Popular Post Chet Posted July 7, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 For the longest time when I needed to draw a curve I have rigged up a thin piece of scrap and it always ends up a little wonky. I have seen Marc use his drawing bows numerous times and always thought that would be a nice thing to have. I finally had the good sense to purchase these from Lee Valley. I used both of them today on a current project and my review after using them is simple... why did I wait so long, they are really nice. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 Yep, very handy. Wish they made 8' versions. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 Nice addition to the shop Chet! Not something that gets used a lot but, they sure are handy when you need them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 The drawing bow is one of those tools I don't think about until I need it, and when I need it, I need it right now....so I cobble something together quickly that somewhat works after a few tries. Ever pinch a long strip between the jaws of a long clamp to make a curve? Me either! Thanks for the reminder...I WILL buy these the next time LV offers free shipping. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 I have some in my cart too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 i'd use that on every project. I always have a curve somewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 I used a wooden yard stick with a slot cut in each end connected by a piece of twine for a long time. I finally broke down and bought one of each from LV and they sure come in handy on the occasions that you need one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted July 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 Mine wasn't a yard stick but similar and did include the twine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenskye Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 The other thing you can use is horizontal blinds, ones you cut the rope out and take the individual slats you have drawing bow potential for life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ_Engineer Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 I had to cobble one together, as I also needed one right now, out of a metal yardstick with holes in the end and some 550 cord. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 Once again, I'll be cobbling one together tomorrow, lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted July 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 29 minutes ago, bleedinblue said: Once again, I'll be cobbling one together tomorrow, lol. You said you were waiting for free shipping... for both, the shipping for me, clear across the country was only $10.00, and I have them now when I need them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 And the asymmetrical comes in handy almost as often as the symmetrical. Ship two for the price of one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 30 minutes ago, K Cooper said: And the asymmetrical comes in handy almost as often as the symmetrical. Ship two for the price of one. I had wondered about that. I don't do many asymmetrical curves, but perhaps that's just because I don't have an easy way to draw it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 35 minutes ago, Chet said: You said you were waiting for free shipping... for both, the shipping for me, clear across the country was only $10.00, and I have them now when I need them. I'm so Amazon spoiled its ridiculous. $10 shipping makes my nose turn up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 2 minutes ago, bleedinblue said: I had wondered about that. I don't do many asymmetrical curves, but perhaps that's just because I don't have an easy way to draw it. I've used the asymmetric bow on legs many times. That guy from Contact said it best...why buy one when you can buy two for twice the price? They're both handy. I wish they made longer ones. One day I'll stumble upon the right material and make my own 8' versions. The fiberglass or whatever Lee Valley makes theirs out of is perfect...fluid, fair curves without lumps and bumps. Wood of any kind tends to be...not as good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted July 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 They look to be fiberglass. I would guess you could make them out of carbon fiber but that would be $$$$ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Don Z. Posted July 10, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 I've been watching this for a few days now, and have been trying to keep silent, but: While these are nice for regular (even asymmetric) curves, I still use drafting ducks, as used by the old (pre-computer) yacht designers. Edson makes them now in bronze, but they are far too expensive: http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=108 I made a set for far less, by melting a couple of bags of lead shot. Once upon a time, you could collect lead wheel weights or similar, but lead shot had a convenience factor. I did make the molds out of wood. You don't need to make a "whale" shape, but if you do they are easier to stack if you need extra weight in one spot. Couple these with a batten, fiberglass or wood, or whatever you please, in the "bend strength" that works for you. Why so complicated? Think fair curves, as long as your batten. Want an S curve? How nimble is your batten? The curve can still be fair. Longer? Shorter? Asymetric? All of the above. Yes, they take up space. Yes, they are heavy. You still need a batten. But they work, are infinitely adjustable to any shape, and are classic in both their design and application. I like them! And here is a borrowed photo of a set in action: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted July 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 That pretty cool and certainly is an option but most of the time I am using a drawing bow on a piece of wood that has already been milled to close to final size and it would be hard or impossible to layout something that you show above. But I can see the endless possibilities of curves with your "ducks" in the drawing of initial plans. Thanks for the share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bleedinblue Posted July 11, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 11, 2017 #cobbled. It worked though! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ_Engineer Posted July 14, 2017 Report Share Posted July 14, 2017 On 7/9/2017 at 8:33 PM, bleedinblue said: I'm so Amazon spoiled its ridiculous. $10 shipping makes my nose turn up! OK your free shipping is on, so go order them! I moved to a city with one locally...my wallet keeps hurting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted July 14, 2017 Report Share Posted July 14, 2017 Haha, just got the email. It will happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 14, 2017 Report Share Posted July 14, 2017 44 minutes ago, AJ_Engineer said: OK your free shipping is on, so go order them! I moved to a city with one locally...my wallet keeps hurting. Thanks a lot. More money spent. I don't know what it is, but every time they do free shipping I HAVE to buy a few things that I either barely need or don't need at all. It's like crack. Maybe the fact that they continue to charge for shipping in a free shipping world is not so stupid after all. Anytime they need a cash flow infusion, do free shipping for a few days. I bet their sales go through the roof when they do it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SawDustB Posted July 14, 2017 Report Share Posted July 14, 2017 2 hours ago, AJ_Engineer said: OK your free shipping is on, so go order them! I moved to a city with one locally...my wallet keeps hurting. I've got one locally too. It's also in a location I drive by frequently (I went by it an hour ago on my way home). I actually have to make a point of not going in unless it's for something specific, or I'll end up getting something off the wish list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted July 14, 2017 Report Share Posted July 14, 2017 On 7/8/2017 at 4:03 PM, Chet said: Mine wasn't a yard stick but similar and did include the twine. How is collin going to get any work done, when you guys are using up all the twine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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