First time trying to build a glass laminated bow

[Kurogane84]

Hi Rhonda, this is the first post for me. I've been trying to figure out how you guys figure out what lamination thickness you need to build your glass lam bows

I've got two designs. I'd like to do, but the one I'm most wanting to do is a copycat of the bear archery Montana, and the three rivers archery Tomahawk Desert Fox, diamond series rd bow.

I am wanting to build a 45 pound at 28 inch for both, I have an idea of what lamination and glass I would like, but I can't figure out the thickness of the pieces. Also I'm in Canada and there's not many places where I can get veneers or lamination I can buy from very few shops in the states. Any advice?

[Crooked Stic]

Have you got either one of those bows that you want to copy. If so measureit at the fades. Figure out the taper per inch. Then measure from the fade to the center. And add the taper in, If you have traced your design that will get you close. Mileage may vary until you get a couple under your belt.

[Kurogane84]

Have you got either one of those bows that you want to copy. If so measureit at the fades. Figure out the taper per inch. Then measure from the fade to the center. And add the taper in, If you have traced your design that will get you close. Mileage may vary until you get a couple under your belt.

Yes, I do have both of those. I'm just trying to nail down the thickness so I can just buy everything that I can,
I have to ask how do you guys actually figure out your laminations is a trial and error or do you just find one somewhere and measure it?

[Camp Creek]

I have downloaded the Virtual Bow software recommended to me by some on this site.  You can play around with profile and laminations in the software quite a bit.  I haven't been able to test its accuracy though.

[Kirkll]

Do you have a drum sander and the means to make your own tapered laminations and wedges?

If you post some photos of the limb designs, we can at least give you a starting point for taper rates and stack height. Be prepared for some trial an$ error though. Every design is different, and it may take a couple lay ups to figure out your draw weight requirements.  Just keep a good log of what your materials, taper rates, wedge configuration, and mark your bow form where you trim the butt and where to locate the tip notches.

This takes time to get figured out.

[Kurogane84]

I have downloaded the Virtual Bow software recommended to me by some on this site.  You can play around with profile and laminations in the software quite a bit.  I haven't been able to test its accuracy though.

 I will have to take a look at that thank you for the suggestion

[Kurogane84]

Do you have a drum sander and the means to make your own tapered laminations and wedges?

If you post some photos of the limb designs, we can at least give you a starting point for taper rates and stack height. Be prepared for some trial an$ error though. Every design is different, and it may take a couple lay ups to figure out your draw weight requirements.  Just keep a good log of what your materials, taper rates, wedge configuration, and mark your bow form where you trim the butt and where to locate the tip notches.

This takes time to get figured out.

I don't have drum sander. I have oscillating sander, a router table and a 4 x 36 or 38 inch belt sander and I will post a few pictures later on in the morning. I measure them the best that I can but do you guys all cut your own laminations or do you buy them pre cut and taper yourselves?