DIY PVC Bow

Quick step by step strong homemade PVC bow

[@tutlejoe52210]

Me and my son just made our first bows this week. They turned out fine. I didn't taper it as much as you did, and as it turns out, it decreases the draw weight dramatically by having a very short taper and then a completely flat bow arm. But it looks cool and fun to shoot regardless. And your video helped a lot. So, thanks.

[@J-B876]

Been wanting to do this for a while. No bow experience myself. Thank you for the video for a fellow noobie with a kid who wants a practice bow.

[@1959jimbob]

I taught a Troop of Boy Scouts how to make a simple long bow out of PVC and CPVC (two separate bows) in a scout meeting a couple years ago using this very video. When it got to the bending, followed by the tip work, we were lost as to how to keep the bends uniform and true and the tips matching. A side note, my 17 year old just walked through where I am watching this and got the link so he can go watch the video on his on. So keep up the great works you are doing my friend and maybe consider doing a revised edition to include the video of how you accomplished the bends and the methods you used to work the tips.... I really appreciate you for doing this. Oh and one other thing, one of the boys in my Troop actually took down a few rabbits and squirrels with his bow while on a campout not long after the Scout project. He fed his entire troop from the wild game he harvested and was the hit of the adventure. So thanks be to you for taking the time to do this......

[@GeetarAdam]

Well done, bro! I guarantee you are your son's hero! When I was a wee tike my dad and I used to make bows out of sapplings and bailing twine. They were not nearly as battle-worthy but it was fun as hell and I'll always treasure those memories.

[@ElizabethPowe11]

You did a really great job on that bow. It looks beautiful

[@مارياجارل]

Fak uo😠😠😠

[@georgeruiz1048]

Nice job ! I think it’s awesome. It’s special to see your child in the video. Family.

[@petercope3263]

i noticed that most if not all these PVC bow videos are from the US, they are without doubt great bows and most folks would easily be able to follow the reasonably easy instructions . sadly very hard to locate schedule 40 pvc pipe in the UK , thanks for the great video though and i will keep searching .

[@larrywhalen127]

Excellent video of how to build one of these types of bows, and what is nice is you can do so with the most basic of tools. I liked how he used the long section of 1 by 4 to form the limbs which gives a fairly precise shape to the limbs from the grip out to the tips. One thing, is if you do not have a heat gun, forming the PVC can be done with HOT water either via hot water in a large container which can be laid on top of the PVC or by the water being slowly poured over the pipe (in the driveway) which will soften the pipe the same as the heat gun which can then be formed in the same way as shown in the video, but be extremely careful to not burn yourself with the hot water, so a pair of thick rubber gloves would be strongly advised here. Thanks once again for your video and now I'm off to Home Depot to buy a 10 ft. length of 1" sch. 40 PVC to make a couple of these bad boys tomorrow. Also, great idea for the arrow rest.

[@johntaxi38]

Great idea... I have seen these videos, never watched one till now. I am an avid bow hunter. One thing about long bows or re curves, is you draw back and fire the bow quickly. You can watch old videos by Fred Bear. You defiantly need a knock on your string, to put your knock in the same place everytime. I have been wanting a recurve bow to bow fish with. This bow is definitely strong enough .. I am glad I watched! Great video, thanks for sharing !!!

[@user-bg5ty6ls2e]

Good job mate👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍💪

[@ShawnaCostonPhD]

Great video. Awesome sharing with the bow making. I want to try that. I have a 40lbs 66" Take down bow. I like the way you made yours.

[@LeoGoogle-ch4hx]

Very innovative, I like it

[@kristapsl9]

Cool bow! Can you tell me please what is thickness of walls of that pipe?

[@NarendraSingh-yx5hk]

Nice video sir your voice is so clear i m from india

[@henrypeterson1981]

Great Video

[@Rogueflier]

Question: any issues with shattering/breaking while shooting..? Love video. Cheers🏹

[@genuinsanity]

Thanks , how did you bend it ? draw a pattern and bend a little at a time with heat gun ? does the PVC want to go round again when heated ?

[@arqueiroprimitivo6809]

Ficou realmente muito bom, me parece bem rápido e muito potente. Em breve irei tentar fazer um deste.

[@xzqzq]

Good video. Liked the short, compact style.

