bow building question
 

I'm thinking of trying my hand at building a bow. Don't really have access to good wood for a self bow so would like to try a laminate. Is there any reason why I can't just use standard weave fiberglass cloth you get at the hardware store for limb reinforcing? Also, what sort of epoxy can I use to put it all together? I was thinking of the Gougen brothers West system but am open to suggestions.

RE: bow building question
 

try binghams or old master crafters.

RE: bow building question
 

I'm building my first bow right now. I got a hickory stave from www.traditional-archery-supply.com for 45 bucks or so.

RE: bow building question
 

Hello
My preference would be smooth on expoxy. I got mine from three rivers archery. I believe bingham would have it also. The first bows I built were with an epoxy I got from Bingham(but I forget what they called it) and then I used smooth-on for later bows. I'm definitely sold on Smooth-on.
Happy Hunting
Dan

RE: bow building question
 

Every once in awhile I run across an old homemade bow that's got crossweave glass laminated on it. They shoot okay.

But if I were going to the trouble to make a form and all that, I'd just go ahead and get bow glass from the sources Lilhunter mentioned. Honestly, it's easier to work with than the crossweave stuff, and coming in with the draw weight you want is a lot more predictable. Looks better, too. It's just better, from any direction you approach it.

RE: bow building question
 

curious as to how wide that stave is qrashandburn....