How to Clamp a Reflex-Deflex Longbow

Reflex-deflex longbows have both limbs facing fully forward from the archer when unstrung. These bows develop more power due to the tension the limbs are under from being pulled back farther than traditional bows toward the archer when strung. Making such a bow requires the use of a template and clamps. Laminating a bow with many thin layers, all glued and clamped together, will produce a bow that is strong and resilient, allowing you to fire arrows farther than you otherwise could.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-6 plank (as long as the bow)
  • Band saw
  • 10-14 C-clamps
  • Wood glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw the shape of your unstrung bow onto the side of the 2-by-6 plank. You can use an existing bow if you like, or draw an original design. Be sure to include any detail you wish to incorporate around the hand grip and riser, or any modification to the bow's limbs.

    • 2

      Cut out the outline along the front and back edges of the outlined bow on the 2-by-6 plank using the band saw. You should now have a front template and a back template.

    • 3

      Place the front template on a table with the cut edge facing upward.

    • 4

      Layer and glue thin wood stripping between each on top of the front template, using carpenters' wood glue.

    • 5

      Place the back template over the top of the stack of wood stripping once you have attained the desired thickness, and clamp the back and front templates together using large C-clamps spaced every 6 inches along the template. For a standard 6-foot longbow, this will require 12 clamps.

    • 6

      Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before removing the bow from the template clamp.

    • 7

      Feed the side profile of the bow into a band saw to shape it, sand the surface of it, and string.