[@yusufdurak309]

nasıl sekil verdigini soyler misin yesil olan boruya cunku ben senin yaptıgının tıpatıp aynısını istiyorum

[@fluffywanderings]

I am a novice as well, but I think you're supposed to be able to draw back to your cheek or thereabout with the arrow, and have your bow arm pretty much strait, you might try a longer bow and it may be more comfortable. i think longbows are supposed to be about as long as your fingertip to fingertip arm span, but with the recurve you put in your bow I bet you could go shorter. I really like you arrow rest and how your bow looks after the paint, I may also try the cord you use, it sounds nicer on your fingers and forearms than the steel cable i currently have... Thanks for the vid!

[@Cry164]

At least I am getting some ideas how to start up...Great work...

[@chase_h.01]

If you want a crossbow, they arent too much more difficult. Check out Backyardbowyer for his multiple part series on making a pvc crossbow.

[@joshuaburks]

Awesome thank you for the tip! My youngest son and I have been working on restoring an old whamo brand crossbow, building one from scratch would be right up his alley, thanks again.

[@kika622]

You should always wear a respirator mask while heating the PVC. When it is heated up, poisonous chlorine gas is set free and without a respirator, you breathe it directly into your lungs which is damaged by it. Awesome project but keep your work safe✌

[@maximus_infinitus]

I hope you are not talking about a dust respirator because chlorine is a gas and unless you are using a gas mask, it doesn't make a difference.

[@bhavdevchauhan4]

Thanks

[@samarthpatil4092]

Useful

[@hazimesahe]

Ive been looking for this answer on every pvc bow making so thank you

[@andygossard4293]

Thank you so so so so so much. Now this will be done in garage with a fan blowing outward w the pipe and heat gun. Instead of the inside gas stove.

[@alfredomartins2108]

I like you bow excellent

[@donaldmack2307]

For everyone reading this Now and in the future may I recommend something? Go take a look at the "Backyard bowyers" vid about "use this not this"... I forget what its called. But the gist is when you get a new piece of pipe you need to test it before you build your bow. You need to put it on a hard surface, cover with a towel or rag and bash it with a hammer. This will let u know if that pipe will shatter or not. Not every piece of pipe comes off the line as a good bow making pipe. And there is nothing more irritating than taking the time to build one of these bows and find out you have a dud pipe that breaks. Test your pipes.

[@chrismackay8314]

Yup. Why it is good to watch videos from a few sources. Peace

[@toktokwan6317]

Great pioece of work..so if I wanna a lesser poundage, guess I will have to make it longer?

[@stevewalker121]

tok tokwan or use a thinner pipe

[@yltn571]

Well done sır.good job.

[@scottb4509]

the longer the bow the lower the draw weight. if you make the bow 55-60 inches the draw weight is between 40-60 which is ideal. the bow in this video is only 45 inches, and he said it has like a 80 pound draw weight which is much higher than most would desire, especially for a beginner. one nice thing about the PVC is that the further you draw the bow the heavier the draw weight. they call it "stacking the draw". I've even seen some people build a "double longbow" for a much higher draw weight stacking ability. but to have a bow be 80 pound draw weight is much too unstable. you can even see him struggle and shake just holding the bow at draw length.

[@davem979]

Nice job....well done..

[@lauriestlyon8773]

Nice job! Think I will make myself one.

[@lucasc1843]

What did he use for painting the bow?? It got pretty nice

[@GreatCoveAdventures]

Thanks for the good instructions. Any particular method to determine how long the string should be, or do you just use trial and error? I happen to have a 1" PVC pipe laying around, so I'll have to put it to use. BTW, good job getting the little fella involved - any time working with daddy instead of watching TV is a good thing for the little ones!

[@tomosheffski]

+Great Cove Adventures 4 inches smaller than the bow i think the rule of thumb is

[@GreatCoveAdventures]

Thanks!

[@tacticoolfuddery6497]

2/3s the size of the bow

[@TheCourtJester1956]

@@tacticoolfuddery6497 Jesus Christ, what are you trying to do, destroy people's bows? 4 inches shorter for recurve, 3 inches shorter for straight bows. Jeez, if you don't know, don't pretend.

[@tacticoolfuddery6497]

@@TheCourtJester1956 I've made PVC bows and 2/3 length worked fine

[@charliejackson3350]

Love your shorts ! Video is excellent.

[@aremiltonferreira4439]

Ficol bom parabéns pela dedicação.!

[@matyaskern9438]

Ez szimplán a pwc ból van nem tettél bele a csőbe semmit?

[@JackstandJohnny]

What did you paint it with? Everyone suggests Kiwi shoe polish but I like the green youve got going on.

[@656trav]

Great video...thanks for doing it.

[@jackbridle7236]

anyhow australians dont have the courtesy of buying this sort of stuff mate but i did like the video is there any simpiler way of making one?

