There will be a list of questions and queries hopefully I can have answered.
Firstly I have found a supplier of many different timber species which is relatively close to home by the name of Lazarides timber (check out their site http://www.lazaridestimber.com.au/ ). As far as limb core laminations which is the best timber to use. I know the big companies(Bear, Hoyt etc) use rock maple which Lazarides do carry as an imported timber.
Second, I have been informed by some of the more experienced guys on here that its best to use tapered laminations in the limbs, usually 1 in 1 thou of an inch, however, I have looked over a few different recurve bows (dads old hoyt pro hunter, a mates Bear grizzly) and noticed that neither of these bows use a tapered lamination in the limbs.
The Hoyt has a back and belly lam, both of which are a constant thickness (0.0705") their entire length which come together in the limbs between black glass.
The Bear Grizzly is different in that it only has a single piece forming the limbs between black glass. I don't know the thickness, id be guessing its around 3-4mm but again, there is no taper.
Do the recurve makers on here taper their laminations? These two bows are examples of working bows with no taper so obviously it does work... Would it be worth a try as Im without a lam grinder.
I think this is my last question (for this post at least), for a bow (either recurve or long) of a desired draw weight of around 50 lb, what thickness glass would be used? Is there a chart or general rule as to draw weight vs glass thickness ( I'd like to know them all, 0.003 up to 0.005 so I can use different glass in different desired draw weights.) I have read in other posts that 0.003 glass will yield bows up to 30lb or so.
The info you guys provide is very much appreciated but remember I'm new at this and just trying to get my head around it all so be nice...
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Straight shooting,
Colin