how do u make a deflex/reflex form

[Blacktail]

has any one made one of these forms...i would like to make one..right now i just have a piece of wood the is 1 1/2 wide so i hope it will make the grade...SO,if you can post all the pics and info so my little brain dont hurt...thanks john

[Blaflair2]

Are you talking for a glue up or to heat bend a stave? Glue ups just need blocks on a 2x4 where u want your bends and after u glue and wrap u can clamp to desired shape.

[Pat B]

John, I'm assuming you will be building a selfbow.   If you know of a R/D bow of the design you like you can trace its shape on the board and cut I out. You want the form set up so the bow is belly up in the form so you can heat the belly as you clamp it.
 If you are building a lam bow, Blaflair's suggestion is simple but very effective.

[Blacktail]

thanks guys for the info...pat i do have deflex bow so maybe  i could trace it and add reflex to it...but if any one else has ideas lets hear them...

[Will H]

I've been messin around with this very thing for a little while now. The way I like to make a R/D selfbow is in two stages. First with a caul that puts the initial rd shape, with about 1 1/2" to 2" of deflex and the tips coming in about even with the handle. Then I work on getting the stave braced and tillered out to 18" or so. Then I put each limb on a 16" radius from mid limb to tip. You can see the results of such with any of my latest RDs posted or Pappys RD yew.

[Blacktail]

thanks so much will for the info and pics...i am going to get it started soon....john

[Mad Max]

Page 4 (How to build a longs) R/D caul

I traced it at MoJam


I just looked and I deleted those pictures so the build a long is gone.

You can have mine if you want to pay the shipping.