[@dracoaldevaran4052]

Good video man

[@derekjones9203]

Great vid, brother. Gonna start mine tomorrow. I would've went one step further by heating the grip area, and with gloves on, sqeeze the grip to get a general conformation for the hand contours. Either way, outstanding resourcefulness. I applaud.

[@paladindanse8479]

derek jones I thought of that too Genius!!!!!!!!!

[@paladindanse8479]

derek jones I thought of that too Genius!!!!!!!!!

[@davidrabensburg4954]

How long does it last before the bow breaks ?

[@kennethmapes7217]

hey, I had one break and they just slowly bend at a weak spot. No sudden shatter or anything drastic. They don't separate they just bend.

[@gregkoe60]

I needed to see how you bent the limbs to get the recurves on the limbs??

[@Oshjay2000]

Can I buy one of Thea's off of you? Trying to get a good recurve bow but can't find one

[@washingtonluis4779]

Gostei muito desta ideia ! Mas queria as medidads para eu tentar fazer um !!!

[@ifell3]

Spot on, have you looked into making a draw jig, google it if you have a fishing scale.

[@harveysewdin]

Nice video man. If you fill the PVC with sand, will it be stronger in some way?

[@TFNEVADA]

it would probably just be heavier and slower with no performance advantage.

[@harveysewdin]

ok thanks man, great work anyways.

[@KosukiFire]

Fill it with hardening liquid rubber. Not sand

[@harveysewdin]

KosukiFire Hmm, that may help, thanks for the hint.

[@KosukiFire]

No Problem. Avoid liquid resin as it will become too stiff when it hardens. You want something the consistency of a thick silicone, so liquid rubber should work best, and it will keep it light weight. If you have any questions or anything message me or reply here. Good Luck!

[@joshuaehl1481]

what did you bend it and shape it to?

[@1959jimbob]

Thank you for asking this question. Great video diy but he missed just a wee bit by not showing how he bent the thing.

[@nagga0927]

it is PVC or PPR? i got my one but its not so strong when i set strings its getting broken :(

[@mjdgacosta569]

Hey man. Great video. May I ask if how long is the pvc to be exact?

[@stuartracing1]

Steel wool wipes off thos marking on the pvc too..I don`t like using any harsh chenicles on plactics in fear of it messing with the chemical makeup of the PVC...

[@annachanel2174]

very3x goooooooood work

[@ryanhunter1587]

Awesome Next time keep them 4 inch's and you will have a better time drawing your bow.

[@daylightliving8929]

thats a fine bow

[@billybobsrandomized1884]

Does any one think if you you make the bow a little longer if it would drop the draw weight?

[@tutlejoe52210]

It may drop it a bit if you use the same size diameter pipe. My guess is that you increase the pvc that bends adding weight with the length of bow but you'll probly just loose about 10 lbs of draw weight as you increase your length of string and pull. As long as you keep a taper design that he did, you shouldn't have an issue. Just thought anyways

[@azulitamuas]

I also would like to know how long is the pipe.

[@LIVINGRETIRED310]

My opinion, id try it in 3/4" pvc and not cut the ends off. Atleast have it at 55-58" long. Nice bow but too much draw strength. 35lbs is good enough for me.

[@gambet0007]

agreed, harder it is more unlikely you're to control without proper technique and practice.

[@Darksagan]

Nice job.

[@TheWolffBro]

How long is your string when it's strung?

[@noahdamus2251]

Subbed!

[@mikesun2908]

How many punds?

[@francovolpe5306]

bravo very good

[@pierrecavalar9566]

felicitations!!! ( from france!)

[@fearthespear4242]

?

[@TFNEVADA]

I would try keeping the extra length that you cut off, by adjusting your shaping techniques. As good as this bow is, I think you will get something far superior. Even though it's not a Traditional Bow Making Material, Try using Traditional Bow Making Shapes and bends, etc. You will be surprised at how well they work with a modern material like PVC.

[@LeoGoogle-ch4hx]

Bro you should show us how you bend to make it equally bend on both end.

[@timmylongstroke7812]

I give you a B+ .nice tutorial.

[@ioanniskyriakakis5037]

what type of pvc i need.?

[@kindflowergirlanna2284]

Nice job

[@secretsuperstar7696]

HOW DID YOU MAKE ARROW

[@GamerEren]

what is name of that machine and how do you do pvc in 8.20

[@jeloespiritu8084]

What string is u use?

[@milcomalvintorrijos9241]

what is the lenght of pvc pipe?

[@miegelericard8226]

You reall didnt show the process of bending the curve. Otherwise good video.

