow Forms
Post by: Birdbow76 on September 20, 2021, 04:51:25 PM

I had a few warp from all grades of regular pine/fir exterior plywood. The quality has really gone down hill on that stuff. I made my last recurve form out of birch ply and it's straight, clean and easy to work with. In the long run it's better to buy quality plywood and have it last than to put in all the work and have to throw it away cause it's warped.

Title: Re: Bow Forms
Post by: Flem on September 20, 2021, 05:57:22 PM

It won't matter what grade you use once you have laminated numerous pieces together. I have made forms in the distant past from cheap construction grade ply and they don't move. You might have some voids to fill, but thats what Bondo is for.