Gluing laminations on a former - How to make a Longbow

[@longbows]

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[@shadetreehandyman]

It would be nice to know if there is a follow up video where you complete this stave into a bow

[@longbows]

with over 400 videos there are a few where we show what happens after this stage, check out the playlist section and look at the bow making ones

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Many thanks for sharing, did not see the process that detailed before.

[@longbows]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isidroserranogranados6529]

God blessyou Bro thankyou for shering your esperince dont to stop to videos your aré the Best making

[@longbows]

So nice of you, thanks, if we can afford to keep going we will.

[@Heisenbrick]

I really like how you joined the Purple Heart to make 1 long piece, I also thought it was a neat idea to use bamboo! Tips I will add to my repertoire...

[@longbows]

Glad I could help, maybe my bow making website will help you, www.howtomakealongbow.co.uk

[@jamescraig5421]

Beautiful work Richard.keep up the great 👍 work Bro.👏🏻👌👌

[@longbows]

Thanks a lot! We try.

[@flightsoficarus]

Hi, enjoying your videos. Is there anyway I can the dimensions to make a former like the one used in the video? Is there an ideal amount of curve to put on stave? Presumably too much you increase the chances of breaking the bow and too little won't have the right effect. Thanks

[@longbows]

hi, I will make a video about it

[@flightsoficarus]

@@longbows amazing thanks

[@peterburgess4637]

Just been wondering myself,

[@HistoricalWeapons]

Do we have any historical evidence of them using laminated longbows in medieval Europe

[@HistoricalWeapons]

They did in Japan and parts or Asia, unsure about Europe

[@longbows]

The bows we make are Victorian, not Medieval

[@AusyG]

@@HistoricalWeapons yes going back very well into ancient times. Sinew backed bows existed in ancient Europe as well

[@daveedwards6567]

Could you be so kind to show a drawing of the former for triple lamination Bo's plus measurements big thankyou ps great and informative video 👍 thanks

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

I'm planning on to build a laminate English longbow. I'm going to back it bamboo 1/8" thick. Does this mean I would have to make the bow 1/8" thinner then it's original dimensions to accommodate for this?

[@longbows]

Thr bamboo is part of the bow, it must be part of the dimensions you are using, not excluded from.

[@tednugent8501]

Im making one out of 30 yr old cyoress boards right now and was just wondering what to use for glue. Wasnt sure if regular, quality wood glue would work but it looks like thats what u used.

[@longbows]

We use wood glue, but I have never used the wood you are using!

[@tednugent8501]

@@longbows I've ripped it down to about 3/32" by 2" by 6'.. The grain is long, wide and as straight as an arrow all the way down the boards with no knots or burrells. I decided this afternoon to rip some 100+ yr old oak (dont know what kind of oak) to about 1/8". I'm gonna do 2 layers of that in the middle so that the very pretty cypress is on the outside where it can be seen. Im a painter with 35yrs of experience so im goin to put a tung oil concoction of my own making on it and buff it to a high shine.

[@tednugent8501]

@@longbows Cypress are the trees that grow in the swamps and in any water really in the southern states in America. The grain in the pieces that im glueing right now are just beautiful man, long and straight with no knots at all. Im laminating 2 layers of 100+ yr old oak (not sure what kind, probably red oak) in with the cypress to give it more strength. Im looking for about 60 pounds at 27 inches.

[@longbows]

Those woods aren't used in English Longbows by us, so I have no idea if they will work, sorry.

[@tednugent8501]

@@longbows Well, I've got 2 strips of oak laminated between 3 layers of cypress glued and clamped out in my shop right now so I hope it works. I think the oak will give it enough strength to work and as far as I know cypress is a very flexible wood that is resistant to rot and water damage. They used it alot for siding on barns, just not good for structural/load bearing lumber but the straight grain was just begging to be made into a bow. P.S. I dont have a working planer right now so I've ripped all theae strips on an old craftsman table saw and sanded them smooth with a black and decker palm sander, so it's been quite labor intensive to say the least. Lol.

[@mikesmith2102]

Can you go more into grain selection for a longbow? How to get a good laminate piece from a piece of lumber.

[@longbows]

Yes, we have a materials selection video in mind, thanks.

