Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Dick in Seattle on November 04, 2008, 04:51:00 PM
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I guess I'm going to be asking a bunch of bowyer newbie type questions here as I gear up to get started. I've already run into my first snag and need some advice or suggestions...
I worked through a laminated bow process as an observer/helper. The person I was working with did not use a two piece wood form. The techique used was as follows:
wood form with a glass surface... surface was waxed and laminations epoxied and laid in... then a strip of conveyor belt material was laid on top. This was a heavy rubber strip with a cloth face. A formed steel strip was laid on top of this and then the clamps were put in place and tightened. The conveyor belting acted as a pad between the steel and the lams. This technique worked well and I'm sure I can duplicate it.
I have the wood form and the formed steel strips, but was planning on picking up the conveyor belt material here in Seattle, since the person I was with didn't have any extra. Big oops... I can't find a supplier here who can provide a few small strips or material I can cut into strips.
So... my question is, what alternatives do others use? Obviously, I don't want to clamp the steel directly to the lams. I'm open to suggestions or alternatives... leather? flexible wood strips? formica? Anything? Help!
I have other questions on other aspects of things, but I'm going to try to deal with questions one at a time.
Dick in Seattle
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Linoleum [spelling?] flooring works fine.
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Fedora's sells 1/4" rubber.
Why not just use the air hose method. Perfect even pressure every time and simple too. Doesn't cost hardly anything for the hose/plugs either. Can't imagine a better system. Chad
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re hose system, I know it exists but don't know anything about it at this point. I believe it requires a two part form and my form is a single part one. I'm doing this for the fun and challenge of learning something new, and I guess the hose system is something to look forward to trying in the future.
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Dick,
Here is a build along I did awhile back, still not finished....
It uses the Air hose...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=058727
It didn't get moved over here....
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Dick
I get my conveyor belt material from a local quarry. I bet if you were to stop by a local quarry they will be happy to get rid of a piece or two. They have to pay to dispose of the stuff. If you are unsuccessful I could get you some.
I have used both methods to build a bow. Mox Nix to me
pete