Trad Gang

Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Novaln1975 on March 28, 2009, 04:36:00 PM

Title: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: Novaln1975 on March 28, 2009, 04:36:00 PM

This is my first attempt to refinish a bow. The Real Bowdoc started the best thread ever IMO (Restoration 101 on 1959 Kodiaks) and I urge you to read it before attempting a refinish.  

    http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=006473  

I struggled a bit with the leather grip and thought I’d share with you my findings and result.

After many prototypes, I finally arrived to the right pattern for the 59 Grizzly Leather Grip.

Copy the file and print it to the right scale.

    (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Grip_Pattern.jpg)

I used thin vegetable tanned leather. I do not know the weight, sorry, but it was pretty much the thinest I could find. I used a smaller type beveling knife to thin the extremities and worked quite well. I found it worked better on dry leather rather than wet.

    (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Beveler_2.jpg)

    (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Beveler_1.jpg)

I then used contact cement to glue the grip on. First applying a generous amount on the rough side of the leather and let it half dry. I then soaked for 5 minutes the glue coated leather in hot water before stretching it on the bow, conforming the leather to the curves of the grip. When the leather dries, it contracts a little making it real tight. I am happy with the result.

    (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Grip_1.jpg)

I decided not to dye the leather. I know it will take a rich orang color with time. I have treated this kind of leather with vegetable cooking oil in the past and find it works real fine. Here is a test strip of leather :

    (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Grip_2.jpg)

The lower end of the strip is untreated, the mid portion has one coat of sunflower oil I put 24 hours ago and I just applied a second coat on the upper portion of the test strip. I will wait for the grip to dry completely before I put the first coat, it’s still a little humid.

-Simon

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: d. ward on March 28, 2009, 05:21:00 PM

Very nice work Simon very nice.bowdoc

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: yellow bow on March 28, 2009, 06:50:00 PM

looking good!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: KYArcher on March 28, 2009, 06:58:00 PM

Looks great, nice work.
                          .....Scott

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: Gray Wolf on March 28, 2009, 08:15:00 PM

Good Job Simon thanks for sharing,that Griz looks sweet!
Mike

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: turkey522 on March 28, 2009, 08:35:00 PM

Nice job.

 Terry

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: ckruse on March 28, 2009, 08:51:00 PM

Outstanding! Good job my friend! CKruse

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: Bjorn on March 28, 2009, 10:46:00 PM

Nice job!

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: seboomook on March 29, 2009, 07:59:00 AM

Just printed the pattern.
Thanks Simon, You've got skilz!

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: Hoof on March 29, 2009, 09:45:00 AM

Thanks Simon, I'm going to give it a try soon...

Title: Re: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern
Post by: Novaln1975 on March 29, 2009, 02:11:00 PM

Thanks guys

This is the final result of the grip and side plate complete with a Trap feather rest and a Bearbowman string.

All Trad Gang, bow, restoration 101 class, rest and string.

I love this site

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Fini_1.jpg)

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/novaln1975/TradGang/Rack.jpg)

-Simon