[@user-sk4hp1cq4s]

Hello Nice work. I wonder what is the dimensional thickness of the center core laminations. in the handle and at the end of the nocks. to a 50 pound bow. Regards from Norge

[@BlueBirdBaby]

My bow, I just have been handed down, is made of fiberglass and I have no idea how to refurbish it. It's rough and dirty looking. Any tips, please?

[@longbows]

Hi, we dont make that sort of bow so cant really offer advice, perhaps contact your local Archery dealer?

[@niovillawalls]

Alguien me puede decir cuáles son las maderas que utilizan en la laminación? Solo entendí bambú

[@longbows]

Lenonwood belly, somtimes know as box or degame, with Purpleheart core.

[@rodolfoperez4654]

After you take it off the former, how much further forwards are the tips of the bow compared to the center?

[@longbows]

Around 2 inches, but, this can depend how well the set back takes.

[@rodolfoperez4654]

@@longbows thanks😊

[@tomcaywood3968]

show how to flaten bamboo and z splice in handle and mill a rough log into lumber for the former

[@longbows]

There are some things we keep secret.

[@darnutzer]

Hello, its Tite Bond 2 (PU) really a good choice to glue bamboo??

[@longbows]

Its what we use and have done for many years.

[@arquitandre]

Hello there, thanks for the videos. What measures have you used to gain this bend? Will there be any problem for you to provide this information? Thanks once more.

[@longbows]

Hi, glad you like the videos, maybe you will like our bow making website, www.howtomakealongbow.co.uk We can't give away all our secrets, sorry!

[@arquitandre]

@@longbows, no problem, thanks for your attention. Your videos are very intuitive, I will try and come to my own conclusions, thanks one more.

[@SeadartVSG]

I like using the form for some reflex. On a laminated bow with thin bamboo layer when you put horn knocks on and round down the tips to ~ 10 to 13 mm, does the bamboo layer disappear right where the taper for the knock begins? This is the way I have done it, but I'm wondering if this makes a weak point? On tri-laminates are both the core and belly laminates preserved into the taper for the tip knock?

[@longbows]

The following video will answer your question...kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6e0lXuNi7CDY5I

[@SeadartVSG]

Thanks, that was just what I was looking for.

[@Dream_Weapon]

This is what I wanna do. Just wish I had somewhere to do it.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

I made a laminated bow on my bedroom floor. It just takes some time to get everything right but it can be done.

[@deadchannel5940]

Hey do you guys taper your core lam or is it the same thickness the whole length?

[@longbows]

yes, we taper the core

[@Jimmie567]

I saw glueing three lengths of wood , but where did the lamination come into it,,,isn,t lamination a seal of varnish over the bows surface, confused,,

[@longbows]

glueing the wood together is called laminating, the peices of wood are called laminates.

[@NeffTattoo]

I always thought you needed to use smooth-on epoxy for laminated bows. I didn't know that you could use titebond

[@longbows]

You learn something new everyday.

[@mervynpatterson7164]

Hello Richard& Philip, what is the rule for the bamboo nodes on the back of the bow? Is there one,does it matter?

[@longbows]

Hiya, yes, leave them as is.

[@mervynpatterson7164]

@@longbows ok,do you have to balance the node positions along the back of the bow so they match on top&bottom limb?

[@longbows]

That's up to you, but the art of tillering would mean that isn't necessary.

[@tonyhigham3718]

Great video, what radius do you use for your former and does putting the bend in the bow create any possible issues when roughing out and tillering?

[@longbows]

Thanks, cant give dimensions, sorry, yes, they are much harder to tiller.

[@tonyhigham3718]

@@longbows can you give any more details into the witchcraft of the former and challenges and benefits it gives over not using one

[@longbows]

Yes indeed, watch any of my videos where I tiller a triple laminated bow, they will have been on the former.

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

I am going to cut all the tapers on the laminations with a jig saw should this done before or after gluing?

[@longbows]

Hi, we only cut the wood to a basic shape before gluing, we cut all the exact tapers are its glued.

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

hello again im Mikey, I'm currently making a laminated longbow from an iroko back and a white oak belly. I've used cascamite to glue it and I'm leaving it week to cure as suggested by other sites. you suggested using pva which ive already used for a flat bow to which have already had to repair. what type of pva do you use and also when it comes to tillering do you normally bend the bow around 30 times per every inch until the desired weight is achieved? and also is the D shaped profile ok for all other hard woods lest i keep getting chrysells?

