looking to make a recurve bow.

[rileyhweiss]

hey there, Im looking to make a strong recurve bow, with pull back up in the 90s to 100. what would be the best wood to make it with, and how many layers?

[Pat B]

One layer of osage!    How many bows have you built?

[rileyhweiss]

none yet, i want to make a laminated recurve.

[bushboy]

Best to learn how to walk before you run!start with learning a bit bout bow constructionis the best way to go.  And over confidencE. Is not a humble way to start!

[TacticalFate]

Yup, start by reading about making wood bows; woods, construction techniques, etc. there's plenty on the internet. I'm sure you'll get this again, but try making a board selfbow or two before you delve into laminates, to learn tillering. We're all willing to help here

[Pat B]

Why a laminate?

[Gordon]

That's a tall order for your first bow.

[Newindian]

Have you shot a bow that heavy before?
you should also consider that a most people's first bows come in way under weight
And that making a recurve ain't easy and laminating won't make it easyier. A single piece of wood (maybe with a backing) can do the same just as well. As far as wood Osage and yew are always nice but so are ocean spray, elm, black locusts, white oak, juniper, ash, hickory, lemon wood, maple, bamboo( that's grass though) mulberry, list goes on and on. It will really come down to what design you want. But you really need to research and build a few bows before taking on so large a task.

[Newindian]

It sounds like you want to make a heavier modern recurve

[mikekeswick]

90 - 100 lb recurve for your first bow.......I think you will struggle unless you can find somebody experienced to stand by your shoulder the whole way.
My 2nd bow was a recurve at 65lb. It's possible but not easy.

[blackhawk]

Learn how to tiller on one piece of wood first....tillering is #1 and the hardest thing for most folks to learn how to do...