I've made a few selfbow bows out of wood. Im curious what basic tools are needed to make a laminated fiberglass backed bow. I would like to try it one day. How does one make a form and are there any "HOW TO" dvd's? thanks for reading.

Here is a form build I did, maybe it will help you some...

https://www.kennysarchery.com/buildalong/

I think many have started with Bingham. I understand you can get information on everything you need, and the supplies. binghamprojects.com

Chance you will really enjoy making bows and it starts with taking it a step or two at a time. Back in the early 80's when I build my first lam bow I was overwhelmed but Mike fedora was gracious and spent some time addressing my questions so a go to person is a real help. But as been said bingham has the goods and some youtube won't hurt. I have had the same bandsaw,drum sander,disc sander,since then and they were lower quality units but it was what I could afford. I still use a lightbulb box with smoothon glue and have not had a delamination for years. The form is just assembly as is the bow. Made close to 80 bows with my setup and it's been a lot of fun. Need some files and some sandpaper and you can do it. Cover all your surfaces with glue and you will be alright. I started using c clamps but like a air bag better. Enjoy the journey and hope to see some pics soon.

Bingham is the place to go to start building glass bows they have videos of how to build each of their designs. They can furnish quality materials and have all the information to build your form. Good people and will talk with you on the phone and answer all questions. Their bows are also good shooters when built

I like Douglas began with Binghams in the early eighties and would recommend them very highly. I have never watched their dvds but, they should prove very helpful. Seeing it take place instead of reading it

is very beneficial for most people. Never get in a hurry and think things through. Do several dry runs, glue all surfaces. Ask questions and read some of the build alongs. Mike Fedora helped me a bunch as well.

Chance.............

There should be someone in your area that is already building glass bows that would be willing to invite you to their shop to help do a build or at least let you watch.

James

Local guy here John Moody helped me get started and then some great advice from Kirk of Big Foot and Ken of Whippenstick. I always make sure I let people know that I have helped get started, of the nice people who have helped me along the way.

I should mention Steve Turay of Northern Mist has also freely shared his knowledge of bow making with me and others. He isn't just some bowyer in Michigan as someone else mentioned on here on a build along. (He now actually lives in Alabama)

Really shortens the learning curve when you get help.

My top tools are my table saw and edge sander.

You can do it with very little tooling, but it's nice to have a band saw, spindle sander and a belt sander.

If you have a drill press, you can get the parts from Bingham to make the drum sander attachment.

A drill press was the only power tool I had for my first half dozen bows. Did the rest with rasps, sandpaper and hack saw.

Double ditto on Bingham's for your first project. There are other suppliers out there and they are very good but Bingham is especially good for the first timer.

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