How to Make a Fiberglass Recurve

Building your own fiberglass recurve bow may be easier than you think, even if you have never worked with fiberglass. Recurve bows incorporate forward-facing bow limbs that produce more power when strung due to their opposite curve angle to the tensioned string. Building a bow from layers of fiberglass will render a very strong, yet flexible, bow that you will be able to enjoy for years.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-6 inch wood plank (same length as the archer)
  • Band saw
  • C-Clamps
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Epoxy resin and hardener
  • Paint brush
  • Sand paper (200 and 440 grit)
  • Bow string
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw onto the flat side of your 2-by-6 plank the outline you would like for your bow. Be sure to incorporate any detail around the riser and hand grip, and the curvature of the unstrung bow limbs. This should be the side profile of the bow. Use an existing bow as a template if you are not sure of the design you would like to build.

    • 2

      Cut out the 2-by-6 template clamp creating a front and back mold for your fiberglass bow. Using a band saw, cut along the outline you drew in step 1.

    • 3

      Place the front mold upright on a table, with the front bow edge facing upward. Begin mixing your epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 4

      Apply a layer of fiberglass cloth over the bow template and then paint on some epoxy over the cloth ensuring that it is evenly saturated. Repeat this step over the front template surfaces, all along the length of the bows limbs and risers. Build up the middle riser section to match the desired shape.

    • 5

      Place the back bow mold over top of the front, sandwiching the fiberglass between the two molds, then using some C-clamps, secure the two molds together tightly. Allow for 24 hours for the epoxy and fiberglass to cure and dry.

    • 6

      Remove the bow from the template clamps and draw onto it the profile of the limbs and riser. This should include the detail at either end of the bow's limbs for the bowstring notches, and on the riser you should include detail for the arrow rest and hand grip.

    • 7

      Cut out the profile along the drawn on lines by feeding the bow into your band saw.

    • 8

      Sand the surfaces of your new bow beginning with some 200 grit sand paper wrapped around a sanding block, followed by some 440 grit paper to leave a smooth and finished surface. String the bow and test.