How to Form a Reflex-Deflex Longbow

Longbows and recurve bows are traditional, wooden bows that are comprised of a central handle with limbs that curve away from the archer. The curve at the top of the limbs reverse so the tips point away from the archer. Reflex-deflex longbows are similar to these traditional bows when they are at rest or are unstrung. When drawn, the tips flex backwards to provide increased power for the arrow flight.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pieces of lumber, 6 inch-by-6-inch-by-8-foot
  • 8 Metal plate brackets, 10-inch
  • Drill
  • 3/8-inch drill bit
  • Clamps
  • 9-inch bolt, 3/8-inch diameter
  • 3/8-inch nut
  • Measuring tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Reflex-Deflex longbow or bow template
  • Jig saw or band saw
  • Air hose
  • Air compressor
  • Hot box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place two 6-inch-by-6-inch pieces of lumber horizontally on a flat surface. Push the two pieces together so the edges are flush with each other.

    • 2

      Lay the metal plate brackets vertically on a flat surface in front of you. Measure each bracket 1 inch from each end. Measure each bracket 1 3/8 inch from each end. Mark the measurements.

    • 3

      Position a metal plate in a clamp so the top, flat part is face up. Insert the drill bit into the drill, and position the bit in a perpendicular position to the plate. Center the drill bit on the first hole. Drill through the metal plate using a slow speed. Repeat this process on all of the marked measurements until all of the metal plates have four holes.

    • 4

      Lay a metal plate vertically so that each half rests on a different piece of lumber. The plates should be spaced 2 feet apart.

    • 5

      Insert the drill bit and drill through each of the holes in the metal plates through the lumber pieces. Remove the metal plates and set them aside.

    • 6

      Lay a reflex-deflex longbow or longbow template on top of the lumber so the body is between both pieces of lumber. Trace the template or bow.

    • 7

      Cut out the shape of the longbow using a jigsaw or band saw.

    • 8

      Slide the wood you are using to make your bow into an air hose with one open end and one closed end. Slide the hose-covered wood into the area you just cut out. It may be necessary to move the lumber apart to accommodate the materials.

    • 9

      Replace the metal plates. Slide a bolt through the top two holes of each plate. Flip the top piece of lumber over, slide plates over the bolts, and secure the bolts and plates into place with nuts. Flip the lumber back over.

    • 10

      Compress the two pieces of lumber together with a clamp until the bottom two holes of each plate align with the predrilled holes in the lumber. Slide a bolt through each hole. Flip the lumber pieces over. Slide plates over the bolts, and secure the bolts and plates with nuts. Flip the lumber back over.

    • 11

      Attach your air hose to an air compressor, and adjust the flow until you it reaches 60 to 70 psi. Allow the compressor to run for 1 hour. Turn off the air compressor and place the bow into a hot box set at 160 to 180 degrees for four to six hours.

    • 12

      Remove the bow from the hot box and allow it to cool completely. Remove the bow from the mold and customize as desired.