[@longbows]

Hi, we have used several wood glu PVA types over the years without problems, the problems occur when you don't prepare the surfaces properly. WE DO NOT MAKE FLATBOWS. When I was apprentice to my father I drew the bow on the tiller 100 times per inch...I have a cruel father.

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

@@longbows ahhh thankyou very much for the informative reply, may i ask do you know what maximum draw weight is achievable using a laminated bow?

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

@@longbows oh and also excellent videos. i have made several self bows now and had four either explode or get Chrysles on the belly. i think I'm tillering too quickly maybe?

[@longbows]

We make English Longbows, for the sport of Archery, we generally only go up to 55-60lbs, I couldn't say what the maximum is, we have made bows up to 80lbs in the distant past.

[@rusty728]

I didn’t think titebond would work, how well does it hold up against EA40 ?

[@longbows]

People never do, I have no idea.

[@timothym9398]

Hello. I've been trying to make a few laminated bows, but the local lumber yards/hardware stores, where I live have limited availability on lumber types (raw bamboo being nonexistent here outside of internet mailing purchases) . Not sure if this would fall under your interests, but I would love to have a video on alternative bow woods one can use outside of the more specialty woods.

[@longbows]

OK, thanks for the video idea.

[@riddlebarger3621]

I’ve been making self bows for a while and wanted to give laminate bows a shot. but the woods selection in the US or at least in my area that I found online is quite a bit different. any suggestions I was thinking of bamboo backing then Purple Heart with a Osage belly or maybe even Hickory. I would love your opinion.

[@longbows]

Osage can be used as a belly wood, you could just back it with Bamboo, try that before going for a triple.

[@riddlebarger3621]

Ok thanks

[@rusty728]

What are the dimensions to your shims and how did you perform that taper ?

[@longbows]

I don't give dimensions, taper is made by cutting and planing

[@johnlamb9451]

Great video as always.😊

[@longbows]

Thanks

[@johnlamb9451]

Richard Head Longbows you're welcome.

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

Did you score the laminations to get a better surface area for gluing or did you just leave them smooth?

[@longbows]

We leave them smooth, some people score.

[@blakegundry]

Great video; do you have any advice on where best to get wood for laminates?

[@longbows]

Thanks, yes, USA

[@f1pitpass]

v interesting, cheers!

[@longbows]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@will2Collett]

doesn't laminating make the bow weaker??? I like seeing the heartwood being used. Very nice. Thanks.

[@longbows]

Weaker in what way??

[@will2Collett]

easier to break, or even crack. I like it and haven't used one, but I thought laminating weakens the wood???

[@longbows]

I see, well, individually the woods we have used would probably break if made into the type of bow design used in the video, the reason for laminating is to choose woods that perform well in their chosen position, for example the bamboo is excellent at resisting tension on the back curve of the bow, and the Dagame, on the inside of the bow, is good at resisting compression. And what with modern glues nowadays, laminated bows and probably more likely to survive than self bows, just look at the laminated bows from the 60`s and 70`s onwards, most recurve bows and still going strong. It really comes down to selecting good materials and knowing how to deal with them, same as any woodworking skill.

[@will2Collett]

I've been following you guys on KZbin for a long time = at least a year and maybe longer and i greatly enjoy seeing how you guys put them together. I would love to order a long bow, but the shipping alone would be staggering, ha ha ha. Excellent quality ALL AROUND.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Very interesting. Did I get that right, the stave is bending now the opposite way it will bend when the string is on, to get more power out of the bow? Or did I just missunderstood this? I love your vids, since I made my first longbow in a seminar I'm addicted, lol. Cheers from Germany, Marc

[@longbows]

Yes, you got it right.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Thank you very much

[@mymychannel324]

I was actually thinking I'd like to see more videos on laminate bows earlier today, and hey presto you read my mind! Would love to see the rest of the process for this, particularly curious as to how the bow actually ends up being bent the correct way, is this just part of the tillering process or more? Videos are great btw!

[@longbows]

Thanks for the kind words, if you have seen my videos on Tillering then you will see the process and what happens to the `set back`

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

How wide were the rubber strips that you used?

[@longbows]

They range in width, around an inch mostly.

