Ozbow

G'day, newbie here,
I've bought a nice piece of spotted gum, 8mm X 19 mm X2
I want to make a bow.
I've been using the search function, reading many posts, and I just can't seem to find a plan, layout, dimensions for anything. I see that you probably answer this question a lot, any help would be much appreciated.

I will be backing the bow with either fiberglass or fabric, building the handle up with mango and spotted gum, I would like something with an arrow rest and was wondering if gorilla glue or titebond III would be any good for layering the handle wood.

thanks team

BC

Hi BC welcome to the site.

Here are some basic plans to help point you in the right direction.

Because of the different timbers used in bow making one size does not fit all and modifications at times have to be made to the plan. I can't help you on the glue question as I only use two pack epoxy.

Daryl.

Hi mate,

Daryl's bow plan will get you started for sure. He has provided a good plan for a flatbow. I can give you a good plan for an English longbow if you ever want to go down that road.

As for the glues you mentioned for gluing the handle on, sadly both will most likely pop off on you. I tend to use a 2 part epoxy called Techni-glue for any laminations. It is a structural grade and very strong stuff but only available at certain places. I get mine from Carba-tec in Brisbane.

You have enough timber there for 2 like Daryl has put up so maybe give the first one a go without the handle built up?

As for the backing, I would start off with a fabric like linen or Jute for your first attempt then move to Bamboo as you get your head around tillering them.

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=15747

This is a thread showing 2 bows (one with no handle built up in a similar design to Daryl's) using bamboo backs, an idea of what you will end up with at least

Look forward to seeing what you come up with mate!

Cheers,

Colin

Thanks heaps guys, will keep posted

BC

Yeoman/Dave used Gorilla Glue for a long time, sometimes with success, sometimes not.

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=15135

He also commented positively on using Titebond III, which (in North America, at least) is generally accepted as suitable for gluing on handles and wooden laminates.

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=15205

Epoxy is superior but Titebond III will work, it will just take time to dry. If you're going to back with fibreglass cloth then you could use the epoxy resin, thickened up, as a glue. Polyester resin won't bond to the wood as well, so avoid it.

You might find some inspiration & guidance on the http://www.poorfolkbows.com website. The Red Oak Board Bow sounds to be similar to what you are looking for - http://www.poorfolkbows.com/oak.htm - Sam Harper cuts an arrow shelf and also uses a Titebond glue.

Yep. Gorilla glue can work wonders, but it's a binary thing: it either works or it doesn't. If it doesn't, you could potentially lose a lot of work and materials.

Titebond 3 will work. Should work.

Smooth On EA-40 is were it's at. It's the world standard in bowmaking adhesive. But if you can't get that for want of funds more than availability), then get a bottle of Titebond 3.

hunterguy1991 wrote:Hi mate,

...I can give you a good plan for an English longbow if you ever want to go down that road...

I'd love a look at that if I could, please.

greybeard- could you use those first dimensions for a molly, while keeping the tip section stiff of course? also, the top limb is an inch longer?

clinton miller wrote:greybeard- could you use those first dimensions for a molly, while keeping the tip section stiff of course? also, the top limb is an inch longer?

Clinton,

I can't think of any reason why not to try the dimensions as shown. Make the rigid tips longer and shorten one or the other as required and the width and thickness of the limb will be determined by your choice of timber.

There have been numerous interpretations on bits of decayed elm found in bogs. The one pictured looks pretty flash but how close to the truth is it?
Daryl.