Finished - First Carbon Longbow

[Cupcake]

Here is my first carbon longbow.  It has Gordon carbon on both back and belly.  The limb core is maple and the riser cocbolo.

I have been studying composite sandwich theory since I decided to start making bows and intended to make an all-carbon bow.  I was finally convinced I had to do it to dispel some myths about using carbon.  There are those who think carbon will fail on the belly and should never be used.  I think that if the core has enough shear strength that it will work just fine; that is why I chose maple cores.

The bow is 66" NTN and 38 pounds.  The weight came out light by mistake.  Measure twice, cut once.  Also, I used some composite beam theory to determine the thickness of the core and I think it is about 10 mils too thin. I measured the stored energy-per-pounds draw weight at 0.955 at 28".  That is a very high number for a trad bow.  The cast of the bow is amazing for its weight.  No chrony numbers yet but I am impressed.




It is a bit light so, dang, I am going to have to make another.  The carbon looks really cool in the sunlight and that can not be seen in the photos.  I guess I need to find a nice, loving, home for this one.
Kevin

[rastaman]

That is one pretty bow!  Good job.  

[metsastaja]

very nice looking bow.

[razorsharptokill]

Very nice! What is the handle made of? Let us know the speed stats when you can, I'd like to know.

[Cupcake]

Jim,
The handle is cocobolo with maple accents.
Kevin

[JRY309]

Sweet looking bow!

[razorsharptokill]

Love that cocobolo! Sent u a pm.

[overbo]

I would be very proud if I built that.I've got a triple carbon bow from Chris Cox that's insanely fast.

[SlowBowinMO]

Wow, you are gifted!  

[Tater]

Stunning!!!!

 
   Good thing this one turned out too light, can't wait to see the next creation!

[LKH]

Just curious why the myth that carbon on the belly will fail has persisted?  I have Harrison's and he's been doing it for years.

[larry]

when you get the next one built, give me a shout, I'd be happy to give it a loving home

[Chris Surtees]

   

[Bullet_Bob]

Make me a 50-55#@28 and I will test the carbon Belly for failure.    

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

That is one great looking bow!      

[Over&Under]

Outstanding!!!!!

[wollybear]

looks GREAT""      

[M60gunner]

From what I have read about failure it was partly due using Action Boo type core lams. Seems some folks try and grind down bamboo flooring for lams. Those folks seem to think it was the glue holding the bamboo lams together that caused the problem.
I haven't seen to much lately on this subject so maybe the issue has been solved?

[M60gunner]

Kevin, another great job. Now about those ILF limbs....
Tom

[Wild Russian]

Kevin, congratulations!
Max