[@Chris-ip3gp]

Get old bicycle inner tubes from a bike shop (free?) and cut about 3/4 inch widework a treat

[@isidroserranogranados6529]

I got it thanks Bro

[@longbows]

Great, have you seen my website www.howtomakealongbow.co.uk

[@jacobwhite8204]

What woods is it made from

[@longbows]

The bow or the former?

[@jacobwhite8204]

The bow

[@longbows]

Lemonwood, Purple heart, Bamboo

[@jacobwhite8204]

Thanks for the reply your channel is great

[@jacobwhite8204]

Also could the lemonwood be substituted for ipe?

[@Spirit_Pixxelmaster]

Thank you for that Video. I am very impressed how easy you build a Laminated Longbow. This Bow was without backing right? I saw a lot of videos in the past ,they all back it after glue Process. Is backing much better or only a shorter drying Process? Greetings from Germany

[@longbows]

Thanks. English Longbows do not have a `backing`, the back of the bow is bamboo, we do not use things like fibreglass, is that what you meant?

[@danryan2348]

What kind of glue are you using?

[@longbows]

PVA woodglue. www.howtomakealongbow.co.uk

[@jonoedwards4195]

Crafty! Yew Beauty RHL, great Show.

[@longbows]

Thanks!

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

what glue are you using?

[@longbows]

Wood glue.

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

@@longbows i have read from several sources that pva is a bad choice? what exactly do you use?

[@longbows]

We use PVA, have done for over 30 years.

[@Starlingchaser]

Where can I get these wood strips to laminate? I've been searching for planks or boards of hickory, purpleheart, ipe, osage, etc, but can I find them? Nope... I can find dragons and mermaids, nut not these...

[@Chris-ip3gp]

Try laminating vernier. I used 0.6mm hickory in multiple layers with urea formaldehyde powder glue, worked aa treat on a hybrod reflex deflex longbow

[@racconworkshop5110]

I just clicked on the video because I'm having a hard time removing the wood to get a perfect grade side to glue on. Unfortunately, the theme was worth only 5 seconds and an electro planing. Are u able to do it without and maybe have a tip for me?

[@longbows]

Sorry, I don't understand your question.

[@racconworkshop5110]

@@longbows I only work with hand tools and find it really hard to get a straight flat surface for glueing. There were always some gabs at the sides and i dont know how to get rid of them. I guess its much easier if you use a jointer with a long fence for straight ones or a 90° wheel grinder for lumpy bumpy woods. I saw a wavey piece of yew heartwood backed with Hickory on your channel. It is absolutly well made and i have no clue how to o that without power tools. I appreciate that you take your time. Your yew bows are absolutely impressive.

[@longbows]

What wood are you using?

[@racconworkshop5110]

@@longbows Hazel, Ash and various fruitwoods like cherry and pear. At the moment i struggle with that cherry for bellyside.

[@longbows]

OK, Hazel we don't use for bows, nor cherry nor Pear! Ash we generally use as a 'self' bow, like the yew. For the belly we tend to use Lemonwood, it works very easily. You can achieve a good finish for glue bonding with hand tools, people think they need a silky smooth side to glue on, don't forget the more imperfections you remove the less area for the glue to bond, if you have perfect planed areas all the glue can squeeze out when you put pressure on! Once you have planed a side you can use a cabinet scraper to achieve a better feel. You don't need a planer, we use use one to speed up the process.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

... Whaaaat? Titebond? I was expecting Hide glue, made from unicorns, boiled in a oak fire in a Druid's glen, and applied under a full moon... Ah well, technology marches on. R.

[@longbows]

It's wood glue, used for wood, never understand why people are shocked by that, lol

[@ratsface2814]

Value the technology we have, it's amazing as it is!

[@longbows]

Check out my new bow making website www.howtomakealongbow.co.uk

[@aliendoggy1]

what kind of glue do you use?

[@longbows]

Lots, this one was Wood glue PVA

[@aliendoggy1]

@@longbows And that's strong enough?

[@longbows]

I hope so

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

What kind of wood glue are you using?

[@longbows]

PVA

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

@@longbows could you please be more specific?

[@longbows]

No, sorry, there are some things that are private.

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

@@longbows it's fine I understand.

[@suetilien7293]

Wht glue did you use sir?

[@longbows]

I use wood glue.