I have decided to whittle the herd and I have a few one piece recurves I plan to sell, how do you package them, boxes, tube ?
I tend to go with what I feel works best for the particular bow. Most recurves with decent hook to the limbs work best in a well constructed box with plenty of padding. Tubes (PVC preferably) may work for some recurves with shallower hooks and not so much deflex in the riser. Tubes are durable, however they roll off of shelves easier and can roll around period, so that's one thing to consider. Just make sure you use insurance. Claims are a crap shoot, but its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I have used these instructions. They have worked well.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000125
I use the same as Charlie. I do add a couple of supports adjacent to the bow limbs by cutting a strip of cardboard maybe 2" wide, rolling it up and taping it in place, if that makes sense.
I always pad the bow tips so they look like "boxing" gloves, tips can poke thru boxes.. Lots of bubble wrap around bow, use a good quality box, put lots of clear shipping tape on box seams too. I use USPS priority insured for full value.. Pack it like you would want it sent to you.
I make them like Charlie posted and found cardboard at a furniture store. They have plenty.
USPS priority is the ONLY WAY TO SHIP!
I have a few 7 foot sections of PVC that works well with lots of bubble wrap.
I've also used cardboard boxes like shown above, again with lots of bubble wrap and insurance, USPS. Only way to go.
I've received some takedowns in little boxes made out of 3/4" thick wood that are basically bomb proof as well.
I recently bought a couple of bows that had to be shipped to me, and witnessed both an excellent and horrible packing job.
The first bow arrived in a long rectangular postage box, with both ends of the limbs thoroughly padded in bubble wrap and the rest of the empty space so packed to the gills with crumpled up newspapers that the bow was suspended in a nice cushion. The bow came to me undamaged, and I gave the guy an excellent review.
The second bow I ordered also came to me in a long rectangular box, along with a custom "bonus" bow of the same make and model. Unfortunately, both of the bows had been bound together at the ends with a couple measly scraps of bubble wrap, and had been rattling around in the box (chipping bits of finish off each other) during their entire journey. Granted, they're both still shootable - but still. That's not acceptable.
I would avoid shipping with tubes. They roll around too much and are easily damaged. You'll have much better luck using heavy cardboard boxes, or better yet wood crates.
i second USPS Priority mail.
Go to your local carpet store and pick up a free carpet roll tube. Then go to the Dollar Store (EVERYTHING IS A BUCK TYPE) and buy two rolls of bubble wrap.
I just shipped one from Vancouver BC to Frederick MD using UPS. Used 2 triangular boxes slid onto the end of eachother. Wrapped the bow in bubble wrap and it was tight in the box. Worked perfect. Damned shipping from Canada cost $80 to ship though with insurance and signature required...
Shipping by UPS to/from Canada is a ripoff. They have an outrageous fee for Customs clearance, but personal shipments can be sent via regular mail at half the cost.
The fellow I traded with recieved his bow on Friday and it cost him $25 in MD. UPS just tried to deliver my new bow to me and tried to charge me $227.12. Now I have to try to get this sorted out. At this point I am never using UPS for anything ever again.