Recurve jig build-a-long

[VicNova]

Hi there,
I am new to the forum and I was wondering if anyone would be interested if I made a tutorial on how to build a recurve jig?

[VicNova]

Here is what you will need:

2-sheets of 5/8" thick plywood

1 1/4" finish nails

Saw(tiger saw, band-saw, or handsaw)

wood rasp

Drill

1" wide drill bit

wood glue

6 clamps and or a vise
 

[osage outlaw]

I would like to see it.  Thanks for posting

[Fred Arnold]

I'd like to see it also. Getting prepared to make some forms and could use the help of a tutorial with pics.

[VicNova]

First I clamp together the boards with the c-clamps.

Then I trace the curve outline on the wood. For this step I use an actual bow limb to model the curve after , but you could also freehand it.

[VicNova]

Next I draw in a lip at the bottom so that a bow tip can be held in place with a clamp.

[VicNova]

Next I securce the whole thing to a solid surface. Since I don't have a vise , post and bar clamps will have to do.

Then I start cutting away all the bulk wood and get as close to the outline as possible. A tiger saw really works great for this step.

[VicNova]

After I have the rough cut outline I take a nice big rasp and smooth out the curve as best as possible. It doesn't have to be super fantastic or anything, a few little dips or gouges has never been a problem when using the jig.

[VicNova]

After that I cut out the lip on the bottom of the jig.

Once that is complete the jig should look roughly like the last picture.

[VicNova]

After that is finished I gather all the tools below.

Then I spread wood glue on both surfaces.

After that I line up the pieces together as best I can and press them firmly together.

[VicNova]

Next I nail it up till it is secured around the whole thing.

I do this to both sides instead of clamping the jig in place.

It seems to work well. 

[VicNova]

For the final step I grab the drill and a 1" boring bit.

I drill two holes, one close to the actual curve and one further back on the jig.

These holes are made for clamps to hold the bow in place on the form.

[VicNova]

 Well there's the finished jig ready to turn those longbows into recurves.


Please let me know what you thought of the build-a-along and be sure to post any questions you have. 

[Adam]

I like it!  Thanks for posting.

[osage outlaw]

You need to get a bandsaw and a vice.