I've recently come to traditional archery and have gotten it into my head that it might be possible to use my father's old wood-laminate longbow.

I have no idea what the laminations are (Dad passed away in November), but it appears to be two different woods with a thin layer of something (fibreglass, maybe?) between:



It dates from the late 40's or early 50's and hasn't been strung in decades. The varnish is in pretty rough shape, so I'd probably sand and re-finish it as well. Should I even think about stringing it again?

Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Definetely string it,
I recently started using my dads old bow,
Bow is from the 60's and wasn't strung for +30 years,
It is now my favorite small game bow

Yea be careful and inspect for any cracking when you string it. If you look over it and it looks good pull back slowly and inspect again.

good Luck

niccum

If you sand it be real careful not to take off wood. You could easiy throw off the tiller. After all these years it might need to be retillered. Its all wood with what looks like a hickory backing so treat it different than a glass lam bow. I would also check tiller before getting to froggy shooting it. I agree, before stringing check for cracks. Then after stringing, look again for cracks while at brace. Also check for limb twist and tiller while at brace. If it looks good, draw easy listen for strange sounds (pops, creeks, etc)and watch for limb twist. No need in breaking an old family bow.

Excellent! Thank you, folks. I'm off to pick up some Dacron later and I'll carefully give it a whirl. I think I'll leave the varnish alone for now.

IMO, if the bow has much sentimental value I'd leave it unstrung. Chances are you won't get much if any warning if it's going to turn to splinters. If it were a fiberglass bow, I might try it, but being all wood and that old I'd hang it on the wall and cherish the memories.

Me too