PVC Bow Making Workshop Notes

Introduction

• Making a powerful bow from PVC pipe.
• PVC is affordable and fun for bow making.

Materials and Measurements

• Pipe Type: 3/4 inch gray schedule 80 PVC.
• Pipe Length: Cut to 52 inches.
• Handle Area: Marked center with 2 inches on either side.
• Tip Markings: 5 inches from the ends, to shape C-haws later.

Heating the Pipe

• Keep heat gun moving; avoid burning the pipe.
• A well-made PVC bow should buckle, not shatter.

Tapering the Limbs

• Tapering Technique: Use spacer blocks (3/4 inch) and clamps.
• Release clamps before cooling for adjustments.
• Ensuring tips align with handle is critical.

Creating Recurves

• Tip Shaping: Flatten tips perpendicular to limbs.
• Heat tips, keeping heat isolated; avoid heating below 5-inch mark.
• Adding Reflex: Aim for a modest reflex (3-4 inches) for balance.

Lightening the Tips

• Cut excess material to lighten tips.
• Use a scraper for smoothing if available, otherwise sandpaper.

Handle Shaping

• Narrow the handle area and optionally add reflex.
• Reflex at the handle can improve performance but may complicate alignment.

Nocks and Stringing

• Cut nocks into tips for string attachment.
• Paracord can be used as a temporary string.

Troubleshooting

• Make alignment corrections with heat at the handle if necessary.
• Slightly uneven limbs are okay; use the tighter limb as the top limb.
• For significant tiller differences, adjust the taper manually.

Performance and Recommendations

• Starting measurements: 52-inch pipe can draw over 55 pounds at 32 inches.
• For Lower Poundage Bow: Use a longer piece of PVC or schedule 40 pipe.
• For Heavier Bow: Use thicker PVC, like 1 or 1.25 inches.

Conclusion

• Share the project with others and try it together.
• Reach out for help or advice via comments or r/bowyer subreddit.
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