[@brynleylewis7390]

You put nails through a piece of board to create a jig to shape your bow around, similar to a peg board and simply bend your bow around it whilst soft

[@josebautista7118]

what did you use to give the ends their shape?

[@jjjww975]

...if you place a smaller piece of PVC inside the handle part -- gives it strength... just long enough for that section...

[@n0ukf]

I've even found alcohol will take off the markings (may depend on the brand).

[@jimlaskaris5331]

it is so cool!!!!!!!!!

[@Raybaehn]

Nice bow. But i would make the rekurves a bit bigger. Bend them more. I think it will result in more power and maybe it's easier to pull the string.I'm gonna try making one by myself too. I apologise for any bad english. I'm German ;)

[@Volt1up]

Did this bow hold up for you?

[@panos..1063]

very well my friend.

[@michaelgabriel6652]

That string.how did you made it?

[@georgegaguirre3621]

Awesome

[@marshallwright5021]

The problem with plastic is that eventually it will crack. Somewhere it will crack. Plastic or rubber, eventually it will crack and that is when you realize it will begin to break. Using plastic for a bow should be understood as a temporary tool. Marshall Wright

[@Christophersoutdooradventures]

But as easily it was made along with the availability of materials makes it ideal for many real world scenarios.

[@Longwinger]

It's a cheap way to develop an interest in archery, 5-10 bucks!

[@jeffsilva03]

Sir, is it PPr or just PVC?

[@frankc6430]

+Jeff Silva pvc schedule 40 used for water pipe/irrigation

[@jeffsilva03]

Thank you, Sir..

[@daylightliving8929]

just one thing I dont know if you are an experienced archery man. Be carefull the arrows if the bow is very strong the arrows they can break and penetrate your hand,,,,,

[@gambet0007]

PVC pipe bows made this way are giving up to 45 lbs so not hard enough for quality of arrows he is using to break while mounting. Everyone making bows like this should purchase professional arrow set at least, don't mount wooden home made stuff, I've heart myself when I was little with those things!

[@PsychonautTV]

If it's to short, it'll snap. Get a longer one and it'll be more comfortable and strong.

[@Gladiador-bg2fc]

very good

[@eos2302]

Speaking from experience I think your bow length is too short.I have broken numerous bows by having the length to short.Yes, the power is their but the flexibility is not.I had to find that balance between power and flexibility.Anyhow nice video thanks.

[@talhaomair1455]

What is the ideal length then ?

[@joejoelesh1197]

@@talhaomair1455 at least 2× draw length. Longer is ok. Asiatic and middle eastern bows we're often shorter, but they were made by some of the best bowyers that ever existed using choice materials. PVC, in your garage, for your first PVC bow..... 2× your draw length at least

[@heavycurrent7462]

@@joejoelesh1197 Is that the length of the bow unstrung? Or with the string on. Thanks.

[@joejoelesh1197]

@@heavycurrent7462 string length, or strung bow length (but string length is easier to measure and adjust). Unstrung bow length (nock to nock) is generally 3 - 4 inches longer than string length.

[@heavycurrent7462]

@@joejoelesh1197 Thanks a lot man

[@javablues83]

What's the killing range for this particular bow?

[@rudysmachine]

Next time make the limbs longer about 64 to 66 inch and give it more reflex/deflex and the performance will increase dramatically. nice bow for your first try

[@mattdenton6429]

Did anyone else notice the blood curdling scream at 3:06? 😳😆

[@josephlamoureux6539]

do you make any to sell I like to get one

[@jonathanwiliusa5682]

How to you bend it??

[@dv40f]

Nice work, beautiful bow at the end... need strong arm to draw it. ..:-(.

[@Longwinger]

He should have left the length on the bow. That would have made it easier to draw.

[@jackbridle7236]

@Rubin Kreil a fellow aussie i assume?

[@PeterSolerom]

I have problems when flattening the pipe after its hot, sometimes the pipe is not straight after applying pressure and I have to reheat it all over again, do you have any tips?

[@dracoaldevaran4052]

how many inches is pvc

[@angelobloodfest]

1 inch schedule 40

[@Mixwell1983]

If your pipe was 1" and you used 48" and markings from backyardbowyers video its gona be hard to draw.. He uses 3/4". Im gona make this bow but probably cut my pipe to 56-58" using 1" pvc. I also have a longer straw length than he does as i am taller. He uses 28" arrows and i use 30".. I made a similar bow that was 48" and i cant even get a full draw with it.. Its too short for me and I have to often short draw it.

[@TheGrebull]

How much pounds is it?

[@zach4768]

He said in the beginning like 85 pounds

[@TheGrebull]

thanks