How to Make a Bow Press

A bow press shapes various materials into bows. This is a very simple example.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood, 2x6, 2x8
• Jigsaw
• Rubber Tubing/Bar clamps
• 1' Drill bit.
• Drill
• 1' wooden dowel

1. You will first need to mark the bow shape on your wood. Do this so you will be making one cut line, about halfway through the width of the wood. Depending on how shapely, or curvy the bow is to be, you may need wider wood. Just remember the shape you are forming the bow into, is the shape of the bow when unstrung. Some shapes are better than others, and it does take some experimentation to get it right, or to get a shape that is pleasing to your eyes. The shape also has a great affect on the flight of the arrow. So do your research, and find the shape you both like and need for what you are shooting. Once you have this shape set, you need to choose a length of 2x6 a few inches longer than the finished bow. Use a 1' drill to bore through the center of the 2x6, on the 2inch thickness at either end. Now, draw out your shape, and cut it with the jigsaw.

2. Next, you take the bottom piece, and mount feet to it. This can be as simple as nailing scrap 2x4 flat to either end. You will want to have a couple inches of space between the press, and whatever you are resting it on. Clamping it to a workbench with C clamps works well. The feet give the clamps a place to hold, while lifting the press up. You need this little space for the heads of the bar clamps, or to wrap the rubber tube. More on that later. Now, you will take your 1 inch dowel, and glue it into the bottom of the press. Just cram the dowel in place, maybe a few taps with a rubber mallet. Sand the top of the dowel enough that it will slide easily into the holes in the top piece of the press.

3. You now have a very basic bow press. Just add your bow wood of choice. Or, say, fibreglass laminations. If using one piece of wood, as in a self bow, you will need to steam it first, then press it. If you are going to use laminations of wood or fibreglass, you will layer these with glue before pressing. I also suggest wrapping the press with plastic wrap if gluing. Once the proper preperations are made, you can place the bow into the press, and slide the top onto the dowels. Using two bar clamps, one at the center of either of the major curves of the bow, slowly add pressure. Make sure to do it slowly, and evenly. Once you have the clamps set down tight, Leave the bow to dry for a day or so, before taking it out to continue working. If using rubber tubes, you would simply wind from the center out while holding the press top down.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternately, you could build half a press, and simply craft limbs to be attached later, or work one end of a one piece bow at a time. A half press takes up less space, and requires less materials.
• The bar clamp method is not one I have seen many others use. But using solid wood for the press will distribute the pressure evenly.
• Using rubber or other bands of elastic materials to apply pressure can be random, and uneven if not careful.
• Pressure is pressure. If something fails, it will likely be a bad failure. Keep kids, pets, and others out of the shop/garage while pressing a bow.
• A bow is a weapon, even during the construction stage.
• Jigsaw blades come out the other side of the wood. Keep hands